Panera Bread Hummus Recipe

Panera Bread Hummus is a smooth, creamy Mediterranean staple that serves as the heart of their popular Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich. Ideally the chickpeas should be simmered with a pinch of baking soda before blending to ensure the skins soften completely for a signature restaurant-style texture.

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Panera Bread Hummus Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup high-quality tahini
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 to 3 tbsp ice-cold water

How To Make Panera Bread Hummus Recipe

1. Simmer the Chickpeas: Place the rinsed chickpeas in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Add a half teaspoon of baking soda and simmer for 15 minutes until the chickpeas are very soft and falling apart.
2. Drain and Rinse: Drain the chickpeas and rinse them under cold water. If you have time, gently rub them between your hands to remove any loose skins for a smoother finish.
3. Blend the Aromatics: In a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice. Process for 1 minute until the mixture is thick and creamy.
4. Add Seasoning: Add the minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, and salt to the food processor. Process for another 30 seconds to fully incorporate the flavors.
5. Process the Chickpeas: Add half of the chickpeas to the processor and blend for 1 minute. Add the remaining chickpeas and process for 2 to 3 minutes until thick and smooth.
6. The Ice Water Trick: While the processor is running, drizzle in the ice-cold water 1 tablespoon at a time. This aerates the hummus and creates the light, whipped texture characteristic of Panera’s version.
7. Final Taste: Adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed. Transfer to a bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Baking Soda Secret: Simmering canned chickpeas with baking soda raises the pH of the water, which helps break down the pectin in the chickpea skins, leading to a much creamier result.
• Ice Cold Water: Using ice-cold water during the final blending stage helps create a lighter, whiter, and fluffier hummus through emulsification.
• Tahini Selection: The flavor of your hummus is heavily dependent on the quality of your tahini. Look for a brand that is smooth and pourable rather than thick and bitter.
• Garlic Mellowing: If you find raw garlic too strong, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for 5 minutes before blending; the acid will take the “bite” out of the garlic.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Hummus

Hummus pairings are refreshing additions frequently served with fresh vegetables or warm bread to create a wholesome snack. Ideally the pita bread should be toasted until just warm to provide a soft, pillowy contrast to the chilled and zesty chickpea spread.

• Slices of toasted sourdough or whole-grain baguette
• Fresh cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and baby carrots
• Panera Bread Greek Salad
• Use it as a spread for a Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich with feta and peppadew peppers

How To Store Panera Bread Hummus

• Refrigerate: Store the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Oil Seal: If you are storing it for more than 1 day, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top to keep the surface from drying out.
• Freeze: You can freeze hummus for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir vigorously before serving to restore the creamy texture.

Panera Bread Hummus Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 160 kcal (per 1/4 cup serving)
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 8 servings.

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