Sandstone Canyon Appetizer Layers (Printable Version)

Layered creamy hummus and crisp crackers create a striking snack with smoky and fresh garnishes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Hummus Layers

01 - 1.1 lb classic hummus (store-bought or homemade)
02 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
03 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Crackers

06 - 7 oz beige crackers (whole wheat, sesame, or water crackers)

→ Garnish

07 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
09 - 1 small lemon, cut into wedges

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, blend the hummus with smoked paprika, olive oil, ground cumin, and optional cayenne pepper until smooth and uniform.
02 - Spread a thin, wavy layer of the hummus mixture onto a large serving platter, forming ridges and valleys to resemble a canyon landscape.
03 - Stand the crackers upright along the wavy hummus layer, slightly overlapping to create texture and depth, mimicking canyon walls.
04 - Alternate layers of hummus and vertically placed crackers 3 to 4 times, maintaining the wave pattern for visual impact.
05 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley evenly over the top layers for added texture and color.
06 - Present immediately with lemon wedges on the side to provide a fresh, zesty complement.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes fifteen minutes but looks like you spent hours planning it.
  • Works for fancy gatherings or quiet evenings when you want something more interesting than plain dip.
  • Completely customizable depending on what spices and crackers you have on hand.
02 -
  • Season your hummus boldly—the spices need enough presence to stand up against the crackers, or the whole thing tastes like plain dip.
  • Assembling this right before guests arrive keeps crackers from getting soft; if you need to make it ahead, cover it loosely and only assemble the final garnish at the last moment.
03 -
  • Use an offset spatula or an old butter knife to create those wavy ridges; it gives you more control and a cleaner result than a regular spatula.
  • If your crackers start to lean or topple, gently press them deeper into the hummus layer below—they'll set as everything chills slightly.
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