Sandstone Canyon hummus layers (Printable)

Creamy hummus and crisp crackers arranged in textured layers, inspired by sandstone formations.

# What You Need:

→ Hummus Layers

01 - 1 lb classic hummus (store-bought or homemade)
02 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
03 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Crackers

06 - 7 oz beige crackers (whole wheat, sesame, or water crackers)

→ Garnish

07 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
09 - 1 small lemon, cut into wedges

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine hummus, smoked paprika, olive oil, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and uniformly seasoned.
02 - Spread a thin, wavy layer of hummus on a large serving platter using a spatula, sculpting ridges and valleys to simulate a canyon effect.
03 - Insert crackers vertically into the hummus along the wavy ridges to form textured canyon walls, slightly overlapping them for depth.
04 - Alternate spreading hummus layers and standing crackers in gentle waves, stacking 3 to 4 layers to enhance visual impact.
05 - Scatter toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley evenly over the top layers to enrich texture and color.
06 - Present immediately accompanied by lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in fifteen minutes but looks like you spent hours planning something special.
  • You get to arrange it however you want, so it never feels like cooking by rote.
  • The interplay of creamy and crisp textures happens naturally as people dig in and crackers soften just slightly.
02 -
  • The hummus will continue to soften slightly as it sits, which is actually beautiful—it creates a window where early arrivals get crackers with a satisfying snap, while later guests discover a creamier, more integrated texture.
  • Don't skip the step of visually checking your wave pattern before adding crackers; it takes thirty seconds and makes the difference between a casually arranged platter and one that looks intentional.
03 -
  • If you're making this ahead, prepare the seasoned hummus and keep it covered, then assemble the cracker landscape no more than thirty minutes before serving to maintain crispness.
  • A damp kitchen towel under your serving platter prevents it from sliding around as people reach in, which sounds small but changes everything about how people feel reaching for food.
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