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7 Best Substitutes for Cornmeal in Gluten-Free Baking

7 Best Substitutes for Cornmeal

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Substitutes for cornmeal vary by texture and flavor. Polenta and grits come closest for breading and frying, while rice flour and almond meal are good gluten-free alternatives for baking and coatings.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Polenta Coarser grind with nuttier flavor; use 1:1 ratio in recipes calling for cornmeal
  • 0.75 cup Semolina Finer grind from durum wheat; use ¾ cup per 1 cup of cornmeal; not gluten-free
  • 1 cup Grits Wetter texture with mild corn flavor; use 1:1 ratio, stir well before using
  • 1 cup Ground Oats Softer texture and mild oat flavor; use 1:1 ratio; may need extra liquid
  • 1 cup Rice Flour Lighter, neutral flavor; use 1:1 ratio; creates a smoother texture and crisp coating
  • 0.75 cup Almond Meal Nutty and moister texture; use ¾ cup per 1 cup cornmeal; reduce oven temp by 25°F
  • 1 cup Crushed Polenta Chips Coarser texture with toasted corn flavor; use 1:1 ratio; crush to size of coarse cornmeal

Method
 

  1. Choose a substitute based on the recipe: polenta or grits for frying and breading, rice flour or ground oats for baking, almond meal for gluten-free and moist texture.
  2. If using crushed polenta chips, crush the chips in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin until the pieces are about the size of coarse cornmeal.
  3. Apply the substitution ratios exactly as specified: cup-for-cup for most, ¾ cup for semolina or almond meal per 1 cup cornmeal.
  4. For ground oats, add extra liquid such as a tablespoon of water or milk if batter thickens too much.
  5. Stir grits well before use to prevent clumping due to wetter texture.
  6. Lower the oven temperature by 25°F when baking with almond meal and check for doneness early due to faster browning.
  7. Taste test when using crushed polenta chips as they add more salt; adjust seasoning accordingly.
  8. Perform a final taste and texture check to ensure the substitute works well in your dish, adjusting moisture or seasoning as needed.

Notes

Stir grits well before use to prevent clumping and ensure even coating.

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