Sandstone Canyon Appetizer

# What You'll Need:

→ Hummus Layers

01 - 1 1/8 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 Make:

01 - Combine hummus, smoked paprika, olive oil, ground cumin, and optional cayenne pepper in a bowl; mix until smooth and uniform.

02 - Spread a thin, wavy layer of seasoned hummus on a large serving platter using a spatula, forming ridges and valleys to mimic a canyon landscape.

03 - Stand crackers upright following the contour of the hummus waves, slightly overlapping to create texture resembling canyon walls.

04 - Alternate smooth hummus layers and upright crackers in gentle waves, repeating 3 to 4 times to enhance depth and visual appeal.

05 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley over the top layers to add texture and color.

06 - Present immediately alongside lemon wedges to provide a fresh, zesty complement.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It looks restaurant-worthy but takes just 15 minutes—no baking required.
You get that satisfying contrast of creamy and crisp with every bite, plus the visual drama actually impresses people.
It's naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for vegan guests, so it works for almost any gathering.

02 -

If your hummus is too thick, it won't hold the wavy ridges—a touch more olive oil will make it spreadable without losing structure.
Crackers can soften quickly once they touch hummus, so don't assemble this more than an hour before serving, or they'll become chewy instead of crisp.

03 -