What Is a Food Press and How To Use It

Cutco has something called a Food Press in its kitchen tool lineup that may confound you. It looks like a Potato Masher, but with no holes. So what exactly is it for? To clear the air here is some insight into what a Food Press is and how to use it, because it really is a handy tool in the kitchen.

Cookware Companion

The Food Press is mostly considered an accessory for Cutco Cookware. Its 5-inch, flat stainless steel head can be used to make things like tomato sauce and purees, when used to press the food through the holes of the Steamer Insert, which fits into the 3 Qt. Sauce Pan.

But what I really like it for, is to make applesauce. Peel some apples, cut them into chunks, cook until they’re soft and then use the Food Press to press them through the Steamer Insert to make applesauce.

Add some sugar, cinnamon or whatever else you like to flavor your applesauce with and it’s ready to go.

Smash Your Food

Outside of using the Food Press with the cookware, we’ve found it’s great for making smashed foods.

I’m a big fan of roasted broccoli, but have you tried it smashed? Boil some medium-to-large broccoli florets until fork tender (being careful not to overcook them). Place the florets on a baking sheet and use the Food Press to smash the florets flat.

Season them with salt, pepper and garlic powder, and sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese. Toss in a 425 F oven until the cheese melts and you have some of the tastiest broccoli you’ll ever have.

You can use the same method for small potatoes. Boil the potatoes until done, but let them cool a bit before you smash them.

Once smashed, again season them with whatever you think will taste good and add some Parmesan cheese. Place in the oven to melt the cheese.

One of my favorite things to use the Food Press for is smash burgers! Roll hamburger meat into a ball, place the cold meat on to a hot griddle and use the Food Press to smash the meat down as thin as you can get it. You could also cover the hamburger with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Season and cook the smash burger for two to three minutes before using a Slotted Turner to flip it, scraping up all the crusty bits. Cook another few minutes (add some cheese if you’d like), remove from the pan and place on a bun.

Now that there are no more lingering questions about what a Food Press is and how to use it, you might find yourself using it more and more.

Give it a try and let us know how you’re using it!