Looking for a festive, healthy, and crowd-pleasing snack this Halloween? Pumpkin Patch Hummus Cups are the perfect bite-sized treat to impress your family, friends, or party guests. Bursting with flavor, easy to make, and visually adorable, these little cups bring the spirit of Halloween to your table without the sugar overload of traditional candy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive Pumpkin Patch Hummus Cups:
For the Hummus:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
For the Pumpkin Patch Cups: - 1 cup mini bell peppers (orange or yellow, to resemble pumpkins)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/4 teaspoon black sesame seeds (for added detail)
Optional Garnishes: - Pomegranate seeds
- Cherry tomatoes
- Microgreens
Pro Tip: Mini bell peppers work best for this recipe because they’re naturally cup-shaped, making them perfect for stuffing with hummus.
Required Kitchen Tools
To make Pumpkin Patch Hummus Cups, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Food processor or blender (for the hummus)
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or small spatula (for stuffing the cups)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platter or tray
Optional: A piping bag can make filling the peppers with hummus faster and neater.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Creating Pumpkin Patch Hummus Cups is fun and straightforward. Follow these steps for the best results:
Step 1: Prepare the Hummus
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the hummus is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water, one at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a more festive orange hue, add a pinch of paprika and blend again.
Tip: For extra flavor, roast the chickpeas for 15 minutes at 400°F before blending. This adds a subtle nutty taste to your hummus.
Step 2: Prepare the Mini Bell Peppers
- Wash the mini bell peppers thoroughly.
- Cut off the tops of each pepper and remove seeds and membranes to create a hollow cup.
- Set aside the tops—they can be used for garnish or snacking later.
Step 3: Assemble the Pumpkin Patch Hummus Cups
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each mini bell pepper with hummus, slightly mounding it at the top.
- Sprinkle finely diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and parsley on top to resemble a pumpkin patch.
- Add pumpkin seeds and black sesame seeds as accents for “soil” and texture.
- Optional: Add pomegranate seeds or cherry tomatoes to add a pop of color, making your hummus cups even more festive for Halloween.
Pro Tip: You can arrange the hummus cups on a large platter and garnish with additional parsley or microgreens to create a mini “garden” effect. This makes them even more visually appealing at Halloween parties.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Chill the hummus cups in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving if you prefer them slightly cold.
- Serve on a colorful platter or in individual mini cupcake liners to make them easy for guests to pick up.
- Enjoy the perfect combination of creamy hummus, crunchy veggies, and festive flair!
Helpful Tips for Making or Serving
- Consistency Matters: If your hummus is too thick, it can be hard to pipe into the bell peppers. Thin it slightly with water, olive oil, or extra lemon juice.
- Make Ahead: Hummus can be made 1–2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the cups right before serving to keep the peppers crisp.
- Kid-Friendly Option: Mini bell peppers are perfect for little hands. Let kids help stuff the peppers—they’ll love the creative aspect!
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is completely plant-based and vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
- Add Flavor Variations: Try roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes blended into the hummus for extra depth of flavor.
- Presentation Tip: Place the hummus cups in a circular pattern on a platter to resemble a pumpkin patch, enhancing the Halloween theme.
Approximate Nutritional Value
While the exact nutrition will vary depending on the ingredients and portion size, here’s an estimate for one Pumpkin Patch Hummus Cup:
- Calories: 60–80 kcal
- Protein: 2–3 g
- Fat: 4–5 g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and tahini)
- Carbohydrates: 5–6 g
- Fiber: 2–3 g
- Sugars: 1–2 g
Note: This makes Pumpkin Patch Hummus Cups a guilt-free, nutrient-dense snack perfect for Halloween parties or even as a healthy appetizer year-round.
Why Pumpkin Patch Hummus Cups Are Perfect for Halloween
These hummus cups are not only visually fun, but they also fit seamlessly into a Halloween menu for several reasons:
- Healthy Alternative to Candy: During a season known for sugar overload, these cups offer a nutritious alternative that both kids and adults can enjoy.
- Festive Appearance: The mini bell peppers look like tiny pumpkins, instantly adding a spooky or autumnal touch to any table.
- Customizable: You can adjust the toppings to suit your taste or color theme. Want a “spooky” version? Add black olives or red bell pepper accents for a creepy twist.
- Easy to Serve: No baking or complicated cooking is required, making this recipe perfect for busy parents or party hosts.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Bite-sized and colorful, these cups are guaranteed to be a hit at Halloween gatherings.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Pumpkin Patch Platter: Arrange the hummus cups in a circular pattern on a large tray, sprinkle extra pumpkin seeds and parsley around the edges, and place a small decorative pumpkin in the center.
- DIY Hummus Station: Let guests fill their own mini peppers with hummus and toppings for a fun, interactive experience.
- Spooky Twist: Add tiny black olive “eyes” or use beet hummus to create a blood-red effect for a more Halloween-themed look.
- Pairing: Serve with whole grain crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for added variety and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular bell peppers instead of mini ones?
A: Yes, but mini bell peppers are easier to serve as bite-sized cups and look more festive. If using larger peppers, cut them into smaller sections to mimic the mini pepper effect.
Q: How long can I store these hummus cups?
A: Assemble them right before serving for best texture. Hummus can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days in the fridge, but the peppers may become slightly watery if stuffed too early.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just avoid adding crackers or pita that contain gluten if you’re serving them as part of the platter.
Q: Can I freeze the hummus?
A: Yes, hummus can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. However, freezing the stuffed mini peppers is not recommended as the texture of the peppers will change.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Patch Hummus Cups are a delightful and healthy way to celebrate Halloween. With their vibrant colors, creamy texture, and festive appearance, they’re sure to wow your guests while keeping your snack table nutritious and fun. Perfect for kids’ parties, adult gatherings, or just a fun family treat, this recipe combines flavor, creativity, and convenience all in one bite-sized package.
So, this Halloween, swap out some candy for these adorable hummus cups and enjoy a snack that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Try this recipe today and bring a mini pumpkin patch to your table!
