Sandstone Canyon Appetizer (Printable version)

Creamy hummus and crisp crackers layered to evoke sandstone canyon textures in a vibrant, easy dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Hummus Layers

01 - 1 1/10 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 (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 Steps:

01 - In a bowl, combine hummus with smoked paprika, olive oil, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper; mix until smooth and well blended.
02 - Spread a thin, undulating layer of the seasoned hummus on a large serving platter using a spatula, forming ridges to resemble canyon contours.
03 - Stand crackers upright along the hummus ridges, overlapping slightly to simulate canyon walls and add texture.
04 - Alternate layers of hummus and crackers in gentle waves, repeating 3 to 4 times to achieve depth and visual interest.
05 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley evenly over the top layers for color and crunch.
06 - Present immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty accompaniment.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like edible art but takes 15 minutes, making you seem effortlessly talented.
  • Every bite combines creamy hummus with the satisfying crack of a good cracker, no measuring or timing needed.
  • Naturally vegan and vegetarian, so it works for any table without separate prep.
02 -
  • Hummus oxidizes and darkens when exposed to air, so make the layers close to serving time if appearance matters—though honestly, it tastes the same either way.
  • Crackers absorb moisture from hummus if they sit too long, so this is a same-day, serve-fresh kind of platter rather than something you can prep hours ahead.
03 -
  • Room-temperature hummus spreads easier than cold, so take it out 10 minutes before building; cold hummus tears the cracker surface and ruins the canyon effect.
  • An offset spatula or even a butter knife with a gentle hand creates cleaner, more dramatic ridges than a regular spoon.
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