Can You Substitute Bread Crumbs in Meatloaf? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Substitute Bread Crumbs in Meatloaf? ›

Bread Crumb Substitutes

Breadcrumbs for meatloaf are used to absorb the juices and keep them in the meat while it cooks so that it stays moist; without the breadcrumbs, the meat would dry out in the oven. Breadcrumbs also add to the meatloaf's tender texture so it's more than a giant seasoned hamburger when you pull it out of the oven.

If you don't have any bread, you can substitute it for breadcrumbs, crackers, cereal grains, oatmeal, instant rice, instant barley, or even potato flakes! However, bread is still the best choice of all the potential options.

In meatloaf, this is most commonly the eggs and breadcrumbs. Your binding ingredient is only second to the meat itself in your recipe and the reason why meatloaf crumbles. When this happens, it's because you didn't use enough. Next time, try adding in an extra egg and/or some more breadcrumbs.

If a recipe for meatloaf or meatballs calls for bread crumbs, you may have success swapping it out for rolled oats or oat flour. Oats by weight are also lower in calories, provide more complex carbohydrates, and are a richer source of dietary fiber than bread crumbs, making them a nutritionally sound substitute.

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"This Southwestern Meatloaf is a healthy, gluten-free recipe, PACKED with roasted veggies and bursting with Southwestern flavor. It's easy to make this ahead and freeze for later! Why is it awesome: it uses cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs for flavor and to make it gluten free.

Crushed-up Ritz crackers make a great substitute and add an extra burst of buttery flavor and moisture to your dish that regular breadcrumbs can't quite match.

What binds meatloaf together? ›

Eggs are an ingredient in nearly every meatloaf, and they have two distinct roles. Egg yolks, which are mostly water but contain a good amount of protein and fat, add flavor, richness, and moisture. They also help bind the meat together and get the loaf to set in a stable form without the need to overwork the meat.

The wet ingredients you add to meatloaf make it juicy. Using whole milk will add more richness and fat that keeps it from going dry. Along with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, it gives meatloaf a marvelous texture.

Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered? The meatloaf can be cooked uncovered. However, if you are concerned about it burning, you can cover the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes and uncover it for the final 15 minutes to allow the meatloaf to brown on top.

Bread Crumb Substitutes

¼ cup panko. ¼ cup cracker or pretzel crumbs. ¼ cup crushed cornflakes or other unsweetened cereals. ⅔ cup regular rolled oats (Use this only as a substitute for bread crumbs in meat loaf and other meat mixtures, such as burgers.

Arrowroot Powder. Arrowroot powder serves as a gluten-free thickening agent and binder in meatloaf recipes. Mix 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder with 3 tablespoons of water to replace each egg and achieve a well-bound and tender texture in your meatloaf.

It's best not to use flour instead of breadcrumbs. While you can use flour to coat chicken, it won't have the crisp texture that breadcrumbs or an alternative can provide. Don't use flour as a binder in meatballs because the mixture will become paste-like.

"Instead of using bread crumbs or crushed crackers, I use rice krispies and they work great! After trying this recipe you will probaly only use rice krispies in your meatball from now on!