3 Ways To Use A Food Processor - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Use a Food Processor PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Leslie Chartier

Last Updated: May 8, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Processing Food
    • |
  • Using the Attachment Blades
    • |
  • Enjoying Food Processor Recipes
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Leslie Chartier. Leslie Chartier is a Personal Chef and the Owner and Founder of The Travelling Cafe based in North Carolina. Leslie is a skilled culinary instructor, prior restauranteur, and avid traveler. The Travelling Cafe specializes in bringing inclusion into culinary experiences with food for different diets, restrictions, and cultures. Through her business, Leslie employs and manages a team of chefs who put on events throughout the Triangle region of North Carolina. Leslie and her team offer prepared meals, chef services for special events and dinner parties, and cooking classes and events. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 222,622 times.

Food processors can be used to blend soups, salsa, dips, and sauces. Additionally, they can save time by quickly chopping, slicing, or shredding a variety of vegetables, fruits, and hard cheeses.[1] First, assemble the food processor and attach the blade. There are a variety of different blade attachments that can be used to chop, slice, or grate food. Next, add your recipe ingredients and screw the lid onto the processor. Blend or pulse the food until it's as smooth or chunky as you like it.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Processing Food

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  1. Step 1 Assemble the food processor. 1 Assemble the food processor. Every brand of food processor is different. However, most models are assembled in a similar fashion. First, secure the plastic bowl to the electric base. Next, slide the blade into place. Wiggle the bowl slightly to be sure that everything is tightened into place.
    • Always keep the processor unplugged when assembling it or changing the blades.
  2. Step 2 Add your recipe ingredients. 2 Add your recipe ingredients. Some recipes ask you to blend everything at once instead of adding ingredients one at a time. If so, you can add all the ingredients to the processor before closing the lid and turning it on.[2]
    • If you're adding liquids, make sure you don't pass the “fill” line on the side of the plastic bowl.
    • Any hot ingredients should be cooled to room temperature before adding them to the food processor.
    • Chop large ingredients into smaller chunks to help them blend more easily.[3]
    EXPERT TIP Vanna Tran

    Vanna Tran

    Experienced Cook Vanna Tran is a home cook who started cooking with her mother at a very young age. She has catered events and hosted pop-up dinners in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 5 years. Vanna Tran Vanna Tran Experienced Cook

    Vanna Tran, experienced cook, tells us: "Unlike a blender, the bowl of the food processor has a hole in the center of it in order for the blade to fit onto the machine's blade shaft. Because of this, you'll want to avoid overfilling the bowl of your food processor to prevent spillage."

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  3. Step 3 Process your food. 3 Process your food. First, secure the lid onto the food processor. Most food processors won't run until the lid is firmly in place. Next, begin processing your food. Most food processors have a “pulse” button and a “run” button. These buttons can be used to chop, blend, or liquefy food.
    • The “run” button blends things continuously. This button is usually used to create mayo, blend ingredients into a smooth soup, or create chunk-free sauces.
    • The “pulse” button is usually used to chop food. The processor will only run when you're holding the button down. Press the button in one second intervals until the food is chopped the way you like it.[4]
    • If your processor has more than two buttons, refer to your manufacturer manual for usage tips.
  4. Step 4 Add any additional ingredients. 4 Add any additional ingredients. Some recipes ask you to add certain ingredients slowly throughout the blending process. If your food processor has a tube on the lid, you can add the ingredients while the processor is running. Use the plastic or metal tamper to press food into the processor.
    • If your food processor doesn't have a tube, turn off the processor and remove the lid to add any additional ingredients.
  5. Step 5 Clean your processor. 5 Clean your processor. Once you've completed your recipe, pour it into a serving dish. Next, move the plastic parts and blades into your sink and wash them with soap and water. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the electric part, removing any smears of food or liquid.[5]
    • Let the parts dry before reassembling the food processor.
    • Never submerge the electric section in water, especially when it's plugged in. It will ruin the food processor and potentially electrocute you.
    • Never handle the sharp part of the processing blades.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using the Attachment Blades

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  1. Step 1 Insert the S-shaped blade. 1 Insert the S-shaped blade. The S-shaped blade is the standard food processing blade that every model comes with. This blade can be used to chop fruits and vegetables, puree soups and sauces, and grind dry ingredients into a powder.
    • If a recipe doesn't specify a blade attachment, use this blade.
  2. Step 2 Choose the slicing disk. 2 Choose the slicing disk. The slicing disk is an attachment that sits near the lid of the food processor. This attachment is usually connected to the blade mount with a long, plastic, detachable stem.[6] The slicing disk is used to slice fruits and vegetables into thin, circular pieces. For example:
    • Slice peeled potatoes into thin disks for scalloped potatoes or potato chips.
    • Slice a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, and carrots into thin slices for veggie chips.
    • Use the disk to slice raw Brussel sprouts. Add them to a fresh salad for a healthy crunch.
  3. Step 3 Use the grater attachment. 3 Use the grater attachment. Like the slicing disk, the grater attachment sits near the lid of the food processor. Some models of food processors combine the grating and slicing attachment. If so, you will have to flip the slicing disk over to use the grating feature. This attachment can be used to grate large amounts of food at once. For example:
    • Instead of grating a block of cheese by hand, use your food processor to quickly grate the entire thing.
    • Grate a variety of cabbage, beets, and carrots for your favorite coleslaw recipe.
    • Quickly shred a few potatoes for a batch of latkes or hash browns.[7]
  4. Step 4 Knead dough with the dough blade. 4 Knead dough with the dough blade. Some higher end food processors come with a dough blade attachment. This attachment is usually placed on the blade mount in the same position as the S-shaped blade.[8] This blade can be used to knead:
    • Pizza dough
    • Pasta dough
    • Pie dough
    • Bread dough
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Enjoying Food Processor Recipes

