Grain Free, Gluten Free, Paleo Meatloaf Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a gluten free substitute for breadcrumbs in meatloaf? ›

¼ cup Pork Panko , or crushed up pork rinds – if you don't have this or don't want to use it, just use another 1/4 cup almond flour in it's place.

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!

Bread crumbs serve as a binding agent for the loaf, helping it not crumble after it's cooked.

The Basic Meatloaf Formula

All recipes for meatloaf start with the same basic formula: 2 pounds of ground meat and a “panade” made of bread or crackers soaked in milk. Along with a few eggs, this panade helps to hold the ground meat together and adds some essential moisture to the mix.

Every meatloaf recipe requires a binder, otherwise, you don't get the same moisture retention and tenderness when you cook it. Most recipes require bread crumbs soaked in moisture as the binder to improve the quality of your meatloaf, but there are plenty of other options.

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are naturally gluten-free. They are a legume and a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. Their crumbly texture is perfect for making plant-based breadcrumbs.

What does adding an extra egg to meatloaf do? ›

Eggs Add Structure

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.

The most traditional meatloaf binder is probably torn up bread soaked in milk, but you can also use bread crumbs, Panko, dehydrated potato (instant mashed potatoes), or just about any other grain.

Nuts Or Seeds

Sunflower seeds, almonds, and sesame seeds are all great breadcrumb alternatives. Chop larger nuts finely in a food processor. Seeds like sesame are already small enough and can be used as is. Use a variety of nuts as a coating for chicken, fish, or pork; just pulse them finely so they will stick.

Yes. Providing Panko Breadcrumbs are made with gluten free bread and are processed and cooked in a gluten-clean environment, they are safe for people with Coeliac Disease (Celiac) and other gluten or wheat avoidant conditions.

For an excellent gluten-free substitution for panko bread crumbs, consider using some chopped nuts. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and even pistachios can all work well to provide a nice protein-packed crunch.