Cheese And Hummus: Perfect Pairing For A Snack

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 several other creative ways. For instance, 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. Hummus goes well with various types of cheese, including feta, cheddar, cottage, and cream cheese. It can also be paired with vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots, or with meats such as rotisserie chicken.

Hummus and feta cheese in a sandwich

Hummus and Feta Cheese Sandwich

Hummus and feta cheese is a classic combination that can be enjoyed in many ways, and one delicious option is to have them together in a sandwich. This pairing offers a delightful contrast of flavours and textures that will tantalise your taste buds. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a mouth-watering hummus and feta cheese sandwich:

Ingredients:

• Bread of your choice (whole wheat, multi-grain, or a crusty baguette)
• Hummus (plain, roasted red pepper, or garlic)
• Feta cheese (crumbled or sliced)
• Vegetables (such as cucumber, tomato, spinach, or arugula)
• Optional: Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, garlic, black pepper, olive oil

Instructions:

• Start by preparing your bread. You can choose to lightly toast the bread slices or use them as they are. If you're feeling adventurous, try spreading a thin layer of hummus on the outside of the bread, as you would with butter, for an extra crispy treat when toasted.
• Take your first slice of bread and spread a generous amount of hummus on it. You can use plain hummus or experiment with flavoured varieties like roasted red pepper or garlic hummus for an extra kick.
• Now, it's time to add the feta cheese. Crumble or slice the cheese and place it on top of the hummus. Feta is a salty and tangy cheese that complements the creamy hummus beautifully.
• If you're adding vegetables to your sandwich, this is the time to do so. Cucumber and tomato slices are a refreshing choice, or you could go for something like spinach or arugula leaves for an extra nutritional boost.
• For an extra flavour boost, consider making a quick dressing by whisking together Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and olive oil. Drizzle this dressing over your vegetables before placing them in the sandwich.
• Place another slice of bread on top to complete your sandwich. If you toasted the bread and added hummus to the outside, this slice should be toasted and crispy now.
• Cut your sandwich in half and admire the layers of goodness before taking your first bite!

Tips and Variations:

• If you're feeling indulgent, grill your sandwich in a panini press or a toasted sandwich maker for a warm and crispy treat.
• For a more substantial meal, add some protein like sliced turkey or grilled chicken to your sandwich.
• Experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite. A crusty baguette, whole wheat bread, or a soft multi-grain loaf can all provide a delicious foundation for your hummus and feta creation.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with your fillings. Olives, roasted peppers, or even hard-boiled eggs can take your sandwich to the next level.

So, there you have it! A hummus and feta cheese sandwich is a versatile and tasty option that can be tailored to your preferences. Enjoy the creamy hummus, tangy feta, and fresh vegetables in perfect harmony between two slices of bread.

Hummus and cottage cheese as a snack

Hummus and cottage cheese can be a delicious and healthy snack option. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy this combination:

As a Dip or Spread

Hummus and cottage cheese can be served as dips or spreads with various accompaniments. For a simple option, pair them with crackers, pita bread, pita chips, or pretzel crisps for dipping. You can also spread hummus and cottage cheese on slices of bread or toast for a tasty treat.

Veggie Accompaniments

Both hummus and cottage cheese go well with vegetables. Try dipping raw veggies such as carrots, celery, broccoli, cucumber, or snap peas into hummus or cottage cheese. You can also spread hummus on celery for an extra flavour boost. Additionally, grilled vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, and peppers pair well with hummus.

Fruit Combinations

Cottage cheese is often enjoyed with fruit. Try pairing it with sliced strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple, or mandarin oranges. For a unique twist, create a cottage cheese salad by mixing cottage cheese with sugar-free orange jelly, sugar-free cool whip, and mandarin oranges. This combination offers a sweet and refreshing snack option.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Hummus and cottage cheese can be used as spreads in sandwiches and wraps. For a simple sandwich, spread hummus and cottage cheese on bread, adding your choice of vegetables or fruits. You can also create a heartier sandwich by adding ingredients like feta cheese, cucumbers, spinach, and tomatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, try a grilled cheese sandwich with hummus spread on the outside and a slice of cheddar cheese inside.

Seasonings and Add-Ins

Enhance the flavour of hummus and cottage cheese with various seasonings and add-ins. For cottage cheese, try adding cinnamon, raisins, sliced almonds, or a spicy seasoning blend. As for hummus, experiment with different flavours like roasted red pepper, garlic, or spicy varieties. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lime juice to complement the cheeses.

