14 Food Processor Recipes for Every Occasion and Skill Level

I have a confession: up until recently, I was afraid of my food processor. When one of my friends got engaged and was gifted a new one, he offered me his old machine — and despite being a pretty good cook, I was intimidated. So, it sat unused in my kitchen for the better part of a year. Turns out, there’s nothing like a few months of quarantine boredom to inspire experimentation with even the scariest of appliances. So I climbed up to my kitchen’s highest shelf and hauled it down, then set out to find the best food processor recipes on the internet.

So why splurge on a food processor if you already have a blender?

In general, a blender simply isn’t as precise as a food processor. Blenders are great for foods that will end up as mostly liquid, like smoothies and soups—they mash indiscriminately. A food processor however is better for foods that will end up mostly solid, or conversely, pastes and finely pureed sauces. The rigid and ultra-sharp blades of a food processor allow them to slice through thicker and harder foods.

As it happens, some of my favorite foods involve using a food processor. Getting a feel for this handy kitchen tool has been incredibly liberating and opens up the door to all kinds of recipes. Need to make a pie crust? The food processor makes it a cinch. Want to whip up a pesto for your pasta dinner? You’ll want to get that food processor out, STAT! There is no end to the amount of food processor recipes available online, so whatever your preferences you’ll be able to find one that suits your fancy.

All of these recipes are as simple and straightforward as they are delicious, so if you’re put off by the thought of using the food processor, dip your toes in with this selection. Ahead, take a look at our top 14 food processor recipes along with some of our favorite food processors!

The Best Homemade Hummus from Camille Styles

There’s just something extra special about homemade hummus. It’s richer, fresher, creamier, and just feels like a more elevated version of your average supermarket find. It’s worth the extra effort.

Roasty Toasty Pecan Caramel Shortbread Cookies from Bon Appetit

These absolutely tantalizing cookies are to die for. Made with condensed milk, pecans, and rolled in sprinkles, these are not your average slice and bake cookies. You can’t go wrong with this flavorful and buttery dessert.

Greek Falafel Melts from Half Baked Harvest

Come for the falafel and stay for the green tahini special sauce. You’ll whip these delicious delectable falafel melts in no time thanks to your handy food processor.

Carrot Turmeric Hummus from Camille Styles

One of our favorite food processor recipes has to be Camille’s carrot turmeric hummus. Aside from the fact that turmeric is chock-full of health benefits, this hummus is a bright, unexpected take on a classic.

Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars from Taste of Home

Can’t you practically feel the fluffy powdered sugar flying off these decadent lemon bars with every bite? Add these cuties to your dessert repertoire for a sweet, tangy, and delicious option.

Harissa Paste from Minimalist Baker

Once you have a jar of harissa paste in your fridge, you’ll find yourself adding it to just about everything. Eggs, sandwiches, pasta sauce, and more all benefit from this North African spicy red sauce.

Baked Asparagus Fries from Spoon Fork Bacon

Give this food processor recipe a try next time you pick up some asparagus from your local market. It may feel decadent, but it’s healthy, light, and incredibly tasty.

Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies from Sugar Salted

The secret to these sweet sandwich cookies is in the freeze-dried strawberries. Give them whirl in the ol’ food processor and watch how it punches up the flavor. They’re almost too good to be true.

Pistachio and Hazelnut Larabars from My Name is Yeh

Why buy expensive fruit and nut bars when you can make one yourself? It’s a delicious and fresh take on a classic healthy snack. The pistachio and hazelnut flavors elevate the experience, and they couldn’t be easier to throw together.

Beet Hummus from Camille Styles

Beets are nature’s candy and you’ll never be able to convince me otherwise. How is something pulled from dirt allowed to taste so good? This beet hummus takes everything that makes beet special and transforms it into a delicious dip that goes well with everything from veggies to your fave cracker.

Summer Kumara and Chicken Tart from Stuck in the Kitchen

Don’t you just love a summer tart? Kumara (otherwise known as sweet potato) and chicken make this savory tart a gorgeous melty and rich meal.

Mashed Cauliflower With Parmesan and Chives from Foodie Crush

Craving a mashed potato but want a low-carb alternative? This mashed cauliflower food processor recipe gives you that smooth, creamy texture and delicious flavor your heart desires.

One-Bowl Oat Muffins With Figs and Hazelnuts from The Kitchn

For those of us who aren’t a huge fan of doing the dishes, it doesn’t get much better than one-bowl recipes—my kingdom for a dishwasher! These muffins are warm, cozy, delicious, and easy to make for breakfast or a snack.

Chicken Meatball Pitas With Roasted Red Pepper Whipped Feta from How Sweet Eats

These chicken meatballs are melt-in-your-mouth savory and delicious, but the real star of this dish is the roasted red pepper whipped feta. All credit goes to the trusty food processor here. You’ll find yourself making double batches so you can always have this tasty spread on hand.