7 ways to use a food processor you wouldn’t expect

Most people don't use their food processor to it's full potential since they don’t know what it can do. If that sounds like you, here are seven reasons to dig it out, dust if off and get cooking today!

The food processor is one of those appliances people buy but don’t quite know what to do with. They often end up just sitting on the counter collecting dust. While some people use their food processor much like they’d use a blender, a food processor actually has a variety of uses and functions that many people don’t take advantage of.

Here are a few of them that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without one!

There’s nothing better than fresh salsa dip at a party, or homemade pesto sauce for pasta. Do it yourself with fresh ingredients to make your own dip, salsa, hummus, and pesto in a flash, simply by throwing the ingredients together in your food processor and blasting the button for a few short bursts.

Want to make your own healthy nut butters, free of any additives or preservatives? Or need some chopped nuts for a pastry or cake? In just a few seconds, a food processor can chop up big nuts or small. Run it a little longer for a creamy, freshly-made nut butter.

Most food processors come with add-ons like a shredding and slicing blade. If you need shredded cheese for your recipe, this can be your go-to. Making coleslaw? Need shredded potatoes for hash browns? The shredding blade is also ideal for that.

Making dough from scratch can be a lot of work. It can require time and energy to knead the dough by hand, but a food processor can take that work off your plate. Make piecrust dough, pizza dough, or even bread in your own kitchen by using your food processor to knead it.

Take your raw meat and chop it into medium-sized chunks. Then place it in the freezer until they are firm and the edges are stiff. Throw them in your food processor and pulse the partially frozen meat until it reaches the desired consistency.

If you’re making enchiladas or other recipes that call for shredded meat, run cooked meat through the food processor for a few seconds.

Think churning your own butter is just for pioneers? Now you can make butter fresh at home by processing heavy cream in your appliance. In just minutes, you’ll have homemade butter!

Whatever your taste in foods or culinary abilities, don't be afraid to make your food processor work for you. From chopping to churning, a food processor can make life in the kitchen easier—and dinner time even more delicious. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!