You’ve finally done it. You’ve perfected homemade hummus, and it’s thick, creamy, and jam-packed with flavor.
The only problem is, you made too much, and now you’re stuck wondering, “can you freeze hummus?”
Hummus can be frozen, provided it’s cold to begin with, and stored in an air-tight container. However, brands and recipes vary, which can affect how well it freezes. For example, hummus with other ingredients, such as avocado or chunks of vegetables, may thaw out and become watery.
So while it’s possible to freeze hummus – just like it’s possible to freeze soup or dip – you can’t guarantee how it will taste once it’s thawed.
Keep reading to learn about all the nuances of freezing and thawing hummus, both homemade and store-bought.
Can You Freeze Homemade and Store-Bought Hummus?
It’s possible to freeze homemade and store-bought hummus. And when done right, it should be just as fresh after thawing. Hummus should be frozen in an airtight container or bag, will a thin layer of oil on top acting like a barrier. It’s best to freeze smooth hummus with no extra ingredients.
In fact, I often make a double batch of homemade hummus and freeze the excess. That way, I have it when the craving hits.
The same thing goes for store-bought, but with an additional advantage.
Store-bought hummus contains preservatives that keep the food fresher for longer. And it also helps with retaining the original taste after freezing and thawing.
However, as mentioned, depending on the additional ingredients, such as roasted red peppers or garlic, there can be some texture and flavor differences.
But overall, those differences are so minor that you probably won’t notice.
How to Freeze Hummus
Okay, so we know it’s possible to freeze hummus, but how’s it done?
Well, you can freeze it in bulk, adding the whole lot to a bag or box for later. Or you can try smaller, more manageable portions.
A cool hack I sometimes use when I need to freeze smaller amounts is to use an ice cube tray.
Just add a spoonful of hummus to each block, and then you can use them as needed for smaller and quicker meals.
But if you want to freeze a more significant amount, just follow the steps below.
1. Use a Freezer-Safe Container
Make sure to use airtight containers that are freezer safe to preserve the flavor and avoid the awful taste of the freezer.
Never fill the container to the brim because hummus expands as it freezes, so it can leak or even break the container if you pack too much in.
2. Add Olive Oil to Preserve Moisture
Olive oil is a great way to seal in moisture and avoid excessive dryness.
Drizzle some olive oil on top, but don’t overdo it because it will become too greasy when thawing.
Olive oil won’t change the flavor, which is why I love using it.
3. Label the Container with the Date
Label the container with the date, so you know exactly when it was frozen.
Then, keep the hummus in the freezer for no more than four months to ensure its quality.
As with all frozen food, the faster you eat it, the fresher it will be.
But if you’re aware of the drop in quality, it should be okay for longer than four months. Just check on it to ensure it’s not getting freezer burn.
4. Thaw Completely Before Eating
Start the thawing process the night before you want to eat it.
Hummus takes a couple of hours to fully thaw, so doing it in advance will make sure you have a tasty breakfast tomorrow morning.
If you need it later in the day, you can pull it out in the morning.
5. Mix the Thawed Hummus Before Serving
Once the hummus is done thawing, don’t forget to stir it.
This will ensure the olive oil you put on top is fully mixed in and that the flavors remain harmonious.
How Long Can You Freeze Hummus?
Hummus can be frozen for up to four months before it starts to lose its taste and texture. Before that, it should thaw out and taste fresh. However, after four months, the quality will begin to drop. Technically, you could leave it for a year if you wanted to. It just wouldn’t taste its best.
How to Thaw Hummus
The best way to thaw hummus is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
Just keep in mind, the more hummus there is, the longer it will take. That’s why I like the ice tray method – you get smaller amounts which thaw much quicker.
If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave and use the defrosting mode.
But be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a bowl of mush.
If you really need to speed things up, you can always put the hummus in a warm water bath (still in the container, of course).
However you choose to thaw it, always remember that hummus is best served at room temperature.
So take your time and enjoy the process. After all, good things come to those who wait.
Tips & Tricks
- Freeze in smaller portions. If you have a large amount of hummus, it might be better to freeze it in smaller batches so you can use it as needed.
- Boost the flavor after thawing. Drizzle some lemon juice after thawing to bring back the freshness.
- Get freezer-safe bags and add an extra layer. If you’re using plastic freezer bags, wrap the hummus in some foil first to avoid the dreaded freezer burn.
- Freeze the hummus as soon as possible after opening/cooking it. The longer it takes to freeze, the worse the flavor and texture will be.
- Always use airtight containers. Otherwise, the freezer smell and taste will impact the original flavor.
- Get out as much air as possible. Though it won’t turn brown like guacamole, the concept is the same – air is bad! So, if you’re using plastic freezer bags, always expel as much air as possible.
- Never re-freeze the previously thawed hummus. Not only will it taste bad, but it can also promote bacterial growth, making it very dangerous for your health.
- When freezing hummus in individual portions, use ice cube trays, muffin tins lined with plastic wrap, or silicone cupcake liners. Once frozen, pop the hummus out of the tray and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Stir the hummus after thawing and add to it if necessary. For example, if the thawed hummus is too thick, add a little water or olive oil and stir until desired consistency is reached.
- Thaw the hummus slowly to preserve the original flavors. First, put it in the fridge overnight, then let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
- If you’re in a hurry, microwave frozen hummus, stirring once halfway through. Just be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause the hummus to become dry and crumbly.
More “Can You Freeze It?” Article To Check Out
Can You Freeze Salsa?
Can You Freeze Heavy Cream?
Can You Freeze Butter?
Can You Freeze Guacamole?
Can You Freeze Hummus? (Easy Method)
Can you freeze hummus? You can with an airtight container and some olive oil. Just remember, recipes vary, so some hummus will freeze better than others.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
Hummus
Olive oil
- Equipment
Spoon
Freezer-safe airtight containers
Labels and markers
Instructions
- Put the hummus in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
- Spread it out evenly, making sure you fill the container about an inch from the top.
- Drizzle a super-thin layer of olive oil on top and spread it evenly with a spoon
- Stick a label on the container and write the freezing date and contents with a marker.
- Freeze for up to four months, and thaw completely before eating.
