12 Ways You Can Use Your Blender That You're Probably Not Aware Of

Blenders are a kitchen staple in many kitchens throughout the world. Nowadays, as smoothies and protein shakes become a part of everyday life for many health-conscious individuals, they have become even more popular. While smoothies and shakes are a great way to use this appliance, it is by no means the only reason to use a blender. You can use a blender to make all sorts of foods and ingredients, many that you probably haven’t even thought about.

You can use your blender to prepare many fresh ingredients, including turning grain into flour, nuts into nut butters, granulated sugar into powdered sugar, and bread into breadcrumbs. Blenders are great for making hummus and homemade mayonnaise. You can make whipped cream, pancake batter, ice cream and sorbet with this appliance. They are also great for making flavorful lemonade and extra-fluffy scrambled eggs.

Many blenders go underutilized. Even those who own top-of-the-line blenders may not be aware of the many capabilities this kitchen device has. If you own a blender but only take it out when you are craving a frozen beverage or your morning protein shake, then keep reading. Below is a list of some creative ways to use your blender and prepare various delicious ingredients and foods.

12 Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Can Make In A Blender

1. Nut Butters

If you love natural peanut butter and other nut butters, then you’ll be thrilled to learn you can make homemade nut butters in most high-quality blenders. All you need to make nut butter at home is a blender and a bit of patience.

First, consider roasting the nuts to add more flavor. Once cooled, pour the nuts into the blender and begin pulsing. Incrementally increase the speed and power in the blender until the nuts transform into a creamy paste.

You can create any nut butter you like, and even mix multiple types of nuts to make your signature nut spread.

2. Fresh Flour

If you like to bake wholesome breads and other nutritious baked goods, then try making flour from scratch. Wheat flowers don’t last long in the pantry. The purer and nutrient-rich the flour, the quicker it goes rancid. So, why not make fresh flour using dried grains and your blender?

To make fresh flour, all you need is wheat or grain and a high-performance blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec). Pulse the grain on a high setting and then run the blender until the grains become powder. Some blenders even have a flour-making setting.

3. Homemade Mayonnaise

If you love mayo and aioli, then try making healthier and fresher mayonnaise and mayonnaise-based spreads at home in your blender. There are thousands of mayonnaise recipes floating around the internet, but typically, mayonnaise is made using egg, oil, salt, and some acid (usually vinegar or lemon juice).

Select your favorite combination and blend them on high in your blender. If you have an immersion blender, use it. These blenders usually work even better than standing blenders, and they also make it easier to scoop out the tasty finished product.

4. Ice Cream 

You may think you need an ice cream maker to make homemade ice cream. An ice cream maker is great for making all sorts of frozen treats, but you can also make several types of ice cream using a blender. 

One of the easiest ways to make ice cream in a blender is to combine frozen berries, cream (or half and half), and sugar. Blend this mixture on high, and eventually, you will get a very thick, smoothie-like substance that tastes like delicious soft-serve berry ice cream.

5. Extra-Fluffy Scrambled Eggs 

If you love decadent scrambled eggs in the morning, consider pouring eggs into the blender instead of reaching for a whisk. When you blend raw eggs, the egg whites get much fluffier and build volume. 

The result is an incredibly light and fluffy scrambled egg. These eggs are great on their own or used in a breakfast sandwich. 

6. Hummus

Hummus was once a novelty item, but now you can find several flavors of hummus in nearly every grocery store on the planet. While this Mediterranean spread is affordable and easy to find, nothing beats the creamy texture of freshly-made hummus. 

Hummus is very easy to make in any blender. Add cooked chickpeas (canned work great), tahini, olive oil, salt, lemon juice, and any other flavors you want to add (usually roasted garlic or peppers). The key is to pulse the chick peas first, add the other ingredients, and then blend until smooth and creamy.

7. Breadcrumbs

When a recipe calls for bread crumbs, many people buy store bought containers of dry bread crumbs in the baking aisle. While convenient, these breadcrumbs aren't fresh and usually cost as much as a fresh loaf of artisanal bread. 

Instead of overpaying for sub-par breadcrumbs, make homemade breadcrumbs using bread and your blender. Stale and toasted bread works great for breadcrumbs. Cut the bread into cubes and add it to the blender. First, pulse the cubes until they starts to break down evenly. Then blend it on low until the crumbs reach your desired size. 

8. Whipped Cream

If you don’t have a hand mixer to make fresh whipped cream, use a blender instead. The key is using cold, heavy whipping cream and starting the blending process on low to combine sugar, vanilla, and any other additional ingredients.

Once you combine the ingredients, blend on high until the cream turns into a fluffy whipped solid. It’s that easy.

9. Easy Pancake Batter

Pancakes are a breakfast staple, but making pancakes and batter can be a messy process, and often involves an expansive cleanup. To simplify the process without compromising flavor, make pancake batter in the blender.

Some of the benefits of mixing your pancake batter in the blender include easier cleanup, smooth and lump-free batter, and fluffier pancakes. A blender also makes it easy to pour the batter directly onto a hot pan.

10. Powdered Sugar

If a recipe calls for powdered sugar but all you have is granulated sugar, don’t panic. If you have a top-notch blender, then you can use it to magically transform granulated sugar into the powdered variety.

With high-end blenders, slowly add granulated sugar to a dry blender when the blender is on high. Within 30 seconds, the sugar will turn into powder. 

For less-advanced blenders, add one tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of granulated sugar, and you can expect the same fine powdery results.

11. Fresh Salsa

If you love the fresh salsa served at Mexican restaurants, but can’t find anything at the store that comes close, then make homemade salsa with your blender. To make salsa, add various fresh ingredients, including tomatoes, spicy jalapenos, garlic, citrus, and onions. 

Many people roast some (or all) vegetables before blending them. Add cilantro, salt, and any other ingredients you desire, and then blend on low until the salsa reaches your desired consistency. 

12. Refreshing Lemonade

If you enjoy fresh lemonade but hate the work that goes into making it, try using your blender to prepare this signature summer beverage. Making lemonade in your blender saves a lot of time without sacrificing flavor. 

Add squeezed lemons, some thick swaths of zest, water, and sugar. Blend on low or medium for 30 seconds to one minute. The result will be perfectly blended lemonade with tiny specs of fresh zest.

Summing Up Unique Ways You Can Use A Blender

Blenders are one of the most commonly used kitchen appliances, and there’s a reason most kitchens have one on the counter or hiding in a kitchen cabinet. While these devices are commonly used to make smoothies and shakes, they can do so much more. 

You can use a blender to make fresh flour from grains, nut butters from roasted nuts, and even fresh breadcrumbs using leftover bread. Try making homemade hummus, salsa, mayonnaise, and even ice cream with your blender. You can even use this appliance to make whipped cream or to transform granulated sugar into powdered sugar.

Related Guides:

• Are Blenders Dishwasher Safe? (Find Out Now!)
• Can I Use A Blender Instead Of A Food Processor? (9 Alternatives)
• Is A Vitamix Dishwasher Safe? (Find Out Now!)