How to Freeze and Thaw Hummus

Co-authored by Jerran Boyer and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: January 5, 2024 Approved

So, you’ve bought or made a lot of hummus, and now you’re not sure if you’ll be able to eat it all before the expiration date. Don’t worry because you can freeze hummus as easily as 1-2-3! Although the taste and texture of hummus could change once it’s frozen, freezing hummus can be super convenient and helps you waste less food. Keep reading to learn how to freeze hummus and when to defrost.

Things You Should Know

Store hummus in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Freeze hummus in an airtight container with a little drizzle of olive oil.
Try adding spices or fresh ingredients to thawed hummus to enhance its flavor.

Section 1 of 4:

Can you freeze hummus?

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Yes, leftover hummus can be frozen for up to 4 months. Freezing hummus comes in handy when you’ve made a large batch of hummus or opened a package of hummus and can’t eat it before it expires. The texture and taste may change a bit when you freeze hummus, but it’s still perfectly good to thaw and eat.^{[1]
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- Consume frozen hummus within a week of thawing.
- The longer hummus is left in the freezer, the more pronounced flavor and consistency changes will be.

Section 2 of 4:

How to Freeze Hummus

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Spoon the hummus into an airtight container. Whether your hummus is homemade or from the store, you’ll need to freeze it in an airtight container.^{[2]
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Research source} Use a spoon or a spatula to scrape all of the hummus from the bowl or package that it’s in. Press the hummus down into the container’s corners to get the most out of the space.
- Avoid using Ziploc bags or glass containers when freezing your hummus, as a bag could freeze the hummus unevenly, and the glass may crack while thawing.
- Leave 1 in (2.5 cm) or so of space between the lid and hummus. This will allow the hummus to expand while it freezes.
- Freeze the hummus in small batches using smaller containers, so you can easily thaw a specific amount.
A thin coating of olive oil over the top of your hummus will help retain moisture and not dry out during freezing. Pour the olive oil straight from the bottle or use a spoon to cover the top in a thin layer.^{[3]
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Use a permanent marker or stick-on label to write the date you placed it in the freezer, including the month and year. This will help you track how long the hummus has been in the freezer.
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Consume the hummus within 4 to 6 months. Leaving the hummus in the freezer for longer than 4 months could cause it to become freezer-burnt, which will alter the taste and texture. Although you can safely consume frozen hummus within 6 months of freezing, it may not be as enjoyable as thawing and eating within 4 months.^{[4]
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- If you still have too much hummus on your hands after freezing, ask friends and family if they’d like any—there’s no harm in sharing a delicious dip!

Section 3 of 4:

How long does hummus take to thaw?

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Frozen hummus takes between 24 and 48 hours to thaw in the refrigerator. When it comes time to use your frozen hummus, place the container in the fridge for at least a day. This will let the hummus thaw slowly, helping it defrost evenly, so it regains its soft texture.^{[5]
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- Stir thawed hummus with a spoon before serving to ensure everything is nicely thawed and the oils are combined.^{[6]
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- Expect a slight change in taste and texture when you eat thawed hummus. The water inside the hummus expands and shrinks during the freezing and defrosting process, altering the flavor and consistency.
- Do not thaw hummus at room temperature, or it might spoil.

Section 4 of 4:

How to Use Thawed Hummus

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Enhance the hummus’ taste with spices. If you find that the new taste of the thawed hummus is a bit different, try adding new flavors with spices. Sprinkle some paprika, cumin, and/or black pepper over the top of the hummus for a bright new kick.
- Consider chopping and sprinkling an onion, bell pepper, or garlic clove over the hummus for added fresh flavors.
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Spread the hummus on a sandwich. Hummus can be a great and tasty mayo substitute! Simply make your favorite sandwich, and then spread a dollop of hummus on the top slice. Who knows? You may find a new favorite condiment!
- Hummus pairs well with chicken, turkey, and leafy greens.
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Dip crackers and veggies in hummus while enjoying a snack platter. Is there anything better than a veggie and cheese tray? Add a bit of extra protein to your charcuterie board with a bowl full of hummus. Try dipping in your crackers, carrots, peppers, or even cheese in the spread.
- Make a little cracker sandwich by dipping a cracker in hummus, putting on a slice of cheese, and then topping it off with another cracker.
Believe it or not, many delicious dishes ask for a serving of hummus. Make hummus beef burgers by mixing ground beef with hummus, or create a creamy hummus-sesame noodle by mixing hummus with soy sauce.^{[7]
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