Cheese And Hummus: The Perfect Pairing

Hummus is a blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is commonly served as a dip for pita bread, but it can also be used in more creative ways. For example, hummus can be used as a spread on grilled cheese sandwiches, as a replacement for mayonnaise or salad dressing, or as a topping for pizza. When it comes to cheese, hummus pairs well with feta, brie, pepper jack, cheddar, and cream cheese. A hummus cheese board can be a great way to enjoy a variety of cheeses and hummus together, along with charcuterie and fruit.

Hummus and feta cheese sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat or whole grain bread
• Hummus (plain, roasted red pepper, or garlic)
• Feta cheese
• Cucumber
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Mint and cilantro (optional)

Optional extras:

• Avocado
• Roasted red peppers
• Lemon juice
• Basil
• Spinach or arugula
• Dijon mustard
• Red wine vinegar

Instructions:

• Start by preparing the hummus. In a food processor, finely chop a can of drained garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and a garlic clove. Add lemon juice, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, and minced jalapeño chile to taste. Process until you have a coarse puree. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
• Spread a thick layer of hummus (about 2 tablespoons) on each slice of bread.
• If desired, add sliced cucumber, mint, and cilantro to two of the bread slices.
• Place slices of feta cheese on top of the cucumber and herbs.
• Top each sandwich with a second slice of bread and press gently to compact.
• Cut the sandwiches in half and serve as is for a cold sandwich.
• For a grilled sandwich, brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or butter and place on a hot grill or pan. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes until toasted.

Feel free to add extra vegetables or experiment with different types of hummus and cheese. You can also try adding avocado and basil, as suggested by Two Peas & Their Pod, or spinach, mustard, and vinegar as mentioned by Sara Haas, RDN, LDN. This sandwich is a great option for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal.

Hummus and cheddar cheese toasties

Ingredients:

• Sliced bread (white or whole wheat)
• Hummus (classic, roasted red pepper, garlic, or your favourite flavour)
• Sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
• Butter or mayonnaise (optional)

Method:

• Place a medium-sized skillet or frying pan on medium heat.
• If you're using butter or mayonnaise, spread it on the outside of each slice of bread. This step will give your toasties a golden, crispy exterior.
• Spread a generous amount of hummus on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. You can use plain or flavoured hummus, depending on your preference.
• Place the cheddar cheese slices on top of the hummus.
• Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, buttered side out.
• Carefully place the sandwich in the heated pan, hummus-side down.
• Let the sandwich cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bread is nicely browned.
• Spread hummus on the top unbuttered side of the sandwich.
• Flip the sandwich over and cover the pan. Allow it to cook for another 4-5 minutes or until both sides are golden, and the cheese is melted.
• Once cooked to your liking, remove the sandwich from the pan and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss or feta, which also pair well with hummus.
• You can also add extra ingredients to your toasties, such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or grilled vegetables.
• For an extra crunchy texture, lightly toast the bread before assembling the sandwich.
• If you're serving these toasties as a snack or appetiser, you can cut the sandwiches into triangles or smaller pieces.
• Get creative with your hummus flavours! Try roasted garlic, red pepper, or even spicy hummus for a kick.

Hummus and cream cheese toast

Hummus and cream cheese on toast is a delicious and simple snack that can be made in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this tasty treat:

Ingredients

• Cream cheese
• Hummus (any variety)
• Bread
• Optional: vegetables of your choice (sliced cucumber, spinach, arugula, or tomatoes), hot sauce, rotisserie chicken, or feta cheese

Method

• Lightly toast your bread.
• Spread a generous amount of hummus on one slice of toast.
• Add a layer of cream cheese on top of the hummus.
• If desired, add some sliced vegetables, hot sauce, or rotisserie chicken for extra flavour and texture.
• Top with the other slice of toast.
• Enjoy!

Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or rye, and different varieties of hummus, like roasted red pepper, garlic, or pine nut. You can also sprinkle some feta cheese on top for an extra tangy kick. This versatile snack can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Hummus, Asiago cheese, and grilled vegetables on baguette

Hummus, Asiago cheese, and grilled vegetables on a baguette is a delicious combination. This sandwich is a tasty and healthy option, offering a balance of flavours and textures. The hummus provides a creamy texture and nutty taste, while Asiago cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavour and the grilled vegetables bring a satisfying crunch.

To make this sandwich, start by cutting a baguette at an angle, then brush the slices with olive oil and toast them on a grill. Next, spread a layer of hummus on the toasted bread, followed by grilled vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, and peppers. Finally, top it off with shavings of Asiago cheese. You can finish the sandwich by placing it back on the grill or in the oven to warm it through and melt the cheese.

The combination of hummus and Asiago cheese is a delightful pairing. Hummus, with its blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, provides a creamy texture and a nutty, savoury flavour. Asiago cheese, a cow's milk cheese named after the Italian village of Asiago, contributes a sharp, tangy, and slightly sweet flavour that complements the hummus beautifully. The cheese has a firm texture, similar to that of a hard cheese, which adds a nice contrast to the creamy hummus.

Additionally, grilled vegetables enhance the sandwich with their smoky flavour and tender texture. The crunch of the vegetables pairs well with the smoothness of the hummus and the cheese. You can choose from a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, and peppers, to create a colourful and nutritious sandwich. This combination of flavours and textures makes for a delightful dining experience.

This sandwich is a wonderful option for those seeking a vegetarian dish that is both satisfying and flavourful. It can be served as a hearty lunch or a quick dinner. The addition of hummus boosts the nutritional value of the sandwich, providing plant-based protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. The Asiago cheese contributes calcium and protein, making this sandwich a well-rounded and nourishing choice.

Hummus, feta, red onion, and roasted peppers on pita

Ingredients

• Pita bread
• Hummus (plain, roasted red pepper, or garlic)
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Roasted red peppers

Method

• Cut the pita bread in half to create a pocket.
• Spread a generous amount of hummus inside the pita pocket.
• Crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it inside the pita pocket.
• Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the pita.
• Finally, add the roasted red peppers.
• If desired, you can bake the pita in the oven until golden brown, or serve it as is.

This dish combines the creaminess of hummus, the tanginess of feta, the sweetness of roasted red peppers, and the crispness of red onion, all nestled inside a soft pita bread. It's a flavourful and nutritious option that can be easily customised to your taste preferences.

Feel free to experiment with different types of hummus, such as roasted red pepper or garlic hummus, to add extra depth of flavour. You can also try toasting the pita bread lightly before assembling the dish for a crunchier texture. Additionally, if you're serving this as a meal, consider pairing it with a side of sliced cucumbers, carrots, or tomatoes for a refreshing and healthy option.

Frequently asked questions