Baked Pizza Hummus

Who needs pizza for dinner when you can have pizza for an appetizer? This warm layered hummus dip looks and tastes just like pizza.

If you’ve been paying attention to the NCAA men’s basketball playoffs, then you know that tonight is the final game. I actually don’t follow college basketball during the regular season but I do enjoy setting up a bracket and watching how it pans out. Being from upstate NY I was a bit sad that Syracuse didn’t make it into the final game but at the same time I was not surprised when both UNC and Villanova advanced from the final four. Not that my bracket reflected that sentiment in the slightest as my bracket imploded along with everyone else’s when Michigan State lost in the first round.

If you have plans to catch the game tonight, may I suggest a tasty dip to be your sidekick for the event? This baked pizza hummus looks like a pizza with mozzarella and mini pepperoni on top, but underneath is a sun-dried tomato hummus. If you prefer more toppings you can absolutely add other things such as olives, peppers, and sausage to make a supreme version. Just like pizza, you can change up the toppings as you please. Just make sure you have plenty of bell peppers or pita chips handy.

Two years ago: Rainbow-Surprise Lemon Cake

Three years ago: Baked Eggs with Crispy Hash Brown Crust

Four years ago: Cheesy Cat Treats

Five years ago: Funfetti Cake Batter Smoothie

BAKED PIZZA HUMMUS

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained but liquid reserved

2 oz. Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup Tahini paste

1/4 cup sundried tomatoes

2 cloves garlic

3-4 Tbsp reserved bean liquid

2 Tbsp olive oil (I used the oil from the tomatoes)

1 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

2 Tbsp mini pepperoni

Directions:

1. Turn broiler on to high.
2. Add beans, cheese, tahini, tomatoes, garlic, reserved liquid, and olive oil to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add oregano, paprika, salt and pepper. If needed, add more of the reserved garbanzo bean liquid to reach desired consistency.
3. Spread hummus evenly into the bottom of a pie pan. Top with Mozzarella and pepperoni. Place under broiler for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
4. Serve warm with pita or bell pepper slices.

Source: Adapted from my Basil Pesto Hummus.