Who doesn’t love hummus?

No, really. Hummus is practically essential these days—a dippable bean spread with Middle Eastern origins. It’s perfect for snacking, for sharing with a friend or two and even serving in more elaborate presentations.

On its own, hummus isn’t very exciting to look at. It’s a thick paste made with mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon and garlic—give or take a few spices. But what it lacks in color and pizzazz, hummus makes up for in its savory, earthy flavor and satisfyingly creamy texture.

We love hummus, but it’s rare that we make our own. It’s just one of those foods that is easier to buy than it is to make. Store-bought hummus is fine by us. It comes in different styles and flavors, often with a little dollop of roasted peppers or hot pepper oil on top, but what if we said you can up the ante a little?

It’s super easy to upgrade your tub of hummus with some of your favorite flavors. All it takes is a trip to the pantry or your local deli for some marinated olive bar bites. Let your favorite ingredients and antipasti inspire you: pesto, Calabrian peppers, olives, pine nuts, grilled artichoke hearts, crumbled feta and more.

Now is the time for you to get creative with your hummus recipes. We wanted to share some of our favorite ways to dress up store-bought hummus. Check out these easy hummus upgrades.