Can You Substitute Bread Crumbs in Meatloaf?

As bread crumbs are one of the primary ingredients in Meatloaf, those with certain food restrictions often can’t enjoy this beloved comfort food. But that doesn’t have to be the case. There are breadcrumb substitutes you can use in your next meatloaf to make it a great meal for anyone and everyone.

What Can You Substitute Bread Crumbs in Meatloaf With?

1. Rolled Oats: When it comes to breadcrumb substitutes, rolled oats are one of the leading contenders. You can use a food processor to achieve a breadcrumb-like consistency that binds your meatloaf ingredients splendidly. The oats, equal in quantity to the bread crumbs, not only serve as an effective substitute but also provide the dish with added amounts of heartiness and nutrition.

2. Crushed Crackers: An equally viable alternative is crushed crackers. One of the best things about this bread crumb substitute is you can choose a cracker flavor that blends with your meatloaf’s flavor profile, such as plain or seasoned. By crushing these crackers to breadcrumb size, you can seamlessly swap them for traditional breadcrumbs.

3. Pretzels: Pretzels, when transformed into a crumb-like consistency using a food processor, introduce a delightful crunch and unique flavor to your meatloaf. To incorporate pretzels, replace the bread crumbs in your recipe with an equal amount of pretzel crumbs. This creative twist can add an extra layer of excitement to your dish.

4. Ground Nuts: For an added touch of texture when substituting bread crumbs, consider ground nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans as an alternative. After finely chopping, swap the bread crumbs with an equal amount of ground nuts in your recipe. The result is a meatloaf boasting even richer flavors. However, it’s essential to take allergies into account when choosing this option.