This Easy Homemade Hummus (Baby & Toddler Friendly) is so tasty and creamy, and the flavor is mild enough for babies. Make this nutritious dip today, and you won’t go back to store-bought hummus!
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Table of Contents
Reasons to Love this Easy Homemade Hummus Recipe
- Easy: This hummus recipe is so easy to make! Blend all ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender for a delicious and creamy hummus.
- Nutritious dip: This dip is fiber and protein-rich. Add it to lunchboxes for dipping raw veggies and as a healthier spread option.
- Versatile for baby-led weaning: Baby weaning can be very stressful for some parents as we try to boost nutrition in every meal. Hummus can be a key addition to your baby and toddler diet, as it can be added to bagels, toast, tortillas, and chips for older children who prefer a crunchy snack. Once offered early and often, hummus can be a fun way to expose baby’s taste buds to stronger flavors and raise more adventurous eaters.
- No additives/preservatives used: Store-bought hummus often has added ingredients and salt that are not healthy, especially for babies. Making homemade hummus allows you to choose wholesome ingredients without unnecessary preservatives and salt.
- Great make-ahead recipe: You can make this homemade hummus ahead and serve it as a snack or main meal.
Can Babies Have Hummus?
Yes, absolutely! Once babies have been introduced to sesame seeds as an allergen, they can consume hummus as part of a healthy diet.
This smooth paste was developed with babies and toddlers in mind and has a milder flavor than most hummus recipes.
Once your little ones get used to eating hummus, adding nutrition to their snacks and main meals can be easy. Its smooth texture and richness make it a very satisfying way to boost nutrition at home or on the go for the whole family.
Health Benefits of Chickpea (Garbanzo Beans)
- Chickpeas are a type of legume in the same family as kidney beans and peanuts. They’re also called garbanzo beans. They have a buttery, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Chickpeas and other legumes have calcium, magnesium, fiber, and other nutrients for strong bones. They are also rich in choline, a nutrient that helps make essential chemicals for memory, mood, muscle control, and other brain and nervous system activity.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Chickpeas: You can use canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) or cook from dry. Chickpeas are very economical and of great nutritional value. If you cook chickpeas at home, soak them for 12 hours, drain and rinse them, and pressure cook for 10 minutes. You want them to be mushy and soft.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This is for added healthy fats that are essential for early childhood brain development.
- Tahini: Tahini is a ground sesame butter or paste traditionally used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is essential for this recipe and can be found in major grocery stores or healthy markets. Sesame is a potential allergen, so ensure your baby has been exposed to sesame before offering this recipe to your baby.
- Lemon Juice: Used to give the chickpea dip a tangy lemony flavor.
- Garlic: To maintain the traditional hummus flavor, I use less garlic to make this recipe baby—and toddler-friendly. Feel free to double the amount if serving to adults only.
- Salt: Omit for younger babies less than 12 months old.
- Ice cubes: Ice cubes help cool down the mixture while processing and create a creamier texture. I prefer to use ice cubes rather than residual chickpea aquafaba or water.
See the complete recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-step instructions
Once you assemble your ingredients, you can make this recipe in a single step.
- Add all ingredients to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth. The mixture will form a spreadable paste.
- Add additional olive oil, sprinkle some paprika and sesame seeds, and serve with pita bread!
Tips to Make the Best Homemade Hummus
Here are my insights into making the perfect homemade hummus that is baby-friendly:
- Use a very small piece of garlic (per the recipe card instructions) to achieve a mild-tasting, baby—and toddler-friendly hummus.
- Don’t skip adding the ice! It helps with the creaminess of the hummus.
- Give the tahini a good mix before adding it to your hummus, as the oil can separate phases like any natural nut butter.
Tools Needed
Food Processor: This recipe will need a food processor or a high-speed blender.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: I don’t recommend storing hummus at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: Store it in a glass jar or other airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Homemade hummus can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. I love using these 1 tbsp freezer trays for storing dips; they are so convenient!
Serving Suggestions and Substitutions
You can serve these as a snack for babies and toddlers. It is the perfect way to add some plant-based protein to their diets.
- Spread on toast, pita bread, or chicken and veggie roll-ups.
- Add to baby-led weaning finger foods. If you serve carrot sticks to a baby, cook them until soft and squishable (press them between 2 fingers). Hard foods can be a choking hazard.
- Add as a dip to toddler lunchboxes with baby carrots, carrot sticks, and cucumber sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you don’t need to remove the skins!
Yes, hummus is rich in protein and fiber, making it an excellent food for babies. However, as a potential allergen, ensure your baby has been exposed to sesame before offering it.
If you made my Easy Homemade Hummus or any other recipe on the website, please:
- Leave me a comment and a star rating below. I would love to hear from you!
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🥣Recipe
Ingredients
- 240g chickpeas 1 can (400g), rinsed and drained
- 4 tbsp tahini creamy 1 ingredient tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 garlic clove small
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 ice cubes
- 1/2 tsp salt optional (omit for babies <12m old)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth. It will form a paste that is spreadable.
- Add additional olive oil, sprinkle some paprika,sesame seeds and serve with pita bread!
Notes
- Use a tiny piece of garlic (per recipe card instructions) to achieve a mild-tasting, baby- and toddler-friendly hummus.
- Don’t skip adding the ice! It helps with the creaminess of the hummus.
- Give the tahini a good mix before adding it to your hummus, as the oil can separate phases like any natural nut butter.
Nutrition
Other Chickpea Recipes That You May Like
- Healthy Chickpea Brownie Bites (Flourless and Sugar-Free)
- Easy Roasted Chickpeas (Healthy Snack for Kids)
- Easy Instant Pot Chickpea & Chicken Masala
Meal Planning Bundle
Are you looking for more resources to start weaning your baby? I have just what you need: the cutest printables to organize meal planning for your baby!