Fabulous Hummus Appetizer

Need a fabulous appetizer for your next party? Try this homemade hummus appetizer. It's a whole party of mezze in one. 

Mezze is a word associated with Middle Eastern appetizers which basically means small plates that are made with the intention of stimulating one's appetite.

This hummus platter includes all kinds of mezze in just one appetizer and not only makes a beautiful presentation but is healthy for you too.

Beautiful Healthy Toppings

I used all the ingredients that we love:

Oven roasted cherry tomatoes (or try other roasted veggies), additional soft creamy chick peas, green, black, and Kalamata olives, freshly chopped cilantro, capers, freshly chopped parsley, cumin, za'atar and a splash of extra virgin oil.

The Key is the Homemade Hummus

Despite the fabulous toppings, the secret to the special taste is in the hummus. This hummus is homemade-from scratch and homemade hummus is creamier, fluffier, and much tastier than store bought.

The combination of the homemade hummus and the delectable toppings makes this a show stopper!

Use All Kinds Of Olives

We Took the Party Outside

I served this beautiful hummus platter at a family last minute cocktail hour along with salads and other appetizers outside on my deck.

We Had A Variety of Appetizers 

 My son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Wendy brought a homemade pineapple and avocado guacamole, my friend Vicki brought her sweet and savory mango peach salad , I made lebnah with za'atar, and lots of raw veggies, my sister in law, Joyci, brought salads and my mother in law, Toni, brought beautiful flowers and 3 tubs of ice cream! 

We had a great time outdoors in the cool evening air eating our appetizers, laughing, and enjoying!

We moved everything outside 

 I originally spotted this hummus platter on a private Middle Eastern recipe group that I belong to on Facebook where lots of interesting ethnic recipes are shared everyday! There was no exact recipe for this platter; there was only a photo. I improvised!

The Hummus Platter Was Easy to Assemble 

The platter itself is quick and easy to assemble. It's advisable to make all the toppings in advance. I made my own hummus in the Instant Pot and roasted the cherry tomatoes the day before. Then I assembled the platter in the morning. 

Everything is Gluten Free and Vegan

This appetizer is attention- grabbing, interesting, and absolutely delicious. The kind of dip that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients: 

2-3 cups of homemade hummus 

2 cups of roasted cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup of chopped parsley

1/4 cup of chopped cilantro

1/2 cup of green pitted olives

1/4 cup of Kalimata pitted olives

1/2 cup of slice black olives

1/2 cup of cooked chick peas

1/4 cup of capers

cumin 

paprika 

za'atar 

Directions: 

Place 2 cups of hummus on a large plate. Using the back of a spoon, flatten the hummus in a circular motion. Sprinkle with cumin, paprika, and optional za'atar. Top with all the toppings. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator overnight.

How to roast your cherry tomatoes

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees

2. Wash and cut cherry tomatoes in half

3. Place in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper

4. Spread on a rimmed cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. 

5. Roast in the oven until tomatoes begin to wilt.

My Notes: 

It is difficult to determine the exact amount of hummus you will need to fill your plate or platter. It depends on the size of the plate. I used a dinner plate !

Shared on Weekend Cooking at Beth Fish Reads Blog where anyone can share a food related post.