9 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Make In Your Food Processor

Your food processor is more than just a hummus maker—it’s a versatile tool with endless possibilities.

While some might argue they’re too bulky or that a blender can do the job, the reality is, food processors excel at multitasking. They’re like the Swiss army knives of the kitchen, capable of slicing dicing, grinding and puréeing with ease.

This powerhouse appliance unlocks a world of recipes, simplifying complex preparations and saving you time in the kitchen. Whether you’re shredding cheese, chopping nuts, slicing vegetables or kneading dough, your food processor is up to the task.

Here are 9 smart ways to maximize the potential of your food processor.

Hungry for more? This might be your kitchen’s new favorite tool! Chop, peel, dice, blend and purée—every recipe is at your fingertips, from brands you love, like Cuisinart, Breville, Vitamix and more!

Shop Our Food Processors

BREAD DOUGH

Ever thought that your kitchen gadget with its spinning blades could be your ticket to homemade bread? Believe it or not, all it requires is a tool to mix and knead the dough, working that gluten magic for you.

For smaller batches, there’s no need to bring out the bulky stand mixer. Simply toss your dough ingredients into the food processor, preheat the oven and before you know it, your home will smell like freshly baked bread—all while giving your arms a well-deserved break.

NUT BUTTER

Craving a creamy blend of almonds and cashews? Dreaming of a sweet, honey-infused spread? Or perhaps you’re in the mood for a chocolaty dip? Whatever you fancy, the power is in your food processor to create your own nut-butter masterpiece—right in your own kitchen!

Indulge in homemade nut butter, perfect for breakfast, baking or simply enjoying straight from the jar. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to pricey store-bought options. 

GROUND MEAT

Yes, you can use a food processor to grind meat.

It’s a simple and cost-effective method for ensuring you have the perfect amount of meat for your dishes. Not only does grinding meat at home allow for more control over portion sizes and freshness, but it also provides the opportunity to customize the grind any way you like.

Whether you’re making burgers, meatballs or tacos, grinding your own meat opens up a world of new recipes.

MAYONNAISE

Homemade mayo or aioli is simpler than you might think. Whether you prefer whole eggs or just yolks, the process is straightforward: Start the food processor and slowly drizzle in your chosen oil until you achieve the desired consistency. Add a generous pinch of salt, and voilà—mayo in minutes!

Craving a Japanese-style mayo? Use egg yolks and a splash of rice vinegar along with a dash of MSG. For a garlic-infused aioli, toss in a couple of garlic cloves and some fresh chives.

PIE CRUST

To make a great pie crust at home, you have to cut the butter into the flour—a task that requires the butter to stay very cold, so it doesn’t melt into the flour. There are hand tools to assist with this process, but your food processor can tackle this task in no time.

Pro Tip: When making pie crust, use ice water to keep it cold. Adding chilled vodka instead of some water also helps inhibit gluten development. Make sure your vodka is in the freezer beforehand for the best results!

POWEDERED SUGAR

Have you ever been halfway through a recipe that calls for powdered sugar and then realize you forgot to pick it up from the store?

Don’t worry, because with a food processor, you can easily make your own right at home. Just pour granulated sugar into the food processor and blend it until it turns into fine powder. It can be used in all your favorite recipes, from frosting to dusting desserts. Plus, you know exactly what’s in there—no added ingredients or preservatives!

GRATED CAULIFLOWER

Looking to switch up your rice game with something lighter? Enter cauliflower (or broccoli!) rice, a nutritious alternative that’s easy to make with your food processor.

Simply toss the florets into the processor and pulse until they resemble rice grains. It’s a quick and easy way to add veggies to your meals or create low-carb versions of your favorite dishes, like pizza!

ICE CREAM

Ice cream is a treat anytime of the year. Whether you’re 5 or 105, there’s something about its smooth texture, chilly temperature and yummy flavors. So, naturally, you might be tempted to make it at home. You could go the old-fashioned route with the hand crank method or splurge on a fancy ice cream machine. But let’s be real, investing in a single-purpose machine isn’t always practical.

That’s where the food processor comes in. It’s not just for chopping veggies and making dough—it can also whip up delicious ice cream.

PASTA DOUGH

Want to make pasta without all the hassle of mixing and kneading by hand? No problem! With a food processor, you can have a batch of pasta dough ready in about two minutes flat.

The speedy blade of the food processor blends the eggs into the flour faster than you could by hand. Plus, it gives the dough a thorough kneading, making it perfect for turning into your favorite pasta shapes.

Hungry for more? This might be your kitchen’s new favorite tool! Chop, peel, dice, blend and purée—every recipe is at your fingertips, from brands you love, like Cuisinart, Breville, Vitamix and more!

Shop Our Food Processors