Hummus and cheddar in a grilled cheese sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich with hummus and cheddar is a delicious and simple meal that can be made in under 10 minutes. It is a great option for a quick lunch and can be served with a bowl of tomato soup for dipping.

Ingredients

• Bread (whole grain, rye, or sourdough)
• Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
• Butter (unsalted)
• Cheese (high-quality sharp cheddar, shredded)

Optional:

• Vegetables of your choice (e.g. sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, spinach, arugula, cucumbers)
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Spices (black pepper)

Instructions

• Spread a layer of hummus on one slice of bread.
• Place the bread in a skillet over medium to medium-low heat with a small amount of butter.
• Add shredded cheddar cheese to the bread in the skillet.
• Top with another slice of bread.
• Cook until both sides are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• If desired, add additional vegetables or seasonings to the sandwich before cooking.

Tips

• Don't raise the heat too high, as this can burn the bread before the cheese has melted.
• Avoid using too much butter, as it can make the sandwich greasy.
• Use a cast-iron skillet, non-stick skillet, or carbon steel skillet for even cooking.
• Cut the sandwich into halves, strips, or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference or the age of the person you are serving.

Hummus and cream cheese on toast

Choosing the Right Bread

Start by selecting a bread that will complement the hummus and cream cheese. A hearty, whole-grain bread or a crusty baguette can provide a nice texture contrast to the creamy toppings. Alternatively, you could go for a softer bread, such as pita bread, which is a traditional accompaniment to hummus.

Preparing the Bread

Lightly toasting your bread slices can add a bit of crunch and enhance the overall texture of the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, try brushing the bread with olive oil before toasting it to add a subtle flavour.

Hummus and Cream Cheese Combinations

When it comes to spreading the hummus and cream cheese, you have a few options. You can either spread them separately on the toast or mix them together for a blended flavour. Experiment with different types of hummus, such as plain, roasted red pepper, or garlic, to find your favourite combination. If you want to get creative, you can even try using hummus as a crust on the outside of your grilled cheese sandwich for an extra flavour punch.

Additional Toppings

While hummus and cream cheese are delicious on their own, you can take your toast to the next level by adding some additional toppings. Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots can add a refreshing crunch. If you're feeling indulgent, try topping your toast with rotisserie chicken or crumbled feta cheese. For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce or Sriracha to your hummus. You can also experiment with sweet toppings, such as honey, walnuts, and green apples, to create a unique flavour profile.

Serving Suggestions

So, get creative and experiment with different combinations of hummus, cream cheese, and toppings to find your perfect toast!

Hummus and Swiss cheese in a wrap

Ingredients

For your wrap, start with a soft, whole-grain tortilla. You can lightly toast it or use it straight from the package, depending on your preference. Hummus is the perfect spread for this wrap, adding a creamy texture and a burst of flavour. Choose a plain or flavoured hummus like roasted red pepper, garlic, or spicy varieties to suit your taste buds. Swiss cheese, known for its nutty flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture, pairs surprisingly well with hummus. Add some crunchy vegetables like cucumbers, pickled cucumbers, carrots, or snap peas. If you're feeling adventurous, throw in some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Romaine lettuce is a great addition for some greenery and crunch.

Preparation

Spread a generous amount of hummus on the tortilla, covering it evenly. Layer on the Swiss cheese, vegetables, and lettuce. If you're feeling creative, you can also add some sliced tomatoes, roasted peppers, or even grilled zucchini and squash for more colour and flavour. Once you've added all your fillings, it's time to roll! Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards, then start rolling from the bottom, tucking in the ingredients as you go. Roll it tightly to ensure all the fillings stay inside. Cut the wrap in half diagonally, and secure it with a toothpick if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your hummus and Swiss cheese wrap with a side of fresh fruit like apple slices or baby carrots for a well-rounded meal. If you're looking for a heartier option, pair it with a cup of soup or a side salad. For a more indulgent treat, you can even bake the wrap until it's golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, and dip it into extra hummus for an extra flavour boost.

Customisation

Feel free to experiment with different types of Swiss cheese, such as baby Swiss or lactose-free varieties, to find your favourite. You can also try adding other ingredients like sprouts, olives, or even a drizzle of honey to create unique flavour profiles. If you're serving this wrap at a party or gathering, cut it into smaller pieces and secure them with toothpicks for easy-to-eat appetisers.

Frequently asked questions