More Interesting Food Processor Recipes

Food processors are handy kitchen tools that can save you time and effort. They chop, slice, and blend ingredients quickly, making cooking easier. You might already own a food processor but not use it much. This article will show you some great recipes to try with your food processor.

Using a food processor can help you make tasty meals and snacks with less work. You can create smooth dips, crunchy energy bars, and even pie crusts. These recipes are simple and don’t need many ingredients. With your food processor, you can whip up delicious food in no time.

1. Pesto Sauce

Pesto sauce is quick and easy to make in a food processor. You’ll need fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Start by adding the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese to the food processor bowl. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed.

With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the feed tube. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your homemade pesto will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Use it on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

2. Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a healthy, low-carb alternative to regular rice. You can easily make it using your food processor.

Start by washing and drying a head of cauliflower. Remove the green parts and cut it into smaller pieces.

Attach the grater blade to your food processor. Feed the cauliflower pieces through the chute, using the food pusher.

Once grated, you can cook the cauliflower rice in a skillet. Heat some oil, add garlic if desired, and sauté the rice for 5-8 minutes.

Season your cauliflower rice with salt, pepper, or soy sauce to taste. Use it in stir-fries or as a side dish for a nutritious meal.

3. Almond Butter

Making almond butter in a food processor is easy and tasty. Start by roasting raw almonds in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F. Let them cool slightly before processing.

Add the roasted almonds to your food processor with the S-blade attached. Blend on low speed, scraping down the sides as needed.

The almonds will go through stages – first becoming a powder, then a thick paste. Keep processing until it turns creamy and smooth. This can take 10-15 minutes total.

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt or other mix-ins like cinnamon or honey. Store your homemade almond butter in an airtight container in the fridge.

4. Hummus

You can make tasty hummus at home with your food processor. It’s quick and easy. Just toss chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic into the bowl.

Blend everything until smooth and creamy. This takes about 5 minutes. You can adjust the flavors to your liking.

Homemade hummus is often better than store-bought. It’s fresher and you control the ingredients. You can add extras like roasted peppers or herbs for variety.

Serve your hummus with pita chips or fresh veggies. It’s great for snacks or parties. Making hummus yourself is simple and rewarding.

5. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup perfect for hot summer days. Your food processor makes it quick and easy to prepare.

Start by chopping cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions. Add them to your food processor bowl along with bread, olive oil, and vinegar.

Pulse the ingredients until they reach your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, blend longer. For a chunkier soup, pulse briefly.

Season with salt, pepper, and cumin to taste. Some recipes suggest adding a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Chill the gazpacho for about two hours before serving. Garnish with extra diced vegetables for added crunch and visual appeal.

6. Pie Dough

Making pie dough in a food processor is quick and easy. You’ll need flour, sugar, salt, cold butter, and ice water.

Start by pulsing the dry ingredients in the processor. Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

Slowly add ice water while pulsing. Stop when the dough starts to clump together. Be careful not to overmix.

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it, and chill for at least an hour. This dough is perfect for all kinds of pies and tarts.

Using a food processor ensures your ingredients stay cold, resulting in a flaky, tender crust.

7. Baby Food

Food processors make preparing homemade baby food quick and easy. You can create nutritious purees for your little one in minutes. Start with simple single-ingredient recipes like steamed carrots or sweet potatoes.

As your baby grows, try combining fruits and vegetables. Apples and pears blend well with spinach or kale. For added protein, mix in cooked beans or lentils.

Always cook ingredients thoroughly before pureeing. Steam veggies to preserve nutrients. Add breast milk or formula to thin the consistency if needed. Make larger batches and freeze portions in ice cube trays for convenient meals.

8. Shredded Cheese

Your food processor can make quick work of shredding cheese. Start by cutting a block of cheese into chunks that fit your processor’s feed tube.

Set up the machine with the shredding disc attachment. Turn it on and feed the cheese chunks through the tube. Use the food pusher to guide them safely.

The processor will quickly shred the cheese into uniform pieces. This method works well for hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Freshly shredded cheese tastes better than pre-packaged and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents. Use it in recipes or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

9. Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a tasty Middle Eastern dip made with roasted eggplant. Your food processor makes it quick and easy to whip up this creamy spread.

