+13 votes
out of breadcrumbs. want to use crushed saltine crackers or rolled oats instead. need to know if it works for texture.
in Products and Ingredients by

8 Answers

+10 votes
Hello! Yes, both options can work wonderfully for texture, but they behave a bit differently. Saltine crackers will give you a texture very close to traditional breadcrumbs because they are dry and absorb moisture well. Just make sure to crush them finely. Rolled oats also work, but they create a softer texture and might give a slightly nutty flavor. If you use oats, it helps to pulse them in a food processor first so they blend smoothly.
by chef (91.1k points)
+7 votes
i often use rolled oats when making healthier meals. last week i tried them in meatballs and they turned out fine, though i forgot to soak them first so the texture was a bit dry.
by
+6 votes
saltine crackers work great for texture just crush them up real small. rolled oats are fine too but make the meatball a bit heavier mon ami.
by
+1 vote
Crushed crackers definitely work well for texture, but I am not totally sure about the oats tbh
by
+1 vote
People nowadays complicate cooking with all these fancy substitutes. Back in my day we used real bread. Your probably fine with crackers but oats sound messy.
by
+1 vote
Both crushed saltine crackers and rolled oats are excellent budget-friendly alternatives when you are out of regular breadcrumbs. Saltine crackers provide a crisp texture that closely mimics breadcrumbs, while oats add moisture absorption and a slightly heartier consistency. However, you can substitute them in equal ratios without altering the binding properties too much. Just ensure the oats are finely crushed so they do not remain too chewy in the finished meatballs.
by
0 votes
Crushed saltine crackers should work fine for texture because they are dry and similar to breadcrumbs, but I am not entirely sure about rolled oats. Oats might make the meatballs too chewy or dense unless you grind them down into a powder first. I usually just skip the binder if I am out of breadcrumbs, so I cannot say for certain how well the oats will hold everything together during cooking. You might want to test just a small batch first to see if it holds its shape.
by
0 votes
Getting dinner on the table fast for the kids is key, so I always swap breadcrumbs for dry oatmeal without crushing it. It puffs up and keeps the meat super tender!
by