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  1. Step 1 Make banana Nutella “ice cream.” 1 Make banana Nutella “ice cream.” First, freeze a bunch of bananas overnight. Next, peel the bananas and place them in your food processor. Blend them until the mixture is smooth. Add a large dollop of Nutella. Blend the Nutella into the frozen banana and serve it immediately.[9]
    • For a stronger Nutella flavor, add several dollops of Nutella.
    • Top your scoops of banana Nutella “ice cream” with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and cherries.
  2. Step 2 Blend chickpeas into hummus. 2 Blend chickpeas into hummus. Hummus is a creamy bean dip that has roots in Mediterranean cuisine. First, add your hummus ingredients into your food processor and run it until the mixture is smooth. Next, transfer the hummus into a serving bowl. Serve the hummus with a variety of chopped vegetables, pita bread, crackers, and olives.[10] If you don't have a favorite hummus recipe, consider using:
    • 2 cups (80 grams) of drained canned or cooked chickpeas
    • 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons of tahini
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice
    • 1 clove of garlic
    • 1 teaspoon of salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper[11]
  3. Step 3 Create a nut butter. 3 Create a nut butter. Fresh, all-natural nut butters can be easily made in your food processor. First, add a few handfuls of your favorite raw or toasted nut. Next, run the blender until the nuts are chopped into a fine powder. Add a few tablespoons of an unflavored oil, such as safflower oil. Blend the mixture for another 8-10 minutes to create a smooth, creamy nut butter.
    • You can use peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, or pistachios.
    • Once your nut butter is ready, transfer it to a jar and keep it refrigerated.
  4. Step 4 Make your favorite salsa recipe. 4 Make your favorite salsa recipe. Save time chopping vegetables by using your food processor instead. For a smooth salsa, add all the ingredients at once and run the blender until the mixture is puréed. For chunky salsa, pulse the ingredients until the salsa looks the way you like it.[12]
    • Use onions, jalapenos, and tomatoes to make a chunky pico de gallo salsa.
    • Add dried or canned chipotle peppers to your favorite salsa recipe for a smoky, spicy kick.
    • Blend salsa vegetables and cheese together to make a creamy salsa and queso dip.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question I'd like to process different foods for the same recipe without delaying too long. How can I do this quickly? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Have washing up water already waiting for a quick clean of the processor bowl is one way; use a clean kitchen towel to wipe dry quickly. Or, purchase extra processor bowls so that you don't even have to spend time washing the bowl out and can proceed straight onto processing the next food type. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question How can I stop my food processor from moving everywhere while it works? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer If your processor "walks" as you're using it, shift it to a non-skid surface. For example, lay down a rubber or silicone mat or a plastic mat to keep it in place. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question How do I wash the processor blades? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Remove the blades carefully from the food processor; read the manufacturer's instructions before doing so the first time, to be sure you're doing it safely. Use a washing-up brush to carefully clean the blades without putting your hands close to them. Do not place your fingers close and do not leave the blades in the washing-up water as they will cut your fingers. Allow to air dry, then replace in the processor box, kit or bowl before placing into storage. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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Tips

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Warnings

  • Always unplug the food processor when it's not in use. If you don't, you may accidentally run the blender with the lid off and hurt yourself. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Keep food processors and blades away from small children. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ Leslie Chartier. Executive Personal Chef. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Leslie Chartier. Executive Personal Chef. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/food-processor-common-mistakes
  4. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/food-processor-common-mistakes
  5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-a-food-processor-lid-blade-and-handle-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-203298
  6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/a-guide-to-the-food-processor-blades-and-discs-youre-not-using-228700
  7. ↑ https://www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/food-processor-magic?utm_term=.ix3NQbEw4#.inavRd0eB
  8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/a-guide-to-the-food-processor-blades-and-discs-youre-not-using-228700
  9. ↑ https://www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/food-processor-magic?utm_term=.ix3NQbEw4#.inavRd0eB
More References (3)
  1. ↑ Leslie Chartier. Executive Personal Chef. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-hummus-from-scratch-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-107560
  3. ↑ https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/restaurant-style-salsa/

About This Article

Leslie Chartier Co-authored by: Leslie Chartier Executive Personal Chef This article was co-authored by Leslie Chartier. Leslie Chartier is a Personal Chef and the Owner and Founder of The Travelling Cafe based in North Carolina. Leslie is a skilled culinary instructor, prior restauranteur, and avid traveler. The Travelling Cafe specializes in bringing inclusion into culinary experiences with food for different diets, restrictions, and cultures. Through her business, Leslie employs and manages a team of chefs who put on events throughout the Triangle region of North Carolina. Leslie and her team offer prepared meals, chef services for special events and dinner parties, and cooking classes and events. This article has been viewed 222,622 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 15 Updated: May 8, 2025 Views: 222,622 Categories: Kitchen Countertop Appliances Article SummaryX

To use a food processor, secure the plastic bowl to the electric base. Then, slide the blade into place. Add your recipe ingredients before closing the lid and turning it on. Begin processing your food by either holding down the “pulse” button, which is used to chop food, or the “run” button, which is used to blend continuously. If you need to add ingredients during the blending process, pour them in the tube on the lid. To learn how to pick the right blade for your recipe, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Leslie Chartier Co-authored by: Leslie Chartier Executive Personal Chef Co-authors: 15 Updated: May 8, 2025 Views: 222,622 100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Mac Sidhu

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"I had an assignment about food processors. I went to what seemed like thousands of websites for references and..." more Rated this article: Kristin Marchionni

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