Almond flour is a versatile ingredient for individuals following gluten-free diets, as well as those who are following low-glycemic or low carbohydrate eating plans. Fortunately recipes prepared with this type of nut flour taste so great that even those who don't have special dietary needs are sure to love the recipes that you learn how to make. Start with these tasty meatloaf, blueberry muffin and banana bread recipes and find out for yourself just how easy it is to cook with almond flour - and how great-tasting the results can be!
Gluten-Free Meatloaf with Almond Flour
This hearty main dish will satisfy the whole family. The recipe makes eight servings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef, thawed
- 1 egg
- 1/2 of a cup of almond flour
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 of a cup of tomato sauce (Check label to verify gluten-free.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place all ingredients except tomato sauce in a mixing bowl.
- Mix until ingredients are completely combined.
- Place mixture in pan, patting until spread evenly.
- Pour tomato sauce over top, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 55 minutes.
Variations
You can vary this recipe by adding in other ingredients to the meat mixture or by varying the topping. Examples of variations you may want to try include these options:
- Stir in 1/4 cup of diced jalapeno pepper for added kick.
- Add one teaspoon each of chili powder and ground cumin for a Tex-Mex flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup of corn kernels to the meat mixture.
- Stir 1/4 cup of bacon bits into the meat mixture for a smoky flavor.
- Lay slices of uncooked bacon on top of the meatloaf before adding the tomato sauce.
- Leave off the tomato sauce.
Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins
These traditional muffins provide a tasty treat. Depending on your muffin pan size, this recipe makes 12-24 muffins.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of almond flour
- 3 teaspoons of gluten-free baking powder (Look for rice flour, rather than standard on the ingredient label.)
- 1/3 of a cup of sugar or sucralose
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 6 eggs
- 2/3 of a cup of water
- 1 cup of fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray muffin tins (to hold 24 small muffins or 12 large ones) with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place almond flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir ingredients together until well-combined.
- Add eggs and water, mixing until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Stir in blueberries.
- Spoon into prepared muffin tins.
- Bake for 20 minutes if making small muffins, 30 minutes if making making large-size muffins.
Variations
This recipe can be used to make many other types of muffins. Simply reduce the amount of blueberries and add something else - or leave out the blueberries and replace them. Just stick with dry add-ins and keep the quantity at one cup (or less, depending on preference). A few ideas you may want to try include the following:
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc)
- Diced strawberries, drained
- Shredded coconut
- Dried Cranberries
- Dried apricots
- Raisins
Gluten-Free Banana Bread with Almond Flour
This delicious banana bread is perfect for a holiday breakfast or just a tasty snack. The recipe makes 12 servings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond almond flour
- 3/4 of a cup of brown sugar (or Brown Sugar Twin)
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of allspice
- 3/4 of a teaspoon of gluten-free baking powder (Look for rice flour rather than standard on the ingredient label.)
- 1/4 of a teaspoon of salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 of a cup of canola oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place all ingredients except eggs and oil into a large mixing bowl.
- Stir to combine.
- Add eggs and oil.
- Mix well, ensuring that everything is well-combined.
- Pour into loaf pan.
- Bake for one hour.
Variations
You can vary this recipe by stirring additional dry ingredients to the batter just before pouring it into the pan. Add between 1/2 cup and one cup, depending on your preference. A few options you may want to try include the following:
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc.)
- Chunks of gluten-free chocolate
- Raisins
- Blueberries
- Dried cherries
More Almond Flour Recipes
These are only a few of the tasty recipes that you can make using almond flour. Keep in mind when reviewing recipes that almond flour may sometimes be referred to as almond meal or ground almonds.
More Recipes from LoveToKnow
If you're ready to try a few more dishes, consider making a tasty Almond Flour Pie Crust to form a base for your favorite sweet or savory pie filling. Additionally, this Paleolithic Diet Recipes article features instructions for preparing several recipes using almond flour, including pancakes, almond muffins and spiced fruit cookies.
Additional Resources for Almond Flour Recipes
ElanasPantry.com is a popular online resource for recipes featuring almond flour. Elana Amsterdam, owner of the website, has also written two excellent almond flour cookbooks:
- The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook
- Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut Flour.
Finding Almond Flour
Most health food stores carry almond flour, as well as some supermarkets. If you aren't able to find it in your local area, or if you prefer to shop online, you can order this healthy ingredient from the Bob's Red Mill website or Netrition.com.
