Sandstone Canyon Appetizer Layers (Printable Format)

Creamy hummus layers alternate with crisp crackers, creating a visually striking Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.

# What's Needed:

→ Hummus Layers

01 - 1 pint 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 (such as 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

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine hummus, smoked paprika, olive oil, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper in a bowl; mix until smooth and well blended.
02 - Spread a thin, wavy layer of seasoned hummus onto a large serving platter using a spatula to form ridges and valleys resembling a canyon landscape.
03 - Insert crackers upright into the hummus along the undulating surface to form canyon walls, slightly overlapping them for texture and depth.
04 - Alternate layers of hummus and crackers, building up three to four wavy layers to achieve maximum visual impact.
05 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley evenly over the top layers to enhance texture and color.
06 - Offer lemon wedges alongside immediately for a bright, zesty accompaniment.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent the afternoon in the kitchen when you actually spent fifteen minutes, which is the kind of magic we all need.
  • No cooking means you can make it while wearing whatever you want and still feel like a host with impeccable taste.
  • It tastes even better than it looks, especially when the paprika hits your tongue with that warm, smoky whisper.
02 -
  • Spread your hummus while it's at room temperature—cold hummus fights back and won't create those smooth, enticing waves.
  • The crackers soften slightly as they sit, which is exactly what you want because it makes them easier to break off and dip back into the hummus.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes if you can—the difference between pre-toasted and just-toasted is the difference between good and unforgettable.
  • Serve this immediately after assembly so the crackers stay crisp and the hummus stays proud; soggy crackers are the only real mistake you can make here.
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