Sandstone Canyon Appetizer (Printable version)

Layered hummus and crackers create a visually stunning, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Hummus Layers

01 - 1 3/4 cups classic hummus (store-bought or homemade)
02 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Crackers

06 - 7 ounces beige crackers (e.g., whole wheat, sesame, or water crackers)

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - Combine hummus, smoked paprika, olive oil, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper in a bowl and mix until evenly seasoned.
02 - Spread a thin, wavy layer of the hummus mixture on a large serving platter using a spatula to mimic ridges and valleys like a canyon.
03 - Stand crackers upright along the hummus waves, slightly overlapping to form textured canyon walls.
04 - Alternate layers of hummus and crackers in gentle waves, repeating 3 to 4 times to achieve visual depth.
05 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley on top; serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like edible art but takes just 15 minutes from start to table.
  • Everyone assumes it's complicated until you tell them it's basically hummus and crackers arranged with intention.
  • The textured layers mean every bite tastes different depending where you scoop from.
02 -
  • Soggy crackers happen if you assemble this more than 30 minutes before serving; hummus slowly softens them, which is fine for texture but not for visual drama.
  • The wavy ridges need to be exaggerated—subtle waves flatten and lose their canyon effect under the weight of the layers.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes before garnishing—it wakes up their flavor in a way pre-toasted sometimes doesn't.
  • Make extra seasoned hummus and keep it refrigerated; you'll find yourself pulling it out for quick snacks and realizing you've accidentally created your new favorite thing to have on hand.
Return