Muhammara Recipe (Roasted Red Pepper Dip, GF)

This Muhammara Recipe is a smoky, nutty, Mediterranean spread that is beautiful and flavorful. Made with roasted red peppers and toasted walnuts, this dip is blended into a sauce that is perfect for veggies or warm pita. My version keeps the traditional flavor, but uses gluten-free breadcrumbs keeping the texture the same as the original.

This dip is all about versatility. It works as a centerpiece for a mezze platter, a flavorful sandwich spread, or a simple appetizer with a drizzle of olive oil.

I love pairing it with my Middle Eastern Chicken, Moroccan Salmon, or a batch of crispy Za'atar Pita Chips for scooping. Every bite brings together smoky roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, and a touch of pomegranate molasses, creating a Mediterranean dip that's full of depth and warmth.

What Is Muhammara?

Muhammara is a traditional Syrian red pepper and walnut dip that's rich, savory, and slightly sweet. It's a staple of Middle Eastern mezze, often served alongside hummus, baba ghanoush, and fresh pita. The name comes from the Arabic word ahmar, meaning "red," a nod to its vibrant color from roasted red peppers.

Classic versions include breadcrumbs for body; however, my gluten-free adaptation keeps that texture intact by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. This makes it a delicious option for any Mediterranean-style table.

Ingredient Notes

• Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth of flavor. During testing, I found that a peppery olive oil gave the best balance against the sweetness of the roasted red peppers. A mild oil made the dip taste flat, so this is one ingredient worth choosing carefully.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs give muhammara its body and a lightly creamy texture. I tested a few versions using almond flour and ground walnuts, but gluten-free breadcrumbs provided the best consistency without making the dip dense. Look for a finely ground variety that blends smoothly.
• Pomegranate Molasses: This syrup adds tang, sweetness, and a subtle fruitiness that ties everything together. I tested a few different brands and found that some were overly sweet while others leaned tart. The ideal one should have a balance of both. If you have access to an imported or specialty Mediterranean brand, this is the place to use it.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Variations

• Breadcrumbs: If you're out of gluten-free breadcrumbs or can't find them, you can use ground walnuts or almond flour instead. Both will keep the dip thick, though almond flour gives a softer texture than ground walnuts. I preferred almond flour to ground walnuts in testing when substituting for breadcrumbs.
• Walnuts: Walnuts are traditional, but if you prefer a different flavor, try pecans or almonds. Each adds its own subtle sweetness but still pairs beautifully with the roasted red peppers.
• Pomegranate Molasses: If you can't find pomegranate molasses, mix equal parts of balsamic vinegar and honey. It won't be quite as tart, but it gives a nice balance of acidity and sweetness.
• Spice Level: For more heat use Calabrian chili flakes, or a touch more paprika. If you prefer a milder dip, reduce or skip the Aleppo pepper flakes.
• Texture: If the muhammara feels too thick, add another drizzle of olive oil or a small splash of water. To thicken it, pulse in an extra spoonful of breadcrumbs.

How To Make This Muhammara Recipe: Step-By-Step

Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:

Step 1: If using fresh bell peppers, char the peppers over an open flame or roast until the skin blisters and blackens. Cool the peppers down under cold water and then peel and discard the skins, seeds, and stems.

Step 2: In a dry skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Cool slightly.

Step 3: In a food processor, combine the red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, molasses, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and lemon juice. Pulse until mostly smooth.

Step 4: With the processor running, drizzle olive oil into the mixture until the dip becomes creamy. Transfer to a bowl and drizzle more olive oil if desired.