The humble food processor – a kitchen workhorse that’s capable of transforming ingredients into an endless array of culinary delights. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this versatile appliance can help you achieve professional-quality results with minimal effort.
So, what can you use a food processor for? The possibilities are truly endless! With its ability to chop, dice, mince, shred, slice, blend, and grind, you can make everything from classic dishes like hummus and peanut butter oatmeal energy bars to sweet treats like sugar cookies and chocolate truffles.
Coleslaw
In the past, preparing coleslaw was a labor-intensive process that involved meticulously cutting cabbage and carrots by hand. If they were fortunate enough to have a grater at their disposal, it made the task slightly more manageable.
Fast forward to the present, where the food processor has become an invaluable asset in many kitchens. With its help, much of the tedious work is eliminated, leaving you with perfectly uniform vegetable pieces.
What sets this recipe apart is its stunning visual appeal. The combination of red and green cabbage, carrots, and a sprinkle of chopped flat parsley creates a vibrant medley of colors that’s almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.
The sauce itself derives its unique flavor profile from the subtle nuances imparted by onion powder and ground ginger, elevating this coleslaw recipe to new heights.
Strawberry Puree
Indulge in the sweet delight of a vegan strawberry sauce to elevate desserts like angel food cake, ice cream, pound cake, and cheesecake to new heights. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to whip up at home. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a couple of minutes to spare. A blender or food processor is all you’ll require to puree fresh strawberries with granulated sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even stir this luscious strawberry puree into your yogurt or smoothies for an added boost of wholesome goodness.
Toasted Breadcrumbs
Toasted breadcrumbs are a versatile ingredient that can elevate various dishes. As one of our go-to food processor recipes, they’re perfect for making meatloaf, breading chicken or even coating fried green tomatoes. The best part? You don’t need to rush to the store if you run out. Simply make your own by toasting bread and processing it into crispy crumbs.
Hummus
Making hummus without a food processor is unimaginable, especially considering its origins as a vegan recipe thanks to its chickpea base. The dip’s reputation for being intimidating to home cooks may be due to its perceived complexity, but in reality, it’s surprisingly straightforward when you have the right tools. This classic garlic hummus recipe derives its rich flavor from a harmonious balance of lemon juice, tahini, smoked paprika (or sumac), and cumin. Once you master this fundamental technique, feel free to experiment with various twists and adaptations. Enjoy your homemade hummus as a dip for pita chips, celery sticks, chips, crackers, or vegetables – the possibilities are endless.
Easy Cheese Dip
A delicious beer cheese dip is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of snacks, from crunchy crackers and crispy chips to fresh vegetables. Whether you’re hosting an upscale gathering or a casual viewing party for the big game, this easy-to-make dip is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. The combination of white cheddar and sharp cheddar cheese provides a rich, creamy base that’s elevated by the addition of beer, Dijon mustard, cream cheese, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. This versatile dip can be enjoyed with an assortment of dippers, including sliced veggies, crackers, bread, or chips.
Chocolate Truffles
To craft sublime chocolate truffles, it’s essential that your chocolate has a rich, creamy texture and a velvety smoothness. Unfortunately, truffles can often turn out dry or grainy, which is far from ideal. Fortunately, with the right recipe and equipment – namely, a mini food processor – you can create confections that rival those found in any candy store. This recipe stands out because it offers a range of flavor options, all built upon a foundation of high-quality chocolate and heavy cream or liqueur.
Cranberry Sauce
As many of us can attest, our childhood holiday memories often revolve around a warm, tangy bowl of cranberry sauce – one that typically came from a can. But with the help of a food processor, making this sweet and tart condiment from scratch is an effortless endeavor. In fact, you can prepare it in advance when fresh cranberries start hitting store shelves in October, then freeze it for up to four months. Alternatively, if you’re a proponent of preserving your own food, you can even put this homemade sauce into canning jars for long-term storage. The addition of fresh orange juice and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves elevates the flavor profile to new heights.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Bars
Indulge in the delightful combination of five ingredients to create a batch of vegan peanut butter energy bars that require no baking. These nutritious treats are a powerhouse of antioxidants, protein, fiber, vitamin E, and healthy unsaturated fats, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or snacks. Feel free to break them down into crumbs and pair them with yogurt as you would traditional granola. With almond butter at the core, but also accommodating peanut butter and other nut butters, this no-bake recipe is perfect for busy days when a quick energy boost is needed.
Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are often associated with humility and sweetness, but what sets them apart from other types of cookies is their cooking time. While they may take a bit longer to cook than some others, the payoff is well worth it. One of the biggest advantages of making sugar cookies is that you can do so quickly and easily using a food processor. With this appliance, you can skip the step of rolling out cookie dough, opting instead for a drop cookie approach. This means less time spent on prep work and more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Additionally, when working with a food processor, you don’t need to wait for your butter to come to room temperature, making the entire process even more streamlined. As a result, the dough comes together quickly and efficiently, allowing you to get baking in no time.
Homemade Bisquick Substitute
While it’s tempting to rely on store-bought Bisquick for making Cheddar Bay Biscuits with butter, there’s a more cost-effective and empowering approach: whipping up your own all-purpose baking mix from scratch. With flour, baking soda, and other basic pantry staples, you can create a homemade version that rivals commercial alternatives. This DIY mix is versatile enough to be used for a range of recipes, including pie crust, pizza dough, buttermilk biscuits, and more. The added bonus of making your own baking mix lies in the control it affords over the ingredients you use, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your tastes and dietary needs.
Gazpacho
As temperatures soar outside, the kitchen can quickly become a sweltering inferno for anyone cooking up a storm. Running appliances like ovens and stoves not only raises indoor temperatures but also puts additional strain on air conditioning units. Why let the heat get to you when you can whip up a refreshing bowl of cold gazpacho? This vegan delight is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring just a few key ingredients: crisp veggies, a splash of oil and vinegar, and a pungent punch from chopped garlic. Simply toss all these ingredients into your food processor, and before you know it, lunch will be served. To get started, gather the following veggies: Roma tomatoes, a medium red or green bell pepper, Anaheim pepper, cucumber, red onion, and a few cloves of garlic.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes are a game-changer for anyone who loves the comfort of mashed potatoes, but wants a healthier alternative that still packs plenty of flavor. These creamy delights can be paired with a variety of proteins, including beef, chicken, and fish, making them an excellent addition to any meal. One of the biggest advantages of whipped sweet potatoes is their nutritional profile – they’re a significant upgrade from traditional mashed white potatoes. To achieve the perfect silky smooth texture, we recommend using a food processor to whip your sweet potatoes into submission. And when you serve them with a pat of butter, it’s a match made in heaven that’s sure to be devoured by even the pickiest eaters.
Tomato Sauce
Creating homemade tomato sauce from scratch is a straightforward process that yields a flavorful condiment perfect for topping your favorite pasta dishes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only a few minutes to prepare and cook. To start, simply feed fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil into your food processor and blend until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. Next, serve the sauce over hot pasta, drizzling with olive oil and finishing with shredded or grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Mojo
Get ready to experience the unparalleled flavor of mojo sauce! This vibrant green condiment boasts a garlicky and tangy taste profile, thanks to its blend of serrano peppers and herbs. Whether you’re looking to elevate your meals or satisfy your snack cravings, mojo sauce is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be added to nearly any dish or used as a dip for tortilla chips, crackers, veggies, or more. With its roots in the Spanish Canary Islands, where it’s a staple in countless recipes, mojo sauce has earned a reputation for being a culinary game-changer. And the best part? You don’t need to be limited by traditional methods – feel free to substitute serrano peppers with jalapeno or other hot peppers to give your mojo sauce an added kick!