Start by roasting whole eggplants in a 400°F oven for about an hour until soft. Let them cool, then scoop out the flesh.

Add the eggplant to your food processor along with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Pulse until smooth.

For extra flavor, try adding a bit of Greek yogurt or olive oil. You can also sprinkle in some spices like cumin or smoked paprika.

Serve your homemade baba ganoush with pita bread or fresh veggies for dipping. It’s a healthy snack or appetizer you can make in no time with your food processor.

10. Tahini

You can easily make tahini at home with your food processor. Start by toasting sesame seeds in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F. Let them cool for a few minutes after roasting.

Add the toasted seeds to your food processor and blend until they form a crumbly paste. This takes about a minute. Then add a couple tablespoons of oil and process for 2-3 more minutes.

Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Keep blending until you reach a smooth consistency. You may need to add a bit more oil if it’s too thick.

Homemade tahini tastes fresher than store-bought and is simple to make. You can use it in hummus, dressings, or as a spread.

11. Breadcrumbs

Making breadcrumbs in a food processor is quick and easy. You can use fresh or stale bread.

For dried breadcrumbs, cut bread into cubes and dry them in a 200°F oven for about 30 minutes. Let the cubes cool before processing.

Place the dried bread in your food processor. Pulse in short bursts for coarse crumbs or process longer for finer ones.

Fresh breadcrumbs don’t need drying. Simply tear the bread into pieces and pulse in the food processor.

You can season your breadcrumbs with herbs and spices if desired. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer to keep them fresh.

12. Salsa Verde

You can easily make salsa verde in your food processor. This tangy green sauce is perfect for tacos, grilled meats, or as a dip.

Start by roasting tomatillos and jalapeños under the broiler until charred. Add them to your food processor with onion, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.

Pulse the ingredients until you get a slightly chunky texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.

For a smoother salsa, process it longer. You can customize the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.

13. Nutella

You can make homemade Nutella in your food processor with just a few ingredients. Start by roasting hazelnuts in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Place the warm hazelnuts in your food processor and blend until they form a paste. Add dark chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Process the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. If needed, add a small amount of oil to reach your desired consistency.

Your homemade Nutella will keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Let it soften at room temperature before using.

14. Falafel Mix

Falafel mix is easy to make in your food processor. Start by adding soaked chickpeas and salt to the bowl. Pulse until the chickpeas are broken down into small pieces.

Next, toss in parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic. Add cumin, coriander, and black pepper for flavor. Blend everything until it forms a thick paste.

Scoop the mix into small balls. You can fry them for a crispy outside or bake them for a healthier option. Fry in hot oil for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

For baking, brush with olive oil and cook at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Your homemade falafel will be tasty and fresh!

15. Pizza Dough

Making pizza dough in a food processor is quick and easy. You’ll need flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and warm water.

Add the dry ingredients to the processor bowl and pulse to mix. Then add the oil and slowly pour in the water while running the machine.

Process until the dough forms a ball, about 15-30 seconds. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.

The dough is ready when it rides around the bowl above the blade. Let it rise before shaping and baking your pizza.

This method saves time compared to kneading by hand. Your homemade pizza will taste great with fresh dough made in minutes.

16. Vegan Cheese Sauce

You can make tasty vegan cheese sauce in your food processor. It’s quick and easy, with no dairy needed.

Start by boiling potatoes, carrots, and onions until soft. Drain and add them to your food processor.

Next, toss in nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt. Pour in some plant milk and blend until smooth.

For extra flavor, try adding roasted garlic or red peppers. You can also mix in some store-bought vegan cheese for a stretchier texture.

This versatile sauce works great on pasta, nachos, or as a dip for veggies. It’s a simple way to enjoy cheesy goodness without animal products.

17. Riced Broccoli

Riced broccoli is a nutritious and versatile alternative to regular rice. To make it, cut broccoli into small pieces, including both florets and stems. Then pulse them in a food processor until they resemble rice grains.

You can cook riced broccoli quickly and easily. Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the broccoli rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Don’t overcook it to keep some crunch.

Riced broccoli works well in many dishes. Try mixing it with regular rice, using it as a base for stir-fries, or adding it to salads. It’s a great way to boost your veggie intake while enjoying a rice-like texture.

