Can You Freeze Hummus?
If you have extra hummus you may be wondering: Can you freeze hummus? The answer is yes! Just follow these simple steps.
Hummus is a delicious and popular snack that has been around for a long time. In fact, people have been enjoying hummus for hundreds of years, as early as the 13th century! There is some contention about who invented hummus and when, but everyone agrees hummus is a tasty snack!
Sometimes, however, you make or buy too much hummus. What do you do if you have more hummus than you can eat? You may be asking, “Can I freeze hummus?” This guide answers this question and more. Read on to learn more about hummus and how to freeze it!
What is Hummus?
Hummus is a delicious dip or spread made primarily from chickpeas and tahini sesame paste. Usually, hummus includes an acid also, such as lemon juice. Typically, hummus is eaten as a dip and can be served with pita, veggies, chips, or crackers. It can also be eaten as a spread on sandwiches or in wraps.
Can You Freeze Hummus?
So, can you freeze hummus? The answer is yes! Hummus, whether made at home or bought at the store, can be frozen. All kinds of flavors of hummus can be frozen, too. Plain hummus freezes the best. The quality of some flavors that contain veggies like peppers or cucumbers may suffer some from the freezing and thawing process, but will still be good to eat.
Hummus can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. The longer the hummus stays frozen, the poorer the quality will be after thawing, so it is recommended to use it sooner. There are a few different ways that you can freeze hummus.
Different Methods for Freezing Hummus
There are several ways you can go about freezing hummus. All of these methods work well. You can freeze your hummus in the following ways:
- original container
- freezer bags
- air-tight containers
- parchment paper
- ice-cube trays
Step-by-Step Guide for Freezing Hummus
The following section explains in detail how to freeze hummus. Follow the step-by-step directions for each method to freeze your hummus.
In the Original Container
Follow these steps to freeze your hummus in its original container from the store.
- Place the unopened frozen container directly into the freezer
- Use the hummus within 4 months for best results
- This method works best with small containers of hummus that have not been opened
In Freezer Bags
For this method, you will need bags that are designed for storing food in the freezer. These are typically available in sizes like quart and gallon. Follow these steps to freeze your hummus in freezer bags.
- Carefully spoon the hummus into the freezer bag
- Gently press the air out of the bag
- Seal the bag closed
- Place the bag in the freezer
- Consider freezing the hummus while flat, so it can stand on its side once frozen
In an Air-Tight Container
For this method, use a container that is designed to be used in the freezer. There are both plastic and glass containers made for this purpose. A glass mason jar would work, as well.
- First, transfer the hummus into the air-tight food container
- Make sure to leave enough room for expansion, at least ½ inch
- Ensure the lid is tightly closed
- Place the container into the freezer
With Parchment Paper
This method is useful if you will only want to thaw a small amount of hummus at a time. Follow these steps to freeze hummus using parchment paper.
- Drop spoonfuls of the hummus onto a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet
- Place the baking sheet into the freezer
- Once the hummus has frozen, you can pick it up and place it in a freezer bag
- This method allows you to thaw as much or as little hummus as you need
In Ice Cube Trays
Using ice cube trays to freeze things allows you to have very small portions that thaw out quickly. Like the parchment paper method, you can use as much or as little hummus as you need with this method.
- Fill your ice cube trays with hummus
- Place the trays in the freezer
- Once the hummus is frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag
- You can take out one or many cubes to thaw depending on your needs
How to Thaw Frozen Hummus
The best way to thaw out hummus is overnight in the refrigerator. There are a couple of other methods, as well. You can place the hummus in a pan or sink of cold water. The hummus should thaw within 30-60 minutes with this method. You can also thaw hummus using the defrost setting on your microwave. Never leave hummus to thaw at room temperature for hours.
Frozen hummus may need some extra attention once thawed to liven it up again. Try adding a squeeze of lemon or an extra pinch of salt. An extra drizzle of olive oil on top can do wonders, as well. If your hummus seems dry after thawing, try stirring in a bit of olive oil.
Freezing Homemade vs Store-Bought Hummus
You can freeze both homemade and store-bought hummus. Store-bought hummus may hold up a bit better during the freezing and thawing process. This is due to the added preservatives. However, you can enjoy homemade hummus after freezing, too.
Can You Freeze Hummus Snack Cups?
Yes, you can freeze hummus snack cups to enjoy later! Simply place the snack cups into the freezer. Take them out and put them in the fridge to thaw when you are ready to eat them.
Best Hummus Recipes
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Classic Hummus from Scratch
- Edamame Basil Hummus
- Mediterranean Hummus Mezze Platter
- Hummus Crostini
- Pumpkin Dessert Hummus
Freezing Hummus at Home
Hummus is a flavorful food that is enjoyed all over the world. If you find yourself with a larger amount of hummus than you can eat, consider freezing it. Freezing hummus is a great way to reduce waste and save the hummus for later use.
There are a few different options when it comes to freezing hummus. Hummus can be frozen using freezer bags, airtight containers, parchment paper, and even ice-cube trays. Even the little snack cups of hummus can be frozen. Hummus can easily be thawed in the fridge, in cold water, or defrosted in the microwave.
Can You Freeze Hummus? Yes! Here's How!
If you have extra hummus, you may be wondering, "Can you freeze hummus?" The good news is that you definitely can freeze hummus whether homemade or store-bought. Here is the best method.
Ingredients
- 1 batch of hummus
- Freezer-safe container
- olive oil
- lemon
Instructions
- Transfer your homemade or store-bought hummus to a freezer-safe container. Canning jars work very well for this purpose. Leave a little headspace in case the hummus expands during freezing.
- Freezer your hummus for up to 4 months.
- To thaw, leave the frozen hummus in the refrigerator overnight.
- Stir and taste before using. If the hummus doesn't taste as vibrant as it did before freezing, season with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and/or pepper.
- Store any leftover thawed hummus in the fridge for no more than 4 days and do not re-freeze.
Notes
Alternate methods for freezing:
- Freezer bag
- Ice Cube Tray
- Original container
We recommend using glass freezer-safe containers to avoid any leaching of plastic chemicals.
Yes, you can freeze hummus! It’s a great way to save your extra hummus for later. The step-by-step guide you provided for freezing hummus is really helpful. It’s good to know that plain hummus freezes the best, and it can be stored for up to 4 months in the freezer. I would like to share site with writing. Thanks for sharing these tips on how to freeze and thaw hummus effectively!
Great tip! I always end up with extra hummus and hate wasting it. Freezing it sounds like a perfect solution—can’t wait to try it.