What are the Top 9 Food Allergens?

Before we get to the recipes, a bit of education. While any food can cause an allergic reaction, these foods affect 90% of sufferers.

• Dairy
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Peanut
• Tree Nut (which does not include coconut, which is actually a fruit)
• Wheat
• Soy
• Sesame is the 9th allergen recently required to be labeled

Also note that gluten is not listed as one of the most common allergens. To make sure an item is gluten-free, is must also be free of rye and barley. In addition, oats can easily be cross-contaminated in fields, so choose oats grown under purity protocol standards, or else leave them out.

Now let’s get cooking! *Note – When I first wrote this blog post, sesame was not listed as an allergen. Some of these recipes may still contain sesame, either from tahini or sesame oil.

Top 9 Allergen Free Appetizers

Humms – *contains sesame

Hummus is a wonderful and delicious dip made from chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. It's full of folate which helps combat anemia.

Check out this recipe

Sesame-Free Hummus (Creamy, Flavorful & So Easy)

This sesame-free hummus is smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect as a dip, spread, or healthy snack.

Check out this recipe

Caramelized Onion White Bean Dip.

White beans and sweet caramelized onions go together so well in this dip! You will love this easy recipe. Serve it with crackers, veggies, or your favorite chips.

Check out this recipe

Gluten-Free Spinach Dip (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

This easy gluten-free spinach dip is creamy, cheesy and perfect with crackers, toasts, or vegetable crudités! Dairy-free and vegan too!

Check out this recipe

Allergy-Friendly Spring Rolls with Sunflower Butter Sauce

Vietnamese rolls are hugely popular, but those with allergies usually must keep their distance. From shrimp to peanuts, soy or dairy, these are usually little wraps of reactivity. But it needn’t be this way. Our refreshing rolls are light and delicious, filled with great and healthful colors and crunch.

Check out this recipe

Photo credit: Andrew Grinton

Top 9 Allergen Free Salads

Easy Chickpea Salad

This easy vegan chickpea salad with garlic vinaigrette is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free and is great for vegan potlucks, picnics, or meal prep!

Check out this recipe

Garlicky Greek Chickpeas & Spinach Recipe (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

This Greek Chickpeas & Spinach recipe is a filling plant-based meal that’s so easy & fast to prepare. Also gluten-free & allergy-friendly.

Check out this recipe

Corn and Tomato Salad

Enjoy the fresh flavors of Corn and Tomato Salad, a quick and easy barbecue side dish that is gluten free, dairy free, and top 9 free.

Check out this recipe

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

This cold brussels sprout salad paired with a aip and whole30 approved salad dressing is exactly what you need for these cold fall…

Check out this recipe

Mexican Kale Salad with BEST Avocado Dressing – iFoodReal.com

Mexican Kale Salad with black beans, corn, bell pepper, cilantro, and creamy cumin flavored avocado dressing. This salad is equally good on a hot summer night or as one of healthy Thanksgiving recipes. Serve it alongside air fryer shrimp, Instant Pot white chicken chili or borscht. The Best Kale Salad Recipe Oh, this Mexican kale…

Check out this recipe

Top 8 Allergen Free Main Dishes – With Meat

Cozy Comfort Chili

A simple chili dinner becomes a great option for a top 9 allergen free meal. Cheese and sour cream can be served in individual bowls apart from the main dish. To make this vegetarian, substitute lentils for the ground beef.

Check out this recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chili (Gluten and Bean Free)

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chili is so easy to make, plus, this recipe is tummy friendly with no beans, dairy, or gluten

Check out this recipe

Allergy-friendly 30 Minute Salsa Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Need less dishes & a quick, easy & HEALTHY dinner to fuel your family? This Allergy-friendly 30 Minute Salsa Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a weeknight saver!

Check out this recipe

Allergy-friendly 30 Minute Skillet Jambalaya

A one skillet, easy & filling dinner! This Allergy-friendly 30 Minute Skillet Jambalaya is free of: gluten, dairy, egg, soy, & nuts (w/ a vegan option).

Check out this recipe

One Pan Egg Roll in a Bowl – *contains sesame oil

This Egg Roll in a Bowl has all of the great flavor of an Egg Roll, but without the fuss or carbs from wrappers! It’s keto and low-carb, gluten-free, Whole30, and AIP!

Check out this recipe

Italian Rice Skillet Recipe with Speedy Sausage and Zucchini

This comforting Italian rice skillet is a great 30-minute meal w/ zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes & healthy homemade turkey sausage. Dairy-free, gluten-free.

Check out this recipe

Top 9 Allergen Free Main Dishes – Vegetarian

Gluten Free Falafel

This simple gluten free falafel recipe will help you overcome your fear of frying. It starts with raw chickpeas and makes the best appetizer.

Check out this recipe

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili.

This sweet potato quinoa chili is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s just right for busy weeks! Make this tasty chili in the slow cooker for minimal work.

