16 Incredible Cornmeal Substitutes for Bread Lovers

Cornmeal, corn flour, and cornstarch are simple to combine since they are all composed of maize. Dishes are thickened with cornmeal. It might also be used as a binder.

They are popular gluten-free components that include a variety of vitamins and minerals and aid in the regulation of blood fat levels. As a result, it may aid in the prevention of cardiovascular illnesses.

Some cornmeal, on the other hand, is derived from refined starch. As a result, it may have lost a lot of fiber, proteins, and other nutrients during processing, which is why you should look for alternatives. Here are a few to think about.

1. Corn flour
2. Corn grits
3. Polenta
4. Corn chips
5. Tortilla chips
6. Masa Harina
7. Semolina
8. Coconut powder
9. Almond flour

If you’ve gone through your kitchen and still can’t locate the alternatives suggested above, keep reading to uncover a thorough list of Cornmeal Substitutes to consider.

But first, let’s learn a little more about this ubiquitous thickening agent.

16 Best Substitute For Cornmeal 

Cornmeal is a coarse flour that is created by crushing entire maize kernels. There are several varieties of cornmeal on the market, depending on the type of maize used for grinding. White cornmeal, for example, is manufactured from white corn, whereas yellow cornmeal is created from yellow corn.[Source]

Cornmeal is a key component in porridge meals like Italian polenta and Southern-style grits. This gluten-free ingredient may be used to produce cornbread, muffins, tortillas, and flatbreads.

What if you run out of cornmeal when making bread? Here are some alternatives:

Corn Flour

 

While it is feasible to substitute corn flour for cornmeal in certain recipes, not all of them will provide the desired results.

Grits and polenta, which are prepared from various types of ground cornmeal, cannot be replaced with corn flour and have the same texture since corn flour is finely processed.[Source]

If you use cornmeal to thicken a dish, you may probably also use corn flour as a suitable replacement.

Corn Grits

 

Because they are created using the same procedure and ingredients as cornmeal, white or yellow corn grits may be used as a replacement. The fundamental distinction is in texture, with corn grits having bigger grains.

Choosing the most refined corn grits enables you to be as close to cornmeal as a replacement.

Polenta

 

Polenta is a cornmeal-based dish that originated in Italy. It is not as smooth, but it has a lovely taste. When making it, you may add cheese, herbs, and spices to replace cornmeal in bread.

It also offers advantages such as being affordable and simple to process. It is also a versatile ingredient that may be utilized in a variety of cuisines.

This substitution may be used in lieu of cornmeal when you need a grainy carbohydrate. It should not cause any issues when used for bread.

Corn Chips

 

Corn chips may be transformed into another kind of bread. As a result, your snack food may be pulverized and used in lieu of cornmeal. It is, after all, made from fried or baked cornmeal.

It tastes similar to cornmeal, but the preparation time is longer. You should also evaluate how hard it is and if it has been salted.

Unfortunately, maize chips may be a better emergency option. Why? It may include a lot of salt, which you may not want in a healthy dinner. If you need a quick alternative, you could find this one in your pantry.

Tortilla Chips

 

Tortilla chips are regarded to be appropriate for baking. As a result, it may be used as a cornmeal alternative in bread. They are composed entirely with ground corn.

When baking tortilla chips, keep in mind that they have a stronger alkaline-cooked taste and a crispier texture than corn chips, which you must account for in your recipe.

Masa Harina

 

Masa harina is a common ingredient in Latin American cuisine. It may be used in place of cornmeal and vice versa.

The component is prepared from organic maize that has been boiled, seasoned with lime juice, and pressed into a fine powder. The finished texture is akin to cornmeal.

The ingredient might assist you in making corn cake. So, why not try it for bread making as well?

Semolina

 

This flour is derived from durum wheat and has a gritty texture. It has an amber color and is appropriate for pasta and baked items like bread.

It is prepared from dried and screened raw grains. It has the greatest protein level of any flour kind.

Quick Note

There is coarse and fine semolina available on the market. The coarse variant is significantly grittier, but the fine version is much softer and silkier.

Expect a thick and compact texture, though.

Coconut Powder

 

Keto dieters may find coconut powder useful in bread preparations. It has the density of cornmeal but is softer. It is said to be beneficial to the body’s overall wellness.

Furthermore, it is intended to minimize cancer and assist the heart. The coconut flour will naturally sweeten your recipes, making it the ideal healthy solution for your snacks and baked products.

Almond Flour

 

Almond flour is appropriate for making less dense loaves of bread.

