Sub for breadcrumbs in Meatloaf?

soupandcookies

I am gluten allergic, but love meatloaf, and have been on a "meatloaf muffin" for lunch kick. Most meatloaf recipes call for breadcrumbs, and I've been using the gluten free kind, but they are very expensive, and not that great. Does anyone have any other suggestions for substitutes? If you have a suggestion, do you know if it's a 1:1 substitution? I have heard you can use almond meal, but I'm not sure if I should be using the same amount (1/2 or a cup of almond meal is pretty fattening....).

Thoughts?

Thank you!

dawnmcneil10

I use oats in my meatloaf and meatballs and while I don't exactly measure I would say yes it should be about the same amount you're currently using for breadcrumbs. The oats will sit heavier though and they absorb more moisture so if you're using a low fat content in your meat you will want to add a little more liquid.

sc003ro

try quaker quick oats and also add some some chopped up veggies, squash, peppers etc.....taste good ....I also add a jar of Salsa to keep it moist especially if it is a turkey meatloaf

ValGogo

OOOO, how about almond flour!!!

Sevio

Quick oats. Learned that from Paula Deen believe it or not. She has a World's Best Meatloaf recipe that calls for oats!

summer8it

I haven't tried it in meatloaf, but when I make meatballs I sometimes use either oatmeal or rice in place of the breadcrumbs. It's a great use for leftover rice, which can otherwise be a bit dry and unappealing.

I also think that even regular breadcrumbs are rip-off expensive, considering what they are! I keep a cardboard box in the back of my fridge and toss in stale bread or random bread scraps, and when the box fills up, I use my food processor to grind it into crumbs.

ncl1313

Maybe try crunching up some Rice Krispies or Rice or Corn Chex or Corn Flakes. Or perhaps some cooked parboiled rice.

ETA: As far as a substitute ratio, I kind of don't know. I just usually add breadcrumbs until it gets to the texture I like, so I'm not even sure how much I use. I would think a little cooked rice would go a long way...maybe a half cup for a pound?

Devlyn_P

Try polenta

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Oatmeal (Old Fashioned). I prefer it to breadcrumbs, gives more texture.

I do:
2lbs beef
1.5 cups Oats
1 can black beans (not drained)
2 eggs
1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
Then whatever spices I feel like, onions, garlic, etc, sometimes I throw in a whole package of onion soup mix.

Keladelphia

I use almond flour as a bread crumb substitute in meatloaf and meat balls.

tycho_mx

fried red onions. You can get them at the asian/ethnic isle.

I've used cooked white rice as filler too, when hosting meals for gluten sensitive friends. Coarse corn meal works, too. And depending on the texture (more for baked stuff, not meatloaf) even popcorn.

jennifer_a00

I also use oats. I think it tastes better that way! Try the South Dakota meatloaf recipe from Taste of Home.

maab_connor

i'm not GF, but i used to cook for someone who is. i use stuffing mix in meatloaf. (in mine at home, it's pepperage farm herb blend) the GF stuffing was cheaper than the breadcrumbs. also, some major brands have cornbread stuffing that's GF w/o them trying, so it's the price of regular, not the GF price.

GingerLee13

Someone already mentioned Rice Chex, I'll second that. My friend who's GF uses it and it reminds me of panko, which I love.

happyjack1976

I use parmesan cheese, the grated kind. I don't like breadcrumbs/oats in my meat loaf.

DreaMuffin

i've used quinoa in those meatloaf muffins - works out well!

Fabnover40Kat

oats or Panko!!

PinkyFett

I have used smashed up chex cereal and it came out really good.

erobinson2014

I use rice crispy crumbs.

Flab2Fab27

Dehydrated cauliflower crumbs

UpEarly

Rice Krispies or Chex Rice cereal - both are gluten-free in the regular grocery aisle now. My dad has celiac disease, and these are what my mom uses for bread crumb substitutes in everything.

I know a lot of people are suggesting oats, but unless you buy the type that are certified gluten-free (like Bob's Red Mill), you'll be getting gluten from crop contamination.

scanna1219

How about cornmeal?

ladymiseryali

Pork rinds can be a good sub. As can parmesan cheese.

bebeisfit

I use cooked Bulgar...oh wait that's made of wheat.

How about cooked barley or quiona? I've also tried the cooked oatmeal (not instant) and that worked.

aledba

I just omit them. I use a mashed up tomato and an egg to bind it all up.

karinaApplebombinos

I've been using quick steel cut oats and I always put a ton of veggies in too.

mediamogulsteve

oats or Panko!!

Panko is made from white bread.

AlliSteff

U throw some Gorilla Munch in my Magic Bullet and use that. Gives my turkey loaf a slightly sweeter (corn) taste

lolalament

I have no idea, but my mum used to make gluten free meatloaf back in the old days when gluten free breadcrumbs weren't available, and gluten free bread was really expensive (and not that nice). So maybe having a look at gluten free recipes might have some good ideas!

soupandcookies

WOW! Thanks everyone! I will try all of these suggestions! I think my first try will be quinoa or quick steel cut oats (the gf kind). Thanks so much everyone!

brando79az

get by without any bread or oat. I just shread up celery and carrot and my family LOVES it! boom!