Can I leave the bread crumbs out when making meat loaf?? If not, what else can I use besides bread crumbs?

Question

Will oatmeal work??

Answer 1

The breadcrumbs combined with the egg help hold the meatloaf together after it is cooked. Any kind of cracker is a good substitute (saltines, Ritz, etc.). Crackers like Ritz can also really add a lot of flavor.

Answer 2

I have used Saltines, Ritz and several other kinds of crackers and all have worked well but with a change in texture and depending on the flavor of the cracker, it can change the whole dish. Rye Crisp is particularly good in my opinion. I love rye bread and the rye flavor added by the crackers is subtle but a welcome addition. My mom used oatmeal but I have not. It should work well as it did for my mom. Use a rolling pin to crush the crackers until they have about the same consistency as the bread crumbs and use a 1 for 1 measure or slightly less depending on how you prefer the texture. I use less crackers than bread crumbs since crackers absorb more moisture than the bread crumbs. Play with the mixture ratio until you find something you like.

Answer 3

Bread crumbs are probably the most popular, but you can also crush crackers and potato chips to get the bulk you need in your loaf. Oatmeal is another substitute if you're in a pinch.

Answer 4

Just about any starch will work, including
powdered mashed potatoes,
cereal flakes,
crushed crackers,
slightly stale bread or rolls or buns (you may wish to wet them with milk or water first)
leftover mashed potatoes
cooked rice
matzo meal

I've been very creative when making substitutions, and even read about someone using sweetened corn flakes and making a very tasty meatloaf.

They all taste pretty much the same once it's all cooked, and basically bind and stretch the meat along with the eggs.

Answer 5

You can use any type of bread but Rye will have a strong taste so I would avoid that. Cut up bread slices into little cubes, and let them get stale for a day or two, then just toast in the oven on cookie sheet.

Answer 6

Yes oatmeal,cracker crumbs,and my favorite crumbled up dressing mix(the one that comes in a box).They are cheaper and stay good a long while...

Answer 7

Yes of course you can! You can use crackers instead of bread, or even nothing at all. But if you want to give your meatloaf a kick or a different taste, try using different flavoured crackers!

Answer 8

oatmeal works better than bread

Answer 9

i have heard of meatloaf made with oatmeal (my mother in law apparently makes it this way) but i have never tried it. i personally use stuffing mix (like stove top or pepperidge farm) i soak it in a mixture of a couple of eggs and a little milk.

Answer 10

I use crackers. Oatmeal probably would work.