15 Creative, Delicious Things You Can Make in a Blender

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Did you know that you can make a wide range of delicious things with a good blender, from soup to nut butters? Dust off this often under-utilized kitchen appliance and give the following items a whirl. (See also: 14 Cool Uses for a Blender)

1. Pancakes and Waffles

The next time you make pancake or waffle batter, try using your blender. Just toss all of the ingredients in, and switch on for a smooth mix; then pour your perfect portions straight from the pitcher. If you don't have a high-powered model, you may have to break up the mix with a spoon between pulses at first. Any standard recipe will work, just be sure to add mix-ins like fruit or chocolate chips by hand. This method is also great for gluten-free pancakes.

2. Sauces

Homemade sauces become so much easier with the help of a blender. You can achieve a smooth consistency and even texture with the push of a button. Make your own pizza sauce for an above average homemade pizza experience. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch. Or make your very ownhollandaise sauce! The blender emulsifies the sauce effortlessly for a silky brunch topping.

3. Soups

A great way to give your blender a workout is making smooth and creamy soups. The variety of recipes and flavors may surprise you. From creamy pumpkin and butternut squash soup, to potato and broccoli soup, to tomato bisque — the possibilities are nearly endless. When blending hot soup, it's a good idea to let it cool off a bit before adding it to the blender. Puree in batches, and crack the top while covering with a kitchen towel to allow some heat to escape when the blender is on.

4. Condiments

If you've never thought about making your own condiments but you own a blender, give it a try! Homemade mayonnaise only requires four ingredients, and is far superior to its bottled counterpart. Or, if you want to go all out, make your own ketchup. Home-filled bottles of this classic condiment make great gifts.

5. Quick Breads

When making quick breads, try using your blender to mix things up. You can add ingredients straight to the pitcher, making your blender the only "bowl " that will need cleaning. This gluten-free chocolate banana bread comes together in a flash, or try making blender zucchini bread. The blender does all of the work, so you can forget about painstakingly shredding the zucchinis.

6. Protein Shakes

If you're looking to bulk up, you can make delicious and healthful protein shakes at home. Some recipes don't even call for protein powder, but rely on nutritious banana and protein-rich yogurt, peanut butter, and chia seeds to provide energy. A shake made with tofu and soy milk also provides a healthy dose of protein, and tastes great with the addition of cocoa.

7. Peanut Butter

Homemade peanut butter is a real treat, and you can make it in your very own blender! Add fresh-toasted nuts and pulse for minute increments, scraping down in between. Add a little salt and, if desired, honey or other flavorings, and pulse to combine. If you don't have a heavy-duty blender, be sure to work in intervals and don't over-work the machine. If it starts to smell smoky, let it rest for a few minutes.

8. Milkshakes

There's no need for a milkshake maker, your blender will do just fine. Start with a basic milkshake recipe and then get creative. Add chocolate or fruit syrups, and mix-ins like candies, crumbled cookies, or fruit. Changing up the ice cream flavor yields great results, too. Don't forget the whipped cream and cherry on top!

9. Dressings

Making your own dressing is easy and so much better than store-bought, and with a blender, it gets easier still. You can make most salad dressings in five minutes using a blender, including a fresh Italian dressing, a flavorful French variety, herb-filled green goddess dressing, and a soy vinaigrette. Blending your dressing makes for a smoother finished product since it does the emulsifying for you.

10. Sorbet

For an easy and quick dessert, make your own sorbet in a blender — no ice cream maker required. You won't need much more than frozen fruit and sweetener to achieve a cold, sweet treat. This method works best with a high-power blender, but if you're using a typical blender it will still work. When the mixture refuses to blend, stop the machine and stir. Work quickly, so that your mix doesn't melt!

11. Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

If you're living the gluten-free life or just want to cut down, you can use your blender to make a cauliflower pizza crust. It's pretty amazing the things cauliflower will do, and this is no exception! Steam your cauliflower and then blend it up to a fine texture. Add a few ingredients and form into a round before baking, topping, and baking again. The results are surprisingly delicious.

12. Smoothies

Everyone knows you can make smoothies with a blender, but it's easy to forget the sheer variety. Try using oatmeal in your next smoothie for a filling breakfast on the go. Add some nutrition and color with greens like in a kale smoothie, which pairs well with tangy fruit like pineapple. Yogurt smoothies provide protein with a creamy consistency. Get creative with different kinds of fruit, juices, milks, and fun additions like almond butter, chia seeds, and cocoa.

13. Dips

To whip up a tasty dip in no time, a blender is your answer. Make silky smooth hummus in minutes, great for a party or for a weekday snack. Pair with carrot and cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes, and pita chips. For a restaurant-style salsa, let your blender do the work. Use it to top tacos and burritos, or simply serve with corn chips.

14. Cocktails

There's nothing quite like a frozen daiquiri on a summer afternoon. Simply add frozen fruit, lemonade/limeade, light rum, and ice, and whirl up. Try lots of different fruit flavors and serve in fun glasses for a perfect hot weather party drink. Use your blender to make other blended drinks like piña coladas, margaritas, and more. Your friends will thank you!

15. Pudding

Yes, pudding! Take some of the labor out of making homemade pudding by having the blender mix it up for you. You're guaranteed to have a silky smooth treat in no time flat. You can't go wrong with a dark chocolate peanut butter pudding, or, for a healthier route, try a blended vanilla chia seed pudding. It makes a great breakfast, or add chocolate to turn it into a low-guilt dessert.

What do you like to mix in your blender? Please share in comments!

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