It has a finer texture and gives your bread a nutty flavor. It would also be a fantastic substitute for individuals who like the flavor of almonds.

The greatest part is that you can adjust the taste profile without having to change the rest of the recipe.

Wheat Flour

 

Wheat flour is a common component in making cakes, bread, and pastries. It is a necessary step in the production of bread. Because of its high protein level, it makes bread stiffer than normal.

It is manufactured by crushing wheat grains. The remaining wheat grain is finely milled. As a result, it has a texture comparable to cornmeal.

Rice flour

 

Rice flour is manufactured by carefully grinding rice grains and processing them into powder. It is soft and silky, and it is often used in Asian cuisine. It may also be used in lieu of cornmeal.

Rice flour may be used to make cakes, muffins, and other sweet treats, but it is most usually used to make sweet breads since it lacks gluten, which is required for hard wheat bread.[Source]

Oats

 

Oatmeal may not seem to be a good idea. After all, the entire grain has no flavor of cornmeal. It does, however, have a comparable texture, which might help you attain the correct bread feel.

They will give your food a wonderful and almost nutty taste. Because they are whole grain, they are often used in baked items for health-conscious consumers.

Oatmeal bread is a popular oat-based bread.

Breadcrumbs

Because their textures are similar, breadcrumbs may be used in lieu of cornmeal. They’re almost as coarse as each other. So, if you prefer the texture but don’t like corn ingredients in your bread, go with breadcrumbs.

You may have to look specifically for an unseasoned bread crumb combination since most retail brands contain extra herbs and spices.

Another downside of using breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal is that they are sometimes more costly.

Flaxseed

 

Another cornmeal alternative with a similar texture and consistency is flaxseed. It must be ground to a cornmeal consistency, but this is doable. If you’re on a diet, you may want to try this substitute.

Flaxseed is often used to promote digestion or treat constipation. Flaxseed may also aid in the reduction of total blood cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.[Source]

Nuts

Grind some nuts to make a nutritious substitute for cornmeal. However, this substitute will not provide the same sweetness as the original component.

As a result, some sugar is required. These nuts will also give your bread a new texture and taste.

Crusty Cranberry Nut No Knead Bread, nut and seed bread, and walnut bread are some popular bread recipes that include nuts as an ingredient.

Cereal

 

Cereal is another item that may be used in lieu of cornmeal. When ground to the suitable consistency, it may have a texture comparable to cornmeal.

To make the substitute work successfully, use cereals with a high flour content. These cereals are less likely to be high in sugar than other selections. They’re also useful for last-minute substitutes.

You’re certain to find stuff in your kitchen, and preparing the concoction doesn’t have to take long.

Reasons For Using A Substitution

So, why do you need to discover a cornmeal substitute? Here are a few of the most common reasons:

You have run out of cornmeal

The most apparent reason you’re looking for a substitute is because you’ve run out of cornmeal. Although the component is popular, you may need a substitution right now. Perhaps you’ve already prepared the remaining ingredients, or you’re expecting company. So you don’t have time to go to the grocery.

But, hey, your kitchen has a lot of options, some of which are simpler to combine than others.

You need something healthier

Maybe you like the flavor and texture of cornmeal. However, you may need a carbohydrate break from time to time. As a result, you might choose a healthier choice, such as flaxseed.

You may have a comparable flavor and texture without feeling guilty.

You are allergic to corn

If you are allergic to maize but still want great bread with a compact consistency similar to cornmeal, try any of the non-corn-based substitutes suggested above.

Being allergic to an ingredient does not preclude you from enjoying a lovely loaf of bread produced from something like cornmeal. Substitutes might help you get your dose while remaining safe.

You want a different flavor profile

It occurs. So you’re pleased with how the cornmeal bread always comes out. However, you are becoming bored with the same flavor all the time. As a result, you may wish to experiment with comparable items that have somewhat distinct flavors.

You want a different texture

Cornmeal is chosen for its sweet flavor, thick consistency, and somewhat abrasive texture. So, if you want to alter up the flavor, you may also experiment with a different texture.

Remember that cornmeal comes in a variety of textures. Some kinds have softer textures, whilst others have more visible, coarser textures. What is constant is that they have a certain consistency that aids in thickening.

You can only handle gluten-free foods

So maybe your stomach doesn’t agree with gluten-free bread. Corn grits and corn flour may provide you a healthier, gluten-free option.

Having alternatives on hand not only saves you during that specific kitchen emergency, but it also gives you with a greater selection of taste, health, color, and other possibilities.