Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Serves: 6-8
This butternut squash dukkah hummus has completely changed how I think about fall entertaining. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the creamy, slightly sweet base of roasted butternut squash combined with the crunchy, aromatic dukkah topping that makes this dip absolutely irresistible. Every time I serve this butternut squash dukkah hummus, guests can’t stop asking for the recipe – and honestly, I don’t blame them.
What makes this butternut squash dukkah hummus so special is how it bridges the gap between familiar comfort and exciting new flavors. The butternut squash provides a naturally sweet, velvety base that’s more interesting than traditional hummus, while the dukkah adds this incredible textural contrast with its blend of toasted nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices.
Why This Butternut Squash Dukkah Hummus Is Absolutely Perfect
The beauty of this butternut squash dukkah hummus lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The roasted butternut squash brings natural sweetness and a gorgeous golden color, while traditional hummus ingredients like tahini and lemon juice provide that familiar tangy richness we all love. But it’s the dukkah that really makes this recipe shine – that Egyptian spice blend adds an irresistible crunch and warmth that elevates every single bite.
I love making this butternut squash dukkah hummus because it’s impressive enough for dinner parties but simple enough for casual weeknight snacking. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan, making it perfect for entertaining guests with various dietary preferences.
Premium Ingredients for Your Butternut Squash Dukkah Hummus
For the Roasted Butternut Squash Base:
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1 medium squash)
- 3 cloves garlic, unpeeled for roasting
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for roasting
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, for seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For the Hummus Foundation:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons tahini, well-stirred before measuring
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, from about 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, for earthy warmth
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, for depth and color
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, for subtle sweetness
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons water, as needed for consistency
For the Homemade Dukkah Topping:
- ½ cup almonds or hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (pepitas), for extra crunch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for nutty flavor
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, for citrusy notes
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, for warmth
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, for balance
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For Serving and Garnish:
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh parsley, chopped for color
- Pomegranate seeds (optional), for festive pop
- Warm pita bread, cut vegetables, or crackers for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Butternut Squash Dukkah Hummus
Preparing the Roasted Butternut Squash:
Step 1: Master the Perfect Roasted Squash Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut your butternut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes – this ensures even cooking and the perfect texture for your butternut squash dukkah hummus. Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making sure every piece is well-coated. Add the unpeeled garlic cloves to the same baking sheet.
Step 2: Roast to Golden Perfection Roast the butternut squash and garlic for 30-35 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized around the edges. The garlic should be soft and fragrant. This roasting process is crucial for developing the deep, sweet flavors that make this butternut squash dukkah hummus so incredibly delicious. Let everything cool for about 10 minutes before proceeding.
Creating the Aromatic Dukkah:
Step 3: Toast Your Nuts and Seeds to Perfection While the squash cools, make your dukkah topping for the butternut squash dukkah hummus. Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Add the pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds, toasting for another 1-2 minutes until everything smells incredibly aromatic. The key here is to watch carefully – you want golden, not burnt!
Step 4: Build the Perfect Spice Blend Add the coriander seeds and cumin seeds to the pan with the nuts, toasting for just 30 seconds until they release their oils and become fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Once cool, transfer everything to a food processor and pulse until you have a coarse, chunky texture – not a powder! Season with salt and pepper. This homemade dukkah is what makes your butternut squash dukkah hummus truly special.
Assembling Your Butternut Squash Dukkah Hummus:
Step 5: Create the Silky Smooth Base Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins – they should pop right out. In a food processor, combine the roasted butternut squash, roasted garlic, drained chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and salt. Process for about 1 minute until the mixture starts coming together.
Step 6: Perfect the Consistency With the food processor running, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until your butternut squash dukkah hummus reaches your desired consistency. I prefer it smooth and creamy but still substantial enough for dipping. Taste and adjust seasoning – you might want more lemon juice for brightness, more salt for depth, or a pinch more cumin for warmth.
Step 7: Create the Stunning Presentation Transfer your butternut squash dukkah hummus to a serving bowl or platter. Using the back of a spoon, create a shallow well in the center and smooth the surface. Drizzle generously with good olive oil, then sprinkle the homemade dukkah over the entire surface. Garnish with fresh parsley and pomegranate seeds if using – the colors are absolutely stunning!
