Table of Contents
Introduction
Halloween snacks don’t always need to be sugar-filled. Sometimes, the best way to balance a spooky spread is with something savory, healthy, and bold. Bloody Beet Hummus delivers just that. This twist on classic hummus combines roasted beets with chickpeas, tahini, and lemon, resulting in a dip that’s as striking as it is flavorful. Its vibrant crimson color makes it look like a cauldron of “blood,” perfect for Halloween parties or fall gatherings.
In this article, I’ll share the story behind this eerie yet elegant dish, step-by-step preparation, creative ways to serve it, and tips for making it the star of your Halloween table.
The Story Behind Bloody Beet Hummus
From Everyday Snack to Spooky Showstopper
Hummus is one of those snacks that shows up often in our home. Marek loves spreading it on pita, Emily dunks carrots and crackers into it, and Elizabeth swears it’s the best late-night snack. One October, while roasting beets for a salad, I decided to toss one into our hummus for a change. The result was shocking: a dip so red and dramatic it looked like something out of a vampire movie. Emily squealed, “It looks like blood!”—and the name stuck.
Why It’s Special
Bloody Beet Hummus isn’t just beautiful—it’s delicious. The earthiness of roasted beets blends seamlessly with creamy chickpeas, nutty tahini, and a bright splash of lemon. The flavor is slightly sweet, savory, and complex. Its bold color makes it a natural fit for Halloween, but it also works for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering where you want something both festive and healthy.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, roasted and peeled
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed (for texture)
Optional garnishes:
- Extra olive oil drizzle
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Pomegranate arils (for extra “bloody” effect)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Roast the Beets
Wrap beets in foil and roast at 400°F for 40–50 minutes until tender. Let cool, peel, and chop. - Blend the Base
In a food processor, combine roasted beets, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. Blend until smooth. - Adjust Texture
Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper. - Garnish and Serve
Spoon into a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and scatter pomegranate arils for an extra gory look. Serve with pita, crackers, or veggie sticks.
Decorating Ideas and Creative Variations
Spooky Halloween Presentation
- Vampire Bite Bowl: Use a toothpick to draw “bloody” streaks of beet puree on the sides of the bowl.
- Spider Web Dip: Pipe sour cream in a web design on top.
- Graveyard Scene: Stick tortilla chips shaped like tombstones into the hummus.
- Creepy Garnishes: Add black sesame seeds for “bugs” or candy eyes for a playful touch.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Beet Hummus: Add roasted red chili or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Herbed Version: Mix in fresh basil, parsley, or dill for a garden-fresh twist.
- Creamier Hummus: Blend with Greek yogurt for extra smoothness.
- Nutty Spin: Add walnuts or almonds for more depth.
Pairings
- Pita chips, lavash, or naan
- Carrots, celery, cucumber sticks
- Crackers or pretzels
- Halloween-themed cutout veggies (pumpkin-shaped bell peppers, bat-shaped cucumbers using cutters)
Serving, Storing, and Party Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bloody Beet Hummus in a black bowl for maximum spooky effect. Surround with an array of dippers arranged like a colorful harvest platter. For Halloween, add plastic spiders or cobweb décor around the serving tray to enhance the theme.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Drizzle with olive oil before refrigerating to keep the top fresh.
- Stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Party Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the hummus a day in advance and garnish just before serving.
- Potluck Ready: Transport it in a sealed jar and assemble decorations at the party.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Use fewer garlic cloves for a milder flavor.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve alongside Pumpkin Deviled Eggs or Witches’ Finger Breadsticks for a savory spread.
Bloody Beet Hummus: Spooky, Vibrant, and Perfect for Halloween
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Bloody Beet Hummus is bold, beautiful, and just spooky enough to steal the show at your Halloween party. With a vibrant crimson hue from roasted beets and a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with veggies or pita, this dip is healthy, festive, and totally addictive.
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, roasted and peeled
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed (for texture)
- Optional garnishes: Extra olive oil, sesame seeds, parsley or dill, pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 40–50 minutes until tender. Let cool, peel, and chop.
- In a food processor, combine roasted beets, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. Blend until smooth.
- Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired texture is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon into a serving bowl and smooth the top. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with sesame seeds, herbs, or pomegranate arils for a “bloody” finish.
- Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks.
Notes
Bloody Beet Hummus can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge—just garnish right before serving. To make it creamier, peel chickpeas before blending. Canned beets work in a pinch, but roasted gives deeper flavor. Try serving in a black bowl with spooky garnishes like candy eyes or olive “bugs”!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Halloween, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
FAQ: Bloody Beet Hummus
Does Bloody Beet Hummus taste like beets?
It has a subtle earthy sweetness, but the lemon, garlic, and cumin balance it perfectly.
Can I use canned beets instead of roasting fresh ones?
Yes, canned beets work for convenience, though roasted beets have a richer flavor.
How can I make the hummus smoother?
Peel the chickpeas before blending and add extra olive oil or water for creaminess.
Is this hummus vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for all diets.
Conclusion
Bloody Beet Hummus is the ultimate Halloween dip—healthy, spooky, and irresistibly vibrant. With its bold crimson color, it looks like a cauldron of blood but tastes like a gourmet treat. The earthiness of roasted beets combined with creamy chickpeas and tangy lemon creates a dip that’s festive and flavorful. Whether you decorate it with creepy garnishes, pair it with fresh veggies, or serve it in a cauldron bowl, this dish is guaranteed to turn heads and spark conversation.
Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving spreads, or any fall get-together, Bloody Beet Hummus proves that savory Halloween food can be just as fun and memorable as the sweets.
👉 I hope you enjoyed whipping up this dramatic Bloody Beet Hummus—it’s vibrant, earthy, and just the right amount of spooky for Halloween parties or autumn get-togethers. 🩸🥣✨ Not only does it look hauntingly fun, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients.
Want to add more to your appetizer table? Pair it with our refreshing Gluten-Free Greek Quinoa Salad or serve alongside heartier bites like our Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites. If you want something warm and comforting next to it, a bowl of Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup rounds out the spread perfectly.
Looking for more Halloween-ready sides? SANTMD’s Cheesy Garlic Bubble Bread is perfect for dipping, and their Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders add a savory, crowd-pleasing bite to your party menu.
For more bold flavors, DanaRecipes has delicious options like Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet or a comforting Chicken Alfredo Lasagna to turn your spooky snack night into a full meal.
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