This homemade rendition is truly a game-changer. Imagine a creamy, smooth hummus with just the right amount of garlic pungency and a delightful, zesty heat from fresh jalapeños. It’s the perfect dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or the star of your very own homemade power bowl. And the best part? You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your healthy eating goals, including the 21 Day Fix program.

Why Make Your Own Panera Hummus at Home?

Beyond the simple satisfaction of recreating a restaurant favorite, there are several compelling reasons to whip up your own batch of this garlic jalapeño hummus:

• Superior Freshness & Taste: When you make hummus at home, you control the quality of the ingredients. Fresh garlic, bright citrus, and crisp jalapeños combine to create a flavor that truly outshines store-bought versions.
• Health Benefits & Dietary Control: This recipe is specifically tailored to be 21 Day Fix approved, meaning it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and perfectly portioned. You avoid unwanted additives, excessive sodium, and unhealthy fats often found in commercial dips. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free too!
• Cost-Effectiveness: A can of chickpeas, a couple of lemons, and a few spices go a long way. Making your own hummus is significantly cheaper than buying it from Panera or any other grocery store, saving you money in the long run.
• Customizable Spice Level: Love a fiery kick? Add more jalapeño. Prefer it milder? Remove the seeds and membranes, or use less. You can easily adjust the heat to your personal preference, something you can’t do with pre-made options.
• Convenience: Panera might not sell their hummus a la carte, but your kitchen is always open! Enjoy this delicious dip whenever the craving strikes.

The Flavor Profile: Jalapeño Garlic Perfection

What makes Panera’s hummus so unique, and what this copycat recipe captures perfectly, is the interplay of savory garlic and the fresh, slightly spicy notes of jalapeño. It’s not overpoweringly hot, but rather a balanced warmth that lingers pleasantly on the palate. The citrus from both lemon and lime juice brightens everything, preventing the dip from feeling heavy, while fresh cilantro adds an herbaceous lift that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable blend that’s incredibly addictive.

Key Ingredients for Your Best Hummus

Creating this irresistible dip requires just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each component is vital:

• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): The foundation of any good hummus. Make sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture. While some recipes suggest peeling them for extra creaminess, it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe, especially if you’re short on time.
• Lemon Juice & Lime Juice: The dual citrus power is key! Lemon provides that classic brightness, while a touch of lime adds a unique zesty tang that sets this hummus apart and mimics Panera’s distinctive flavor. Always use fresh juice for the best results.
• Fresh Cilantro: This herb introduces a burst of fresh, earthy notes that beautifully complement the spice of the jalapeño and the richness of the garlic. Don’t skip it!
• Fresh Garlic: Two cloves deliver a robust, aromatic punch. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that authentic, pungent hummus flavor.
• Jalapeño: Half a jalapeño, chopped, provides the signature heat. For less spice, remove the seeds and white membrane. For more, feel free to add a bit more or leave some seeds in!
• Olive Oil: Essential for achieving a silky-smooth texture and adding a subtle richness to the hummus. Extra virgin olive oil will impart the best flavor.
• Water: Used to adjust the consistency. You’ll add it gradually until you reach your desired level of creaminess.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor

While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips can elevate your homemade hummus from good to absolutely phenomenal:

• Food Processor is Your Friend: A good quality food processor is essential for making smooth hummus. Allow it to run for a few minutes, scraping down the sides periodically, to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated and the texture is uniform.
• Gradual Water Addition: Don’t dump all the water in at once. Start with one tablespoon and add more, half a tablespoon at a time, until the hummus reaches your preferred creaminess. Some people like it thick, others prefer a looser dip.
• Adjust Spiciness: The amount of jalapeño listed provides a mild to medium heat. If you love spice, you can add the full jalapeño, or even a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. If you’re heat-sensitive, make sure to remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. You can even try roasting the jalapeño first for a smokier, milder flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your hummus before serving! You might want to add a pinch of salt (though chickpeas are often salted in the can), a little more lemon juice for brightness, or even a tiny dash of cumin if you prefer that traditional hummus note (though Panera’s is less cumin-forward).
• Chill for Enhanced Flavor: While you can enjoy it immediately, the flavors of the hummus really meld and deepen after an hour or two in the refrigerator.

Garlic Jalapeño Copy Cat Panera Hummus Recipe

Copy Cat Panera Hummus {Jalapeno Garlic Flavor}

Author:
Nancylynn

This homemade Panera hummus with jalapeño and garlic is incredibly flavorful, 21 Day Fix approved, and truly tastes better than the restaurant original!

4.60 from 5 votes

Servings :
4 servings

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time
10 minutes mins

Total Time
10 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• ▢ 1 can chickpeas rinsed and drained
• ▢ Juice of a lemon
• ▢ Juice of a lime
• ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic
• ▢ 1/2 jalapeño chopped
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 1-2 tablespoons water

Instructions

 

• Add all ingredients to your food processor.
• Mix until smooth, adding more water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
• Measure out a BLUE container for 21 Day Fix, and enjoy with fresh veggies, pita, or in your own copycat Power Bowl!

Notes

Alter the spiciness to your liking by adjusting the amount of jalapeño. For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 0.1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Sodium: 1mg
Potassium: 7mg
Fiber: 0.1g
Sugar: 0.1g
Vitamin A: 8IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 3mg
Iron: 0.1mg

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Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Hummus

This garlic jalapeño hummus is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways:

• Classic Dip: Pair it with a colorful array of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes. It’s also fantastic with pita bread, pita chips, or your favorite crackers.
• Power Bowls: Recreate the Panera experience by adding a generous dollop to a bowl with grilled chicken or chickpeas, quinoa, mixed greens, and other fresh veggies.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread a layer of hummus on your sandwiches, wraps, or even toast for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. It’s a great alternative to mayonnaise.
• Salad Dressing Base: Thin it out with a little extra lemon juice and water to create a creamy, flavorful salad dressing.
• Accompaniment: Serve alongside grilled meats (chicken, lamb), falafel, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

21 Day Fix Approved: Your Healthy Go-To Dip

For those following the 21 Day Fix program, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your meal plan. Hummus falls into the blue container category (healthy fats/seeds), and this homemade version ensures you’re getting maximum flavor without compromising your macros. By making it yourself, you avoid the added sugars and unhealthy oils sometimes found in store-bought varieties, allowing you to stay on track with your fitness goals while still enjoying delicious food.

Each serving of this hummus (approximately 1/4 of the recipe) perfectly fits into your blue container, making it an easy and satisfying way to get in your healthy fats and fiber. Enjoy it guilt-free as a snack or as part of a larger, balanced meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This homemade hummus is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for days:

• Refrigeration: Store your copycat Panera hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Flavor Development: The flavors often deepen and meld even more beautifully after a day or two in the fridge, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time.
• Freshen Up: If the hummus seems a bit thick after refrigeration, simply stir in a tiny bit of water or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency.

Are you doing a round of the 21 Day Fix and looking for extra support? Don’t do it alone – let me coach you! Contact me at trueconfessionsofafitfoodie AT gmail DOT com to join my current challenge group. The group offers daily motivation, delicious recipe ideas (like this one!), and the unwavering support of over 200 amazing women who are on their own health and fitness journeys. And for even more 21 Day Fix inspiration, be sure to check out my Etsy Shop, where you’ll find comprehensive 21 Day Fix eBooks packed with full grocery lists, expert prep tips, and a collection of easy-to-follow, healthy recipes!

This copycat Panera hummus truly delivers on flavor, health, and simplicity. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation, proving that homemade is almost always better.