Sunny Anderson’s Easy Roasted Garlic Pumpkin Hummus: A Rich and Flavorful Fall Recipe

A velvety blend of chickpeas and toasted spices elevates snacking with cozy fall warmth.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 16, 2025

A velvety blend of chickpeas and toasted spices elevates snacking with cozy fall warmth.

Easy Roasted Garlic Pumpkin Hummus Recipe

This recipe brings together roasted garlic and the nutty sweetness of pumpkin to reinvent classic hummus for the cooler months. Inspired by Sunny Anderson’s comforting cooking style, this dish makes the perfect appetizer, snack, or party dip. Bursting with autumnal flavors and packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare—even for cooking beginners.

Why Make Pumpkin Hummus?

Seasonal Flavor: Pumpkin and garlic create a heartwarming taste ideal for fall and winter.
Healthy Snack: Chickpeas and pumpkin provide protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Versatile: Serve with pita, veggies, chips, or as a spread for sandwiches.
Easy to Prepare: No fancy equipment required—just a blender or food processor!

Recipe Highlights

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (including garlic roasting)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: About 2 cups

Ingredients

1 medium head garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnishes: paprika, toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh parsley

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Garlic: Roasting mellows the flavor, but raw garlic can be used for a sharper kick.
Canned chickpeas: Home-cooked chickpeas offer more flavor control, but canned are quick and convenient.
Pumpkin puree: Substitute with butternut squash puree or sweet potato for a slight change in taste.
Tahini: Almond or cashew butter can be substituted for a different nutty flavor.
Spices: Experiment with smoked paprika, coriander, or cayenne for added depth or heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic

Peel away the outer layers of the garlic bulb, leaving the skins of the individual cloves intact.
Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, until cloves are golden and soft.
Allow to cool slightly before squeezing the roasted cloves from their skins; discard skins.

2. Combine Ingredients

Add roasted garlic, chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper to a food processor or blender.
Process until completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
If mixture is too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of water or extra olive oil and blend again.

3. Taste and Adjust

Scrape down sides, taste, and adjust salt, lemon, or spices as needed.

4. Serve & Garnish

Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, toasted pumpkin seeds, and fresh parsley if desired.
Serve with pita chips, crackers, flatbread, sliced cucumbers, carrots, or red bell peppers.

Recipe Table: Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient	Role in Recipe	Possible Substitutions
Garlic	Adds savory depth	Raw garlic for sharper flavor
Pumpkin puree	Sweet, earthy base	Butternut or sweet potato puree
Tahini	Nutrient-dense creaminess	Almond or cashew butter
Chickpeas	Traditional hummus body	Cooked chickpeas for more control
Lemon juice	Brightens flavor	Lime juice, apple cider vinegar

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Hummus

Roasting garlic makes a big difference; it adds layers of flavor and removes raw sharpness.
Add water or oil gradually when blending to reach your preferred texture—creamy or slightly chunky.
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning (especially salt and lemon) for a balanced, irresistible dip.
Chill before serving for a firmer texture and richer taste, especially if preparing ahead for a gathering.

Serving Suggestions

With warm pita, naan, or flatbread for dipping.
Use as a spread for wraps, sandwiches, or avocado toast.
Veggie sticks: Carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers.
As a vibrant hors d’oeuvre on crostini, topped with roasted seeds and microgreens.
Lunchbox addition: Pair with rice cakes or crackers.

Variations & Customizations

Spicy Pumpkin Hummus: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for gentle heat.
Herbaceous: Fold in fresh cilantro, parsley, or dill for a green twist.
Extra creamy: Blend in 2–4 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt.
Sweet and Savory: Mix in 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for sweeter undertones—excellent with apple slices or pretzels.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Hummus can be made up to 2 days in advance. Flavors deepen with time.
Freezing is possible: Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge and stir well before using.

Nutrition Information

The following are approximate values per 2-tablespoon serving:

Calories: 50–70
Protein: 2–3 g
Fat: 3–5 g
Carbohydrates: 6–8 g
Fiber: 1–2 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

A: Yes, roast or steam fresh pumpkin flesh until soft and blend as directed. For best results, strain excess water for a thicker consistency.

Q: Is this hummus gluten free?

A: Absolutely—this recipe is naturally gluten free with no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.

Q: Can I make this hummus oil-free?

A: You can omit olive oil by replacing it with water or aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) for blending. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: What’s the best way to make hummus ultra-creamy?

A: Peel the skins off the chickpeas before blending, use extra tahini, and blend for an extra minute. Adding a bit more liquid (water or aquafaba) helps, too.

Q: How long does homemade hummus last?

A: Hummus keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Flavor may intensify a bit after the first day.

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Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Hummus

Sunny Anderson’s easy roasted garlic pumpkin hummus is destined to be your seasonal go-to—whether you’re hosting friends, meal-prepping healthy snacks, or just craving a creative twist on familiar flavors. Its smooth texture, vibrant color, and gourmet taste make it unforgettable. Give it a try and discover why pumpkin hummus deserves a regular spot in your kitchen year-round.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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