Savory Pumpkin Hummus with Toasted Seeds

Everyone’s got that one friend who brings the same store-bought veggie platter to every holiday gathering, bless their heart. But what if you could show up with an appetizer that’s not only stunningly beautiful but also whispers ‘fall’ with every creamy, dreamy bite? And really, doesn’t your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving spread deserve a makeover that’s both easy and impressive? This Savory Pumpkin Hummus is your secret weapon. It’s a total game-changer for your holiday table, taking the cozy flavor of pumpkin pie and giving it a deliciously savory twist.

Top Reasons To Make It

Honestly, this might just become your new holiday staple. First off, it’s incredibly easy. We’re talking about ten minutes of active work, tops. It’s a major crowd-pleaser that caters to so many diets—it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, so almost all your guests can dive right in. But the best part? That gorgeous presentation. Swirling that orange hummus into a bowl and topping it with those crunchy, toasted pumpkin seeds just looks so fancy. Nobody needs to know how simple it really was. A total win.

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained: The hearty, creamy base of our hummus.
• 1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!): For that signature fall flavor and velvety texture.
• 2 tablespoons tahini: Adds a wonderful nutty richness that’s essential for great hummus.
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: A bright, acidic punch to balance the richness.
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling: For silkiness and a beautiful finish.
• 1 small garlic clove, minced: For a little aromatic kick.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: The warm, earthy spice that makes it all come together.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and gorgeous color.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Just a hint of heat, if you’re feeling spicy.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: To make all the flavors pop.
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for topping: For that essential, crunchy finish.

Instructions

1. First, toast your pumpkin seeds. Place them in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until they are fragrant and just starting to pop. Immediately remove them from the pan so they don’t burn. Set aside to cool.
2. Now, for the hummus. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using).
3. Blend everything until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This usually takes a good 2-3 minutes. You’ll want to stop and scrape down the sides once or twice to make sure everything gets incorporated.
4. Taste your masterpiece! This is the most important step. Season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. If it seems a little too thick, you can thin it out with a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
5. To serve, spoon the hummus into a shallow bowl. Use the back of your spoon to make some lovely swirls on top. Drizzle generously with more olive oil, and sprinkle the toasted pumpkin seeds over everything.

Variations & Substitutions

No tahini? No worries! You can substitute it with an equal amount of unsweetened, creamy peanut butter or almond butter. It’ll change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be delicious. For a richer, cheesier flavor, stir in a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast at the end. If you’re out of pumpkin puree, roasted butternut squash or sweet potato will work in a pinch. And if you want to make it ahead, just hold off on adding the garnish until right before you serve.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This hummus is the star of any holiday appetizer spread. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a Thanksgiving charcuterie board, surrounded by an array of dippers. I love serving it with crispy pita chips, crunchy sliced apples or pears, and a colorful array of fresh veggies like carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices. It also pairs beautifully with other Friendsgiving food ideas like spiced nuts, a simple cheese board, or some crispy baked wontons. It’s a versatile, make-ahead dream for any holiday party food table.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll keep beautifully for up to 5 days. This hummus does not freeze well, as the texture can become a bit watery when thawed. There’s no need to reheat it; it’s best served cold or at room temperature. Just give it a good stir if any separation occurs.

Thanksgiving Appetizers Inspiration

If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving appetizers easy enough to pull off during the busy holiday hustle, you’re in the right place. Think about balancing your spread with a mix of flavors and textures. Alongside this hummus, consider a simple baked brie with jam, some bacon-wrapped dates (using smoked turkey instead of bacon!), or a big tray of roasted spiced nuts. The goal is to have a few make-ahead, no-fuss options that let you enjoy your company instead of being stuck in the kitchen. These Thanksgiving appetizers ideas are all about maximizing flavor and minimizing stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? You absolutely can, but it’s more work. You’ll need to roast a sugar pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. Let it cool completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. Canned is just so much easier for a busy weeknight or holiday prep!
• Is this hummus spicy? Not really. The cayenne is optional and adds just a subtle background warmth. If you’re serving kids or those sensitive to heat, just leave it out. The smoked paprika provides plenty of flavor without any real spice.
• Can I make this without a food processor? A high-powered blender will work, though you may need to stop and scrape down the sides more often. I don’t recommend trying to mash it by hand, as you won’t get that signature creamy, smooth texture we’re after.
• What are some other holiday appetizers that pair well with this? It goes great with other easy Thanksgiving recipes appetizers like a simple cranberry baked brie, a winter salad on skewers, or some mini sausage balls made with smoked turkey sausage.

And that’s it, y’all! Your new go-to, show-stopping Savory Pumpkin Hummus with Toasted Seeds. It’s the effortless, elegant appetizer your holiday table has been waiting for.