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Butternut Squash Dukkah Hummus
Make-Ahead Magic: This butternut squash dukkah hummus actually improves with time! Make the hummus base up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Add the dukkah topping just before serving to maintain its crunch.
Consistency Control: The hummus will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon of warm water at a time until you reach the perfect consistency.
Dukkah Storage: Make extra dukkah – it keeps for weeks in an airtight container and is amazing on salads, yogurt, or even toast!
Flavor Variations: Try adding a tablespoon of maple syrup for extra sweetness, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat that complements the butternut squash beautifully.
Perfect Pairings for Your Butternut Squash Dukkah Hummus
This versatile butternut squash dukkah hummus works beautifully in so many settings. Serve it as an elegant appetizer at dinner parties with warm pita triangles and colorful vegetables. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, potluck contributions, or even as a healthy afternoon snack that actually satisfies.
Create a Complete Mediterranean Experience:
Transform your butternut squash dukkah hummus into the centerpiece of an amazing spread with these complementary recipes:
- Flavored Dips & Marinades – Discover our collection of amazing dips like baba ganoush and tzatziki that pair beautifully with this butternut squash dukkah hummus for an epic appetizer board
- Perfect Sides – Try our roasted vegetable medleys and grain salads that complement the fall flavors in this butternut squash dukkah hummus
- Fresh Vibrant Salads – Explore autumn salads with pomegranate, pumpkin seeds, and warm spices that echo the flavors in your butternut squash dukkah hummus
- Tasty Snacks – Find more healthy snack ideas like spiced nuts and veggie chips that pair perfectly with this butternut squash dukkah hummus
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this butternut squash dukkah hummus is how well it keeps and travels. Store the hummus base covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve and meld over time, making it perfect for meal prep or party planning.
Keep the dukkah topping in a separate airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This way, you can sprinkle fresh, crunchy dukkah on your butternut squash dukkah hummus right before serving, ensuring the perfect textural contrast every time.
Nutritional Benefits of Butternut Squash Dukkah Hummus
This butternut squash dukkah hummus isn’t just delicious – it’s incredibly nutritious too! Butternut squash is packed with vitamin A, fiber, and potassium, while chickpeas provide plant-based protein and additional fiber. The tahini contributes healthy fats and calcium, and the nuts in the dukkah add even more protein and heart-healthy fats.
Unlike many party dips that are heavy on empty calories, this butternut squash dukkah hummus provides sustained energy and actual nutrition. It’s the kind of appetizer you can feel good about serving and eating.
Creative Variations and Seasonal Adaptations
Once you master this basic butternut squash dukkah hummus, try experimenting with different squash varieties – delicata or kabocha work beautifully. For a holiday version, add a touch of sage and replace some of the almonds with toasted pecans in your dukkah.
In spring and summer, try making this concept with roasted sweet potato instead of butternut squash. The dukkah remains the perfect topping, and you get the same amazing textural contrast that makes this butternut squash dukkah hummus so special.
Why This Butternut Squash Dukkah Hummus Will Become Your Signature Dish
There’s something truly special about a recipe that consistently impresses while being surprisingly simple to make. This butternut squash dukkah hummus does exactly that – it looks sophisticated and tastes complex, but it’s really just roasted vegetables, pantry staples, and a simple spice blend that anyone can master.
What I love most about this butternut squash dukkah hummus is how it represents the best of seasonal cooking. It celebrates the natural sweetness of fall’s bounty while introducing guests to new flavors and textures. It’s the kind of recipe that starts conversations and creates memories.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, bringing something special to a potluck, or just want to make your regular snack time more exciting, this butternut squash dukkah hummus delivers on every level. It’s proof that some of the best dishes come from combining simple, quality ingredients in thoughtful ways.
Ready to explore more seasonal flavors? Check out our Hearty Main Dishes and Irresistible Desserts to create the perfect fall menu featuring this amazing butternut squash dukkah hummus.
