The stand mixer is such a classic. It is an iconic kitchen appliance for anyone that enjoys baking. My friends and I had a talk when we last met for dinner and ended up sharing ideas on how we use different kitchen appliances for different things.
For most of them, the stand mixer stood out because it had several uses, and always came in handy when you are not in the mood of using so much energy to whip something up.
However, one of them said that she has owned a stand mixer for years but has never really used it. We were all shocked. There are some kitchen appliances out there that you do not need but a stand mixer is definitely not one of them.
A stand mixer is used to knead the dough, make meatballs, make guacamole, mash potatoes, shred chicken, and even mix settled foods. We will learn in detail more uses in the article.
I use my stand mixer several times a week because it makes my work in the kitchen so much easier. Having my stand mixer is like literally having an extra pair of hands in the kitchen.
I decided to research and write on this topic because I am pretty sure there are people out there, like my friend, who do not put their stand mixers to use.
I have to admit that when I first got my stand mixer, I had no idea of the very many ways I could use it. For a long time, it just sat on my countertop. I was a bit slow in putting it to use but I am glad that in the few years I have had it, I have been able to use it to whip up some pretty delicious stuff.
I use my mixer for all sorts of goodness. One of my wishes is that I eventually get a stand mixer that has a bigger bowl. There are some stand mixers in the market that have bigger bowls and more horsepower.
It would be nice to make a batch of buttermilk potato bread without the dough getting all stuck in the blade thingamajig. But my mixer still works well, so I have no complaints.
If you like the challenge of making things from scratch and you are wondering how to use your mixer for things other than baking, this is just the post for you.
The stand mixer is definitely also one of my favorite kitchen appliances. Since it’s a favorite to many, I had excellent help coming up with this post. My family, friends, and co-workers were more than eager to share their experiences with the stand mixer.
I also got a little bit of inspiration from the internet. I have owned my stand mixer for a couple of years and as a result, also gained some knowledge about it along the way.
Whether you have had your stand mixer for a long time or just bought one recently, here are 15 creative stand mixer uses that you need to know.
Stand Mixer Uses
Try using your stand mixer for these uses and let me know whether you loved the results.
- Meatballs
The mixer does a great job of mashing up raw ground meat with seasoning. All you have to do is put all your ingredients in the mixer bowl and turn it on.
However, always be keen not to overmix them. Using the stand mixer gives you time to prep other items that you need to prepare your meal.
Meatball Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Kneading dough
You can knead your pizza dough or any other kind of dough in the stand mixer, thanks to the dough hook. The dough hook does all the hard work that you would otherwise need to do by hand.
The best part is that all the kneading is done in a contained space so it is not as messy as hand kneading.
Click Here To Learn How Long to Knead Bread dough in the KitchenAid Mixer.
- Making guacamole
I prefer making guacamole by hand, especially when I am just making a little for my family. However, making guacamole for a crowd can be so tiresome.
This is where your stand mixer comes in. It does a good job. Besides, no one can even tell that you used a mixer because it tastes just as good and the mixer speeds up the process altogether.
- Mashing potatoes
Just like the guacamole, mashing so many potatoes by hand is tiresome. The stand mixer can mash potatoes effortlessly. The trick is in mashing potatoes while they are still hot. Add a bit of milk or whatever liquid you prefer and be careful not to overmix.
The result is always amazing. Your mashed potatoes will be fluffy, just the way everyone likes it.
- Shredding chicken
Using your hands to shred chicken can be tiresome, so why not put your stand mixer to use? Just place your cooked chicken breast in the mixer with the paddle attachment and set your mixer to low.
The mixer will shred the chicken. The process is fast and easy. You’ll have your dinner on the table in no time.
- Making whipped cream
If you have a stand mixer, you don’t need to whip cream by hand or buy it at the grocery store. You can make your own fresh whipped cream with little or no effort.
The best thing about it is that you can even experiment with flavorings like peppermint and raspberry. No need to spend money when you can make amazing whipped cream using the mixer.
- Making buttercream frosting
Buttercream frosting is generally not very easy to make. However, the stand makes it so much easier, and effortless.
The stand mixer gives you the perfect texture that is creamy, smooth, and the right amount of fluffy. The buttercream frosting made in the mixer is heaven-sent. If you haven’t tried it yet you are missing out.
- Making granola and granola bars
We all know that the granola bars we buy in stores are sometimes loaded with added sugars. The quality granola bars are quite pricey so making them part of your diet can be tricky.
The good news is you can make your granola bars at home. Simply use your stand mixer to mix oats with peanut butter, honey, vanilla, crushed pretzels, and add-ins like mini-chocolate chips.
- Meringue
You can easily turn your egg white into a firm, glossy peaks in very little time and with no effort at all.
The whisk attachment in the stand mixer does a perfect job at making mini meringues because it is high powered compared to the hand mixer.
You ought to try it out.
- Cookies
When you are supposed to make lots of cookies for friends, family, or any other crowd, the stand mixer is a lifesaver.
You can evenly distribute add-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, and raisins with ease. Just put all your ingredients in the mixer, turn it on, and voila! There is no better way to do it.
- Mixing settled foods
You know the way you buy natural peanut butter but it has that layer of oil on top and you can’t remove it because if you do the peanut butter will dry up? Well, the stand mixer is a perfect solution to this problem.
Just scoop all the peanut butter from your jar, place it in the mixer, mix it up and then scoop it back into the jar. The stand mixer does a great job at mixing settled foods.
- Scrambled eggs
Making scrambled eggs for two or three people is pretty easy, but what happens when you have to make scrambled eggs for a whole bunch of people?
The stand mixer comes in pretty handy. You can easily make scrambled eggs using very little effort. The stand mixer is a lifesaver.
Can you freeze scrambled eggs? Click To Learn.
- Mixing cake butter
When making cake butter, you end up dirtying a bowl either way. So why not use the mixer bowl and let your stand mixer do all the hard work? Using the mixer is a great way to get everything incorporated.
The mixer helps you get everything mixed while doing as little mixing as possible.
Always avoid the over mixing disaster because it will make your baked goods tougher and no one wants that.
- Mixing delicious dips
Lots of dips out there call for you to add some cream cheese and other flavorings. Mixing by hand or the hand mixer usually gives you a lumpy outcome.
However, when you use a stand mixer, your result will be smooth, just the way it should be. So if you are thinking of mixing your dip with anything, just use your stand mixer for the best results.
- Making creative artisan bread
A friend of mine introduced me to this recipe where I use my stand mixer and I believe it is a good enough reason why you should have a stand mixer in your kitchen.
You can effortlessly make loaves of bread and even mix in herbs, cheese, and anything else you want. The bread always turns out amazing and is always super delicious.
A kitchen stand mixer is a worthy investment because you can use it for so many things. If you don’t have one I suggest you consider getting one.