I created this creamy, delicious sweet tomato basil hummus to mimic the flavor of a bread made by Panera. Tomato Basil bread includes many of these same flavors, but it’s not always easy to get a loaf from the Panera Bread bakery. Instead, when we want to make a Mediterranean veggie sandwich on wheat or sourdough, we can add this flavorful hummus to gain full enjoyment.

Sweet Tomato Basil Hummus Ingredients

Chickpeas – Provides the foundation for most hummus recipes. I typically use canned chickpeas (AKA garbanzo beans) for hummus recipes with great results. But you can totally use dried chickpeas that have either been soaked overnight or cooked.

Tahini – Many people believe, “If it don’t have tahini, it ain’t real hummus.” Why? Tradition mostly. But tahini also provides the creamy, cohesive texture that pulls the processed chickpeas and all the other ingredients together.

Lemon juice – Adds much needed moisture, loosening up the tahini so it can do it’s magic. The citric acid also offsets the bitterness of the traditional sesame paste.

Canola Oil – Helps the mixture to become more creamy. There’s really no other source of fat in the recipe, so oil enriches the flavor of the hummus.

Garlic – Smashed first to better release it’s pungent flavor and aroma. Garlic powder is okay in a pinch, mainly because garlic is not a featured ingredient in this recipe.

Salt – Takes hummus and so many other foods from bland to delicious.

Fresh Cherry Tomatoes – This is the best way to get tomato flavor into your hummus. I tried tomato paste, but I’m not crazy about the deep, almost bitter flavor profile. Sun-dried tomatoes will work too, but don’t provide as much tomato flavor. Instead they add an unnecessary spiciness.

Fresh Basil Leaves – Basil is it’s most flavorful when it’s fresh. Dried basil will work here, but just not as well.

Honey – For flavor and a touch of sweetness. Make it vegan with agave or sugar. But I would add it at the end to make sure it’s not too much.

Vanilla – Provides it’s own lovely flavor, but more importantly, enhances the other flavors found in a recipe.

Cinnamon – Just a little to add some warmth, spice, and sweetness that provide depth of flavor.

How to make Sweet Tomato Basil Hummus

As long as you have food processor, this is a recipe that can be made within 15-20 minutes. There’s no prep. The processor does it all for you. If not, smashing chickpeas in a mortar and pestle is the next best thing. But I’m not doing that, and you probably shouldn’t either unless that’s something your family has done for years.

Start by making basic hummus

To a food processor, add drained and rinsed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, canola (or other neutral oil), smashed garlic, and salt. Process for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture starts to smooth. Scrape the sides occasionally to ensure that all the ingredients mix thoroughly.

Add the flavor

Add 10 cherry tomatoes and 2 sprigs of basil (leaves only), then process for 1-2 minutes. Scrape as needed. Then add the remaining ingredients: honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. Process. Scrape as needed. Then finish by processing until your hummus has reached the desired smoothness. For me that was about 2-3 minutes, but maybe you like it a little chunky. Or maybe your processor is more or less powerful than mine. As always, do what’s best for you.

FAQ for Sweet Tomato Basil Hummus

What can I eat with this hummus?

I actually made this hummus to mimic the flavors baked into Panera’s Tomato Basil Bread, which is featured on the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich. I think this hummus is perfect for that sandwich if you are using unflavored bread, such as sourdough or wheat bread.

In addition to sandwiches, I found this hummus to be delightful with pita chips, crackers, carrots and other veggies. Let me know what else you like to use hummus for in the comments below.

Does it matter if I use dried or canned chickpeas?

Nope. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand. I find that canned chickpeas work great for this recipe, but some folks are very particular about their hummus and need it done a certain way. If that’s you, that’s cool too.

Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and photos on Instagram @TheFlavorFanatic1.

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