12 Immersion blender uses and tips

Immersion blender uses

See what the KitchenAid® line of hand blenders and accessories has to offer and get inspired to make your own immersion blender recipes.

What is an immersion blender used for?

An immersion blender can be used to mix, puree and emulsify just about anything a regular blender can. Think pureed soups, fruity smoothies, custom aiolis, fresh pestos, baby food and more. With the addition of accessories, some hand blenders can even chop nuts, veggies and more, as well as whip fresh cream or eggs for meringue. Try a show-stopper dessert like Chocolate Pistachio Pavlova with Raspberry Cream using a KitchenAid® hand blender. Read on for twelve different things to make with an immersion blender.

TIP:

To convert a countertop blender recipe to an immersion blender, simply use a container that will best fit the recipe size. Use a speed that best matches the recommended countertop blender setting and make sure to slowly move your hand blender blades around the container for even blending. You’ll likely need to blend for a bit longer, but keep any eye on your results and stop when you’ve reached your desired texture. When using an immersion blender for smoothies and milkshakes, reverse the order in which you add ingredients.

1. Immersion blender soups

A hand blender’s convenience and versatility shines when it comes to pureeing soups right on the stovetop. This saves you the trouble of transferring hot ingredients into a blender jar and can also give you more control over the texture. You can choose to thoroughly puree the entire pot for a refreshingly smooth Pea Mint Soup, or leave tender chunks of vegetables for a hearty yet Creamy Cauliflower Soup.

2. Pesto made with a hand blender

You can easily convert this countertop blender pesto recipe using a hand blender, along with other fresh herb or nut sauces and toppings. Try this Thai Peanut Dipping Sauce recipe to go alongside grilled chicken satay. It comes together in a pot right on the stove where you can chop the nuts along with pureeing the rest of the ingredients in one blending step.

3. Immersion blender accessories for whipped cream

Some immersion blenders work with a whisk accessory to help with tasks that require aerating or mixing ingredients. The KitchenAid® Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender is compatible with attachments including a whisk to quickly whip egg whites or heavy cream to fluffy peaks, or emulsify vinaigrettes, sauces or other toppings. If you want to hone your technique, learn how to separate egg whites with this guide.

4. Quick blender mayonnaise

If you’ve never had homemade mayonnaise, you’ll be amazed at how simply and quickly it comes together using an immersion blender. Simply add ingredients to your container and blend until you achieve that familiar thick, creamy texture. You can use either the blending blades or a whisk attachment for this recipe. Using an immersion blender allows you to make a large quantity for a tangy slaw, or just a little for a dipping sauce.

TIP:

Mayonnaise can be used as a base for a wide range of dressings, sauces and dips. Add just a few extra ingredients to transform simple mayo into a lemony garlic aioli, creamy sriracha sauce, avocado spread and more. You can also create vegan mayo using cashews instead of eggs.

5. Immersion blender salad dressings and marinades

Quickly emulsify vinaigrettes, creamy salad dressings and rich marinades for custom flavor profiles. Creating homemade dressings and marinades with an immersion blender lets you choose the amount of each ingredient added and tweak the flavors to your exact preferences. Explore a world of new and exciting flavor combinations that can’t be found on your grocery shelf. It only takes a few moments to emulsify ingredients using a hand blender.

6. Jams and chutneys with a handheld blender

Create an indulgent moment for yourself with seasonal spices and fresh fruits. Use an immersion blender to puree smooth jams or chewy chutneys to top your morning toast or alongside weeknight dinners. Add fresh flavors using everything from summer’s first batch of strawberries, to tangy cranberries, or this warm winter Spiced Pear and Caramelized Shallot Jam recipe using a KitchenAid hand blender.

7. Incorporating veggies with a hand blender

An immersion blender is a master of pureeing vegetables to a smooth consistency. Find more ways to incorporate healthy ingredients into a range of recipes by finely blending vegetables for a nutritious boost. Add a handful of kale or spinach to your smoothie or soup and blend until the flavors meld with your other ingredients. Use this technique for other healthy add-ins too, like chia seeds, flax seeds or bran for some filling fiber.

8. Single-serve smoothies using a hand blender

If your morning starts off with a smoothie for one, an immersion blender might become your new favorite kitchen tool. Its versatility to blend in a variety of containers makes it a perfect fit for smoothies blended directly in your glass. Save on cleanup by skipping the blender jar and choosing a hand blender with a dishwasher-safe arm, like options from KitchenAid brand. Learn how to make the perfect smoothie with our tips and tricks.

