Hummus has gone way past its humble Middle Eastern roots, and it's now a staple loved by people all over the world. In fact, people love it so much that it's easy to end up with too much to eat at once, which is where the freezer comes in. If you want to store hummus for later use in your Middle Eastern or Mediterranean recipes collection, read on to make sure you're freezing it the right way.
Can hummus be frozen?
The simple answer is yes. If you've got too much hummus, don't worry — just pop it in the freezer. It'll keep well for up to three months if it's stored correctly.
In general, the rules for freezing hummus are pretty simple. Store it in an airtight bag or container and label it with the date so you know when you have to use it up. Let frozen hummus defrost overnight in the fridge, and don't try to speed things up by defrosting it in the microwave, as this may affect its texture.
Top tip: The most convenient way to freeze hummus is in single-serving portions, so you can defrost the right amount at a time. To do this, spoon portions of hummus into silicone cupcake liners and freeze inside a zip-lock bag.
Can you freeze homemade hummus?
Yes, you can. Freezing is the ideal solution if you've made a lot of hummus and want to keep some for the next time you make some flatbread recipes. As homemade hummus doesn't contain any additives or preservatives, it's more likely to thicken up a bit in the freezer. If this happens, simply add a bit of water or olive oil after you defrost it, and stir until smooth.
Can you freeze shop-bought hummus?
Yes. If you've ordered too much hummus in your grocery delivery, simply put it in an airtight container and freeze. The container it arrived in, if sealed, may be suitable.
As a general rule, plain hummus defrosts very well, but flavoured hummus may taste a bit different. You can still freeze hummus that contains roasted red peppers, roasted garlic, beetroot and other flavours — just be aware that some flavours may become stronger in the freezer.
Beyond dipping: What to do with a glut of hummus
Many people just serve hummus with pitta bread or crudites, but actually, there are lots of other ways to enjoy this tasty spread. Try experimenting with hummus in different ways and bring some Middle Eastern flair to your table. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use hummus as a base and serve your protein of choice on top. Hummus is low in carbs and can soak up the juices of meat or fish, making it even tastier. It can also work as a base for vegetarian proteins, like in this dish of spinach falafel & pearl couscous bowl or paprika spiced chickpea & couscous salad.
- Serve it as a side. This works particularly well with hummus that has added veggies, like the harissa hummus with this honey-garlic chicken and couscous.
- Use it as a salad dressing. Add some extra water or olive oil for a thinner consistency, then coat your salad with hummus. You can also drizzle it in a pita, like our spiced beef steak & harissa hummus pita recipe does well.
How to refresh and liven up defrosted hummus
If you've frozen and defrosted the hummus correctly, it should taste great. However, the texture may change a little. To rescue hummus that has thickened too much, add a small amount of water or olive oil, stirring until you've achieved the right texture. Remember, olive oil adds extra flavour, so it's a good choice for hummus that's on the bland side.
With homemade hummus that you plan to freeze, it's best to add extra flavours after defrosting. Once it's out of the freezer, you could add some lemon juice or paprika for instant zing. You may also want to top it with finely chopped herbs. For instance, flat-leaf parsley and coriander work very well, and mint adds an unusual flavour. To keep defrosted hummus from drying out in the fridge, top it with a thin layer of olive oil. This has the bonus of making it even tastier!
Freezing Hummus FAQs
Is hummus still good after freezing?
Yes, although generally, plain hummus will freeze better than its flavoured equivalent. Plain hummus tastes just as good after it has defrosted. On the other hand, flavoured hummus (which may have roasted red peppers, roasted garlic, beetroot and other extras) may taste a bit different after time in the freezer.
What's the best way to freeze hummus?
Freeze hummus in individual servings, so you can defrost just the right amount. Store it in an airtight container that you've labelled with today's date, and use it within three months.
What's the best container to freeze hummus in?
Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. For easy individual portions, spoon hummus into silicone cupcake moulds. Freeze them on a tray until solid, then tip the lot into a zip-lock bag, seal, and return to the freezer.
Does freezing hummus change its texture?
Yes, it can sometimes thicken a little after it's been in the freezer. To restore it to the perfect texture, add just enough water or olive oil and stir until smooth. Olive oil will give a richer flavour, too.
How long does homemade hummus last?
You can freeze homemade hummus for up to three months and still have great results. Once you've defrosted it, store it in the fridge, and use it within a week. To keep it from drying out in the fridge, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the hummus.