Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus Recipe
Introduction
This spicy sweet potato hummus is a vibrant twist on a classic dip. Roasted sweet potatoes blended with smoky paprika and a hint of chili create a creamy, flavorful spread perfect for snacking or entertaining.

Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 400g), peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- ½ tsp chilli flakes, plus extra to serve (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Vegetable crudités, breadsticks or crackers, and pitted olives to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Place the sweet potato cubes on a baking tray and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them. Sprinkle the chilli flakes (if using) and smoked paprika, then toss to coat evenly. Spread in a single layer.
- Step 2: Trim the root end off the garlic cloves and nestle them among the sweet potatoes. Roast for 30–35 minutes until the potatoes are soft, tossing halfway through.
- Step 3: Remove the tray from the oven and let the sweet potatoes and garlic cool completely. Once cool, squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin into a food processor along with the sweet potatoes.
- Step 4: Add tahini and lemon juice to the food processor, then blitz for 1 minute until the mixture breaks down.
- Step 5: With the motor running, slowly pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Continue to blitz for up to 4 minutes until you achieve a smooth, creamy paste.
- Step 6: Pour in 50–60ml cold water to loosen the hummus, then blitz again to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Step 7: Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl, create a swirl with the back of a spoon, drizzle with extra olive oil, and sprinkle with additional chilli flakes if desired. Serve with vegetable crudités, breadsticks, crackers, and olives for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of ground cumin along with the paprika.
- If you prefer a milder dip, reduce or omit the chilli flakes.
- Use any leftover hummus as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for added flavor.
- Swap tahini for almond butter for a nutty twist in the hummus.
Storage
Store the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature and stir well. If it thickens during storage, stir in a little water or olive oil to loosen it. This hummus is not suitable for freezing as texture may change.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this hummus without a food processor?
While a food processor is ideal for achieving a smooth texture, you can use a blender or a sturdy hand mixer. You may need to blend in smaller batches and add extra liquid to help the mixture combine.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
You can substitute regular potatoes, but the flavor and sweetness will differ. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creaminess that complements the spices well.
Print
Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus is a vibrant twist on the classic dip, blending the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with smoky paprika and a hint of chili heat. Creamy tahini and fresh lemon juice add depth and brightness, making it perfect for serving with crunchy vegetable crudités, breadsticks, crackers, or olives.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Roasting
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 400g), peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided (1 tbsp for roasting, 2 tbsp for blending and drizzling)
- 1⁄2 tsp chilli flakes, plus extra to serve (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
Blending
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 50–60 ml cold water
To Serve
- Vegetable crudités
- Breadsticks or crackers
- Pitted olives
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 2cm pieces for even roasting.
- Season and Roast: Place sweet potato cubes on a baking tray. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over them and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (if using) and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly in the spiced oil and spread out in a single layer. Nestle unpeeled garlic cloves, trimmed at the root, among the sweet potatoes. Roast for 30-35 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking, until tender and golden.
- Cool the Roasted Vegetables: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the sweet potatoes and garlic to cool completely to prevent heat from affecting the blender or processor later.
- Prepare the Hummus Base: Transfer the cooled sweet potatoes to a food processor. Squeeze the softened garlic flesh from its skin into the processor. Add 2 tablespoons tahini and the juice of one lemon. Blitz for 1 minute to break down the potatoes.
- Emulsify and Adjust Texture: With the processor running, gradually pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Continue blending for up to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes a smooth and creamy paste. Add 50-60 ml cold water to loosen the consistency as needed and blend again to combine fully.
- Season and Serve: Season the hummus to taste with salt and additional chili flakes if desired. Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl, create a swirl pattern with the back of a spoon, drizzle with extra olive oil, and sprinkle with extra chili flakes for garnish. Serve with vegetable crudités, breadsticks, crackers, and olives for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, omit or reduce the chili flakes.
- Roasting garlic whole mellows its flavor and adds a subtle sweetness to the hummus.
- The hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you prefer a thinner hummus, add more water gradually during blending until desired consistency is reached.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern inspired
Keywords: sweet potato hummus, spicy hummus, roasted sweet potato dip, vegetarian dip, healthy appetizer, smoky hummus