9. Silky smooth blended batter (and chunky toppings)

You can use an immersion blender to mix up batters for cakes, brownies and a nearly endless variety of sweet or savory pancakes and crepes. Blend together wet ingredients, then slowly incorporate dry ingredients, blending until smooth—no more lumpy batters. Use your immersion blender to experiment with different fruit toppings like homemade Spiralized Potato Pancakes with Spiced Applesauce pureed to your perfect texture.

10. Chopping nuts, veggies and more with hand blender accessories

Select immersion blenders are compatible with accessories that allow them to chop tough ingredients like nuts or fibrous vegetables. Chopper accessories can help turn an already versatile appliance into one you won’t want to do without. These accessories can also help an immersion blender substitute for a food processor or chopper in a pinch.

11. Guacamole and other dips

If you love homemade guacamole, you can use your immersion blender to make the perfect blend. An immersion blender can be a bit more efficient than mashing your avocados with a fork. For chunkier guacamole, only blend a little, and for smoother guacamole, use your immersion blender to mix it up a bit longer. An immersion blender can be a great tool for blending not just guacamole, but all your favorite party dips.

12. Scrambled eggs

For fluffy scrambled eggs, try using your immersion blender rather than a whisk or fork. The yolks and whites are more likely to be combined well when they are blended, as well.

Immersion blender tips & tricks:

Learn how to use an immersion hand blender to help achieve your ideal results for tons of different blender recipes. While nearly every recipe will vary, these tips and tricks for using an immersion blender can be applied to many of your creations, including pureed soups, milkshakes and more.

1. Use the right size container for your recipes

It’s best to use a container that will be around ⅔ full with all ingredients added. You’ll need a little extra space to allow ingredients to move around as you blend to help prevent splatters and spills. You’ll also need enough depth to keep the hand blender blades fully immersed in your ingredients. For blending small amounts, choose a tall and narrow container to make sure you’ll have enough depth.If whipping ingredients, only fill your container about halfway so there is room for your mixture to expand.

2. Keep blades below the surface

Keeping the blades below the surface of your ingredients will help prevent splatters as well as help with even, thorough blending.

3. Start blending slowly

It’s generally considered a best practice to start with a lower speed setting and increase if needed. Get things moving gradually and avoid splatters and ingredient eruptions from a sudden burst of power.

4. Move the blades properly for your desired blending results

SMOOTH: For most completely pureed recipes, blend at a slight angle as you slowly move the blades around the container for even blending.

SMOOTH & CHUNKY COMBO: Holding the blender at a slight angle, blend for 2 seconds in one spot. Move to a different part of the container and blend for 2 more seconds. Proceed to blend portions of the mixture in 2 second intervals until you have a smooth base but some chunks remain for texture.

AERATED: If you are aerating ingredients for recipes like whipped cream or meringue, move the blades a little more quickly and in all directions. Move up and down as well, but be sure to always keep the blades below the surface.

5. Rinse immediately after use

To avoid tough, stuck-on foods, rinse your blender blades and arm immediately after using. Most hand blenders, including KitchenAid® immersion blenders, feature removable dishwasher-safe arms to help minimize cleanup efforts even more.

Can you puree with an immersion blender?

Yes, an immersion blender is perfect for quickly pureeing a range of recipes from smooth soups to creamy smoothies, delicious dips like vegan queso and more. The stick blender design allows you to puree ingredients in nearly any dish shape and size. You can take on brunch pancakes for the whole family or just a quick salad dressing for one.

Can you froth milk with an immersion blender?

Yes—the immersion blender will create a rich and thick foam for your favorite coffee drinks. Just blend continuously for about one minute in a deep container. Keep in mind that the volume of your milk will increase during the frothing process. Fill your container no more than 1/2 full and be careful to keep the blades below the surface to avoid splatters or spills.

What to use in place of an immersion blender?

You can use a countertop blender for any immersion blender task, keeping the size of the jar in mind. A food processor is another good substitution for a hand blender, especially when it comes to pureeing. For tasks that require aerating ingredients, like frothing milk or beating eggs and cream, a hand mixer or stand mixer is a good alternative.

If you’re looking for an immersion blender alternative that’s great for smaller portions, explore KitchenAid countertop blenders paired with a personal blending jar or small batch jar.