If you’re experimenting with gluten- and grain-free substitutes for regular flour, the almond variety should be on your must-try list. Low in carbs, high in protein and healthy fats, and subtly sweet, almond flour (blanched ground almonds; not to be confused with almond meal, which is made from almonds ground with skins still on) isn’t just handy from a nutritional perspective, it’s also easy to work with. It may seem strange that pulverized nuts can successfully turn into things like pizza crust and pancakes, but trust us, it works. These seven recipes show you how.
1. Easy Almond Flour Pancakes
Who knew that just three main ingredients could get you pancakes so fluffy they look like something out of an IHOP commercial? Even better than the chain’s version, these are grain-free, with no butter in the batter, and can be whipped up at home in about five minutes flat. So easy, you could even make them on weekdays.
2. Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
While thumbprint cookies are usually filled with jam, these go for a chocolaty ganache center instead. That’s not the only unconventional thing about the recipe: Made with almond flour instead of all-purpose, they’re also gluten- and egg-free.
3. Low-Carb Pizza Crust
There’s quinoa crust pizza. There’s cauliflower crust pizza. And now, there’s almond flour pizza crust. It’s gluten-free and low in carbs, but holds up well to toppings and has the crunch of thin crust. We’re nominating this almond flour version for Most Likely to Taste Like Real Pizza Dough.
4. Gluten-Free Brownies
Dark chocolate, eggs, and almond flour come together here for brownies that are perfectly sweet and super fudgy. Chopped almonds sprinkled on top allow for an extra crunch and are a wink to the unconventional flour in the recipe.
5. Easy Baked Paleo Chicken Tenders With Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
The almond flour coating for these crispy baked chicken tenders makes them Paleo friendly and gluten-free. It also lends a good dose of healthy fats plus nutty flavor—that’s not something you get with plain old bread crumbs.
6. Paleo Blueberry Banana Breakfast Bread
Traditional bread may be a no-no for many these days, but thanks to almond flour, coconut oil, and eggs, this blueberry banana breakfast loaf can make gluten-free, Paleo, and dairy-free eaters very happy.
7. Baked Paleo Onion Rings
Not only are these onion rings gluten-free, but seeing as they’re baked instead of fried, they don’t leave oil dripping from your fingers after each bite. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and indulge in a few extra servings without worrying about all the grease that would accompany traditional rings.