Shortcrust Pastry
Shortcrust pastry is a straightforward recipe used for crafting crusts in tarts, pies, and quiches. This versatile dough requires just four key ingredients: fat, typically in the form of butter, flour, water, and salt. Unlike other types of pastry, shortcrust pastry can be effortlessly prepared by hand or with the aid of a food processor, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick and easy solution. To create this simple dough, simply combine your butter, flour, and salt within the bowl of your food processor. Then, utilize the pulse setting to transform the mixture into loose crumbs. Next, slowly add water through the funnel while continuing to mix until you achieve the desired consistency, resulting in a smooth and pliable dough. A valuable tip worth noting is that a food processor can also be used to produce homemade butter, providing an additional layer of convenience for home cooks.
Oat Flour
While oat flour may not be a household name, it’s a versatile whole grain powder that’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Made by blending oats into a fine powder, oat flour is an ideal substitute for wheat-based flours in gluten-free diets and other specialized eating regimens. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using oat flour – from fluffy waffles to crispy pancakes, the options are limitless! To create this nutritious flour, simply process old-fashioned oats or steel-cut oats in a food processor until they reach a smooth, powdery consistency. With its mild flavor and nutty undertones, oat flour is an excellent choice for anyone looking to incorporate more whole grains into their daily meals.
Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
When it comes to cauliflower rice, many of us have already fallen under its spell. Whether you’re adhering to a specific dietary regimen like low-carb, keto, or paleo, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional grains, this versatile veggie has won over our hearts and taste buds. And yet, there’s more to it than just being a substitute for rice. This recipe stands on its own as a flavorful, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or served alongside other wholesome meal components. The trio of garlic, cumin, and salt provides a savory foundation, while the brightness of fresh lemon juice and the crunch of pine nuts add a delightful dimension to this cauliflower rice.
Baba Ganoush
While hummus is a staple in many cuisines, baba ganoush takes the concept to new heights by substituting eggplant for chickpeas. The result is a rich, creamy dip that’s both familiar and excitingly different. When you find an eggplant recipe that hits the spot, it can be surprisingly addictive – much like Italian eggplants are the perfect base for this baba ganoush recipe. With garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and tahini adding depth to the dish, the spices of cumin, smoked paprika, and salt bring everything together. Serve your creation with an assortment of accompaniments like pita wedges, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, crackers, or anything else you fancy – and enjoy the delightful combination.
Food Processor Guacamole
While it’s effortless to create chunky guacamole, some of us crave the silky smoothness of restaurant-style guac. To achieve this perfection, we turn to our trusty food processor. The key to success lies in using flavorful and sweet tomatoes, as well as ripe avocados. For those who aren’t fans of cilantro’s distinct flavor, it’s easy to omit it altogether. Additionally, you’re free to substitute lime juice with lemon juice, should your taste buds prefer it. With these simple adjustments, you’ll be enjoying a creamy guacamole that rivals the best restaurants.
Latkes
Delicious potato cakes, known as fritters, latkes, or simply potato pancakes, are a culinary delight that transcends names. When prepared perfectly, these crispy treats boast a tender interior and a satisfying crunch around the edges, with an abundance of potato flavor and just the right balance of savory goodness. Whether served as refined appetizers or indulgent afternoon snacks, their appeal is undeniable.
To craft these mouthwatering morsels, you’ll need potatoes, onion, eggs, matzo meal, butter, sea salt, baking powder, and black pepper. Then, simply fry them in a hot oil like safflower oil or canola oil to achieve that perfect balance of crunch and softness.
Food Processor Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is often at the top of people’s lists when it comes to their favorite sweet treats, and it’s easy to see why. When you combine the rich flavors and textures of this beloved dessert with the power of a food processor, the result is nothing short of magic. This recipe, courtesy of renowned Australian cookbook author Donna Hay, brings together the best of both worlds – crunchy, visible carrot flakes that add natural sweetness and texture, and the subtle nuttiness of walnuts or pecans. The end result is a moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to become a new favorite. And the beauty of this recipe lies not just in its deliciousness, but also in its simplicity – with a food processor doing the heavy lifting, you’ll be whipping up a batch in no time. Serve it up with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence. For even more inspiration on how to get the most out of your food processor, check out the accompanying video.
Final Words
These scrumptious recipes are sure to delight your family and friends. Why not gather everyone together and indulge in a culinary experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts on these mouthwatering dishes!