October 12, 2024

AmericanHummus

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Can You Freeze Hummus? | Hello Little Home

Can You Freeze Hummus? | Hello Little Home

Have you ever found yourself with too much hummus on your hands? Don’t throw it out, freeze it! This helpful guide will show you how to freeze hummus while preserving its flavor, plus get delicious tips for using leftover hummus.

A bowl of hummus on a dark wood table surrounded by the ingredients to make it.

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I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to cut down on food waste. Even with my best intentions though, sometimes it’s inevitable that I end up with leftovers.

If you’re a hummus lover like me, you’ll be happy to know that both store bought and homemade hummus can be frozen. And it’s super easy to do!

Keep reading to learn how to freeze (and thaw) hummus while preserving its flavor. Plus, get all my favorite tips and recipes for using leftover hummus!

A small spatula next to a storage container filled with hummus.
Use an airtight container for best results.

How to Freeze Hummus (3 Ways)

There are a few different ways to freeze hummus, depending on whether it’s store bought or homemade, or how much you have leftover.

  1. Air Tight Container – The best way to freeze hummus (both homemade and store bought) is to transfer it to an airtight container (like these reusable glass storage containers). Choose a container that’s closest in size to the amount of dip you have to minimize air contact and to reduce the chance of freezer burn.
  2. Original Container – You can freeze store bought hummus right in its original container … with a few caveats. First, make sure there’s about half an inch of empty space left in the container. Second, if the container doesn’t have an airtight lid, or if there isn’t much hummus left, it will stay freshest if you transfer it to a different container.
  3. Individual Portions – Another method for freezing hummus, is to divide it into individual servings (perfect for meal prep and for avoiding waste). You can either use a small snack-size container, or spoon individual portions onto a foil-lined baking sheet, then once frozen, transfer the servings to a zip top freezer bag or (even better) a reusable Stasher bag.

Whatever container (and method) you choose, keep in mind that food expands as it freezes. Leaving a half inch of empty space in the container will help you avoid a mess.

And make sure to add a label! That way, you won’t forget how long the hummus has been in your freezer. I like to attach a piece of masking tape or painters tape (both are easily removable later) to the lid, then write the date on it with a Sharpie.

Tip: You may find that some types of this popular chickpea dip are easier to freeze than others. For example, you’ll probably have better results freezing plain hummus vs. hummus with a lot of toppings.

How long does hummus last in the freezer?

Hummus can be frozen for up to four months, however it will taste better (and will be much less likely to get freezer burn) if you eat it within one to two months.

A hand spooning individual portions of hummus onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
Consider dividing leftover hummus into individual portions before freezing it.
A container of store bought hummus in a freezer.
You can freeze store bought hummus right in the container it came in … as long as there is enough room for it to expand as it freezes.

How to Thaw Frozen Hummus

When you’re ready to eat it, remove the hummus from your freezer and transfer it to your refrigerator to thaw. You need to keep it cold as it thaws for food safety reasons, so don’t leave it out on your counter. I recommend taking it out of the freezer the day before you plan to eat it.

In a hurry to dig in? Instead of waiting for hummus to thaw in your refrigerator (which can take a while), you can gently thaw it in your microwave using the defrost setting.

Once thawed, make sure to eat the hummus within four to five days.

Tasty Tip

Before eating the hummus, give it a good stir and a taste. Frozen foods often taste blander than fresh foods, especially if they’ve been frozen for a long time. If this is the case with your dip, you can revive it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, pinch of salt, or a dash of flavorful spices like cumin.

How long does hummus take to thaw?

Hummus can take up to 24 hours to thaw, depending on how large the container is, as well as other factors, like how cold your refrigerator is.

Hummus thawing in a glass container next to a plaid napkin.
Make sure to thaw frozen hummus in your refrigerator. It can take up to 24 hours for a large container to thaw.

How to Use

There are so many creative ways to eat leftover hummus! Spread on toast for breakfast or enjoy it in a Hummus Sandwich. Serve it veggies or alongside other snacks like pita or chips. Add it to a grain bowl, like this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl or this Roasted Veggie Bowl. You could even use it to make Hummus Pizza!

Looking for more hummus ideas? Check out my guide: What to Eat with Hummus. It has tons of tempting tips and recipes!
A container of homemade hummus in a freezer.
You can freeze homemade and store bought dip with no problems.

Related Recipes

Now that you know how easy freezing hummus is, you’ll want to make a big batch every week! Here are some tasty recipes to temp you:

A napkin and container of frozen dip on a marble counter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you freeze hummus?

Yes, you can freeze store bought and homemade hummus. Transfer it to an airtight container (leaving ½-inch of empty space at the top), then freeze it for up to four months. However for the best taste, you’ll want to eat it within one to two months.

Does hummus freeze well?

Yes, hummus freezes well. For best results, transfer it in an airtight container (or zip top bag) before freezing. Then eat within one to two months of freezing it

How long does hummus last?

Hummus will last for about four to five days once you open the package. If you’re not able to eat it within that time frame, you can freeze the leftovers for up to four months.

Can hummus go bad?

Yes, hummus can go bad. Make sure to eat store bought hummus by the date on the package. Once opened, you should eat it within four to five days. If it smells off, don’t eat it. Throw it out.

A bowl of the dip on a wood table.
A bowl of hummus on a wood table.

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How to Freeze Hummus

This is the best way to freeze hummus while preserving its flavor and texture!

Prep Time5 mins

Total Time5 mins

Yield: 1 container

Instructions

  • Transfer hummus to an airtight storage container. Make sure to leave about ½-inch of empty space in the container.

  • Place container in your freezer, then freeze hummus for up to four months.

  • When ready to eat, transfer frozen hummus to your refrigerator. Allow up to 24 hours to defrost.

  • Once thawed, taste hummus before eating. If it tastes a little flat, revive the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, pinch of salt, dash of spice (like cumin), or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Store bought hummus can be frozen in its original container, provided that it’s sealed / has an airtight lid and that there is at least ½-inch empty space at the top of the container. If the hummus is opened and partially eaten, transfer it to a smaller container before freezing for best results.
Hummus can be frozen for up to four months, but will taste best when eaten within one to two months.
A container of ready to freeze hummus next to a plaid napkin.

Can You Freeze Hummus?Can You Freeze Hummus?