Sandstone Canyon Layers (Printable)

Creamy spiced hummus layered with crisp crackers to create an eye-catching, textured snack with Mediterranean flair.

# What You Need:

→ Hummus Layers

01 - 1 pint classic hummus (store-bought or homemade)
02 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
04 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
05 - ¼ 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

# Directions:

01 - Combine hummus, smoked paprika, olive oil, cumin, and cayenne pepper in a bowl; mix until smooth and evenly seasoned.
02 - Spread a thin, wavy layer of hummus on a large serving platter using a spatula to form ridges and valleys imitating a canyon landscape.
03 - Place crackers upright along the hummus waves, overlapping slightly to build textured canyon walls.
04 - Alternate layering hummus and crackers in gentle waves, repeating 3 to 4 times to achieve depth and visual impact.
05 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley over the top to enhance texture and color.
06 - Present immediately alongside lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-worthy but takes only 15 minutes, so you can stop stressing about prep time.
  • Everyone becomes a participant the moment they notice the intentional design—it sparks conversation before anyone takes a bite.
  • You can make it entirely vegan by choosing the right crackers and hummus, no substitutions needed.
02 -
  • If your hummus is too thick to create clean waves, stir in a teaspoon of water at a time until it spreads smoothly without losing its structure.
  • Arrange this no more than 30 minutes before serving so the crackers stay crisp and don't soften from sitting in hummus.
03 -
  • Mix your hummus spices ahead of time in a small jar so you can grab them all at once when you're ready to plate, keeping the energy fluid and stress-free.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2 minutes if you can; they're more fragrant and flavorful than store-bought, and it's one of those small moves that people taste without knowing why.
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