We rounded up some of our best blender recipes as a reminder of just how versatile an appliance the blender truly is. There’s a reason it goes on wedding registries by default, yet even the vaunted Vitamix too often gets relegated to smoothie duty. Blenders are great for fruity (or leafy) purees first thing in the morning, for sure, but there’s a lot else your blender can do for you.
Ninja Professional 1000-Watt Blender, $79.99 at Walmart
It's not a Vitamix, but it gets the job done at a nice price.
From batters and butter to cold brew coffee and vegan mousse, these are some of our favorite blender recipes.
And while cleaning up is essential, it doesn’t have to be a chore—so see this simple tip for how to clean your blender, hassle-free.
1. Dutch Baby Pancake
Chowhound
The ease of making a Dutch baby pancake is inversely proportional to the showstopping effect as it puffs up like a souffle in the oven, and since it’s made from pantry staples, you’re never more than 30 minutes away from a fantastic breakfast or dinner (feel free to take it savory). This recipe, as written, calls for whisking by hand, but there’s no need for that. Just blitz the eggs, flour, milk, and whatever seasonings you want in your blender all at once, pour them into a hot pan of melted butter, and watch the magic happen. Get our Dutch Baby Pancake recipe.
2. Easy Blender Hollandaise Sauce
Chowhound
No need to be intimidated by eggs Benedict anymore, or at least not by the hollandaise. Making it in a blender is a fantastic shortcut you should start deploying during brunch all the time. Get our Easy Blender Hollandaise Sauce recipe.
3. Blender Butter
Love the idea of homemade butter but don’t own a churn (or want to make your muscles feel more exhausted than after the most grueling arm day ever)? Make your own butter in the blender! Mix in spices, fresh herbs, and/or minced shallots or garlic for compound butter if you’re feeling extra-fancy.
4. Blender Salsa
Chowhound
Chunky salsas are good too, but sometimes a thinner version is better for drizzling over enchiladas, tacos, and nachos. And there’s no worry about pulsing one too many times like when you make it in a food processor, since the goal is a smooth texture. The pumpkin seeds in this one lend a creamy texture. Get our Blender Salsa recipe.
5. Slushy Cherry Old Fashioned
Chowhound
We love a classic Slushy Blended Margarita, but when it’s hot out, we’re ready to turn every kind of cocktail into a frozen treat. That includes a fruity twist on the Old Fashioned, like the best grown-up cherry Slurpee you’ll ever have. Get our Slushy Cherry Old Fashioned recipe.
6. Chipotle Avocado Salad Dressing
Chowhound
If you crave creamy salad dressing but feel a little hesitant about using tons of mayo, sour cream, and other dairy (or can’t stomach those at all), use your blender and ripe avocados to whip up creamy, healthy dressings like this smoky chipotle version that’s great on salads, tacos, and sandwiches, or just for dipping crunchy veggies. Get our Chipotle Avocado Salad Dressing recipe.
7. Pear Baby Food
Chowhound
If you’ve got a blender, it’s also easy to make your own baby food—maybe not quite as easy as signing up for a baby food delivery service, but manageable, at least some of the time. Get our Pear Baby Food recipe.
8. Asparagus Soup
Chowhound
Immersion blenders are handy for pureeing creamy soups right in the pot, but they’re also one more kitchen tool to add to your cupboards. As long as you pour carefully, a regular blender does the job beautifully too. This asparagus soup is perfect for spring, but in summer, try blitzing up corn soup; in fall, butternut squash. Get our Asparagus Soup recipe.
9. Adobo Marinated Chicken Tacos
Chowhound
Blend up a homemade spicy marinade for these juicy chicken tacos and it’s hardly any more difficult than buying a bottle at the store—yet it tastes way better, and removes any doubt about unwanted ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and preservatives in the mix. Get our Adobo Marinated Chicken Tacos recipe.
10. Healthy Blueberry Smoothie
Chowhound
Okay, we can’t resist smoothies either, the blender breakfast of champions. This one is fruity and creamy with a secret ingredient for a huge boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to complement the blueberries’ antioxidant powers…(it’s spinach, but you won’t know it when you taste it). Get our Healthy Blueberry Smoothie recipe.
ALINK Stainless Steel Smoothie Straws, 4 for $6.99
The only thing we'd change about our smoothie: swapping these in for the plastic straw.
11. Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Chowhound
Yes, your blender does dessert too, and not just milkshakes. For this healthy dessert recipe (seriously!), just chuck everything—avocados, cacao powder, agave, almond butter or coconut cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt—right in the blender, let it do its thing, and chill for a delectable treat that’s almost too easy. Get our Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse recipe.
12. Blender Cold Brew Coffee
If you love cold brew but not paying so much for it, make your own at home—turns out, your blender can be a great asset when it comes to getting caffeinated too.
Related Video: Why You Should Put Your Wine In the Blender
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