18. Creamy Dressing

Your food processor can be a game-changer for making creamy dressings. It blends ingredients smoothly and quickly, saving you time and effort.

To make a basic creamy dressing, add mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk to your food processor. Toss in some fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice for flavor. Pulse until everything is well combined.

For a parmesan dressing, blend shredded parmesan cheese with lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Add olive oil slowly while the processor runs.

Try a fruity twist by blending strawberries with balsamic vinegar, yogurt, and honey. This creates a sweet and tangy dressing perfect for summer salads.

19. Herb Butter

Herb butter is a tasty spread you can make in your food processor. Start by softening some butter at room temperature.

Chop fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme in the food processor. Add the softened butter, herbs, and a pinch of salt.

Pulse the mixture until it’s well combined. You can also add lemon zest or garlic for extra flavor.

Spread the herb butter on bread or use it to top grilled meats and vegetables. It’s great on corn on the cob too.

Store your homemade herb butter in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

20. Nut Flour

Your food processor can easily make nut flour at home. Start with raw nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews.

Add the nuts to your processor bowl. Pulse in short bursts until they reach a sandy texture. Be careful not to over-process, or you’ll end up with nut butter instead.

For smoother flour, sift the ground nuts through a fine mesh strainer. Return any larger pieces to the processor for another round.

Use your homemade nut flour in baking recipes or as a gluten-free coating for meats and vegetables. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh longer.

21. Whipped Cream

You can easily make whipped cream in your food processor. It’s quick and mess-free compared to other methods.

Start by pouring cold heavy whipping cream into the processor bowl. Add sugar and vanilla if desired.

Pulse the machine a few times until the liquid stops splashing. Then run it for 20-30 seconds until the cream thickens.

The result is fluffy, perfectly whipped cream. It’s great for topping desserts or adding to recipes.

Using a food processor prevents splatters and takes less than a minute. You’ll have fresh whipped cream faster than opening a store-bought container.

Essential Tips for Using a Food Processor

A food processor can be a game-changer in the kitchen. Knowing how to use it safely and effectively will help you get the most out of this versatile appliance.

Safety Guidelines

Always unplug your food processor before cleaning or changing blades. Keep your fingers away from the sharp blades when handling them. Make sure the lid is securely locked before turning on the machine.

Never put your hand inside the bowl while the processor is running. Use the pusher to guide food down the feed tube instead. Don’t overload the bowl past its maximum capacity line.

Clean the blades and bowl right after use to prevent food from drying on them. Hand wash the blades to keep them sharp. Most other parts can go in the dishwasher.

Basic Techniques

Start with the pulse function for more control over texture. This works well for chopping nuts or making breadcrumbs. For smoother results, use the continuous speed setting.

Cut large items into smaller pieces before adding them to the bowl. This helps ensure even processing. Add liquid ingredients through the feed tube while the machine is running for better mixing.

Use the slicing disk for uniform vegetable slices. The shredding disk is great for cheese and carrots. The dough blade works best for kneading bread and pizza dough.

Clean sticky foods like dates or cheese from the blades between batches. This prevents clumping and ensures consistent results.

Innovative Ways to Use Your Food Processor

Food processors can do much more than just chop vegetables. These versatile kitchen tools offer many creative options for home cooks. You can use them to prepare dough, slice ingredients, and make a variety of dishes quickly and easily.

Making Dough

Your food processor is great for making dough. You can whip up pizza dough in minutes. Just add flour, yeast, salt, and water to the bowl. Pulse a few times to mix, then process until the dough forms a ball.

For pie crust, cut cold butter into cubes. Add it to the flour and salt in the processor. Pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water while pulsing until the dough comes together.

You can also use your food processor for cookie dough and bread dough. It saves time and effort compared to mixing by hand.

Chopping and Slicing

Food processors excel at chopping and slicing. Use the slicing disk to get even slices of vegetables for salads or stir-fries. The chopping blade works well for nuts, herbs, and garlic.

Try making homemade salsa. Add tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro to the bowl. Pulse a few times for chunky salsa, or process longer for a smoother consistency.

You can also grind your own meat. Cut beef, chicken, or pork into cubes. Freeze for 15 minutes, then pulse in the processor until ground. This gives you control over the quality and fat content of your ground meat.