Check out this recipe

Vegetable Ragu – a perfect dish for your dinner table

Vegetable Ragu is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for your dinner table. This vegetable ragu recipe is just right for busy week nights or lazy weekends. To say this recipe is a comfort food would be 100% accurate, well at least in my recipe book. Everything about this recipe is comforting…

Check out this recipe

Smoky Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowls

Smoky Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowls! These filling vegan bowls are full of flavor and loaded up with healthy veggies, served over seasoned black beans (and optional rice) with Mexican Slaw, Chimichurri Sauce, avocado, cilantro, and pickled onions. Repurpose all the leftovers into tasty tacos!

Check out this recipe

Photo credit: Sylvia Fontaine

Top 8 Allergen Free Desserts

Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts

Not only are these gluten-free pumpkin donuts delicious, they're also free of the 8 most common allergens. And only three ingredients!

Check out this recipe

Gluten Free Donut Muffin – Top 9 Free

These gluten free donut muffins recreate all the flavor of a cinnamon sugar donut, without the special pan. No frying needed.

Check out this recipe

Allergy Friendly Muddy Buddies (Gluten Free, Nut Free).

Chex cereal is coated in sunbutter, chocolate, and powdered sugar for a tasty allergy friendly version of muddy buddies! Everyone loves this classic recipe.

Check out this recipe

Allergen Friendly Chocolate Cake– Vegan, GF/DF/EF, Top 9 Free

Decadent and rich this Chocolate Banana Cake is gluten free and vegan. It can easily be made into top 8 allergen free cupcakes.

Check out this recipe

Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Lemon Coconut Cream Cake & Blueberry Sauce

A light, fluffy dessert like this classic cake is the perfect ending to any summer meal. It presents beautifully, with a fresh blueberry layer and zesty whipped coconut cream.

Check out this recipe

Photo credit: Andrew Grinton / Allergic Living

Top 9 Allergen Free Cookbooks

Looking for more recipes? Check out my list of Top 9 Allergen Free cookbooks. I LOVE the Instant Pot Cookbook from Allergy Awesomeness.

Top 9 Allergen Free Websites

Here is a short list of website I trust for those looking for Top 9 Allergen Free Recipes

• EBL Food Allergies
• The Allergy Chef
• Allergy Awesomeness
• Allergy Free Kitchen
• Kids with Food Allergies
• Allergic Living
• Eating with Food Allergies

Oh, and don’t forget to check out my list of Top 9 Allergen Free Snacks! And if you’re in the Metro Detroit area, check out Michigan’s only Top 9 Allergen Free Bakery.

Originally Published March 2018

The post Easy Top 9 Allergen Free Meals, Sides and Desserts appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

What Do You Order at Anna’s House?

Anna’s House offers a multiude of gluten free options on their menu. They use a color coded key to note items that are naturally gluten free (GF) versus items that have gluten free options. (GFO.) From pancakes to French Toast, and salad and sandwiches, there’s no shortage of options.

In addition to offering gluten free options, I love that they offer pork free sausage! I’ve had their pancakes, breakfast lasagna, sweet potato breakfast hash, and have loved all of it. And of course, I love being able to order gluten free cinnamon rolls at their restaurant. 

An Interview with Anna’s House Staff

I have visited multiple Anna’s House locations over the years. Howeverm I’ve never had the chance to ask management about their gluten free philosophy. Recently, I was able to connect with Tim Fatum, who is the Business Practices Director for Anna’s House restaurants. I’m sharing his direct answers with you, so my followers can learn more about how Anna’s House serves their gluten free guests. 

Why Did Anna’s House Choose to Offer Gluten Free Options? 

A few years after purchasing the first Anna’s House in 2003, owner Josh Beckett began to experience some health issues. In an attempt to improve his health, Josh and his wife Erin started to focus on new dietary options. At that time, the restaurant he owned offered very few choices that would allow him to eat there. From that point forward, Anna’s House has tried to offer many options for a variety of dietary needs, including gluten free.

What Steps Does Anna’s House Take to Prevent Cross Contact? 

Anna’s House is not a 100% gluten restaurant. They do, however, have a dedicated gluten free prep space, to prevent cross contact. They educate staff how to prepare these items which includes handwashing, changing gloves, and utilizing dedicated utensils in a gluten free station. In addition, they train staff in food allergy prep, before they are allowed to cook gluten free orders.

How Are Gluten Free Orders Served to Gluten Free Guests? 

Gluten free orders include a wooden pick that states “allergy.” *NOTE- When I ordered take out, there was no pick in my order, nor was there anything that identified that my order was gluten free. I don’t know if that was an oversight (it was Mother’s Day and MSU Graduation), or if to-go orders aren’t marked as Gluten Free. Make sure to talk to staff when you pick up your takeout order. 

They Have Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls?!?!

Anna’s House partners with Kind Crumbs, a dedicated gluten free bakery located in Grand Rapids, to offer gluten free cinnamon rolls to their customers. In fact, the restaurant tries “hard to find as many local options as possible on the menu to support our local community and local suppliers.”

What Other Dietary Restrictions & Preferences Do You Accommodate?

In addition to offering gluten free items, Anna’s House provides a variety of dietary options on the menu including dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and all natural meat options. Often guests ask that menu items are customized to further accommodate specific dietary needs. The goal is to be able to provide choices for each guest around the table.

What Else Should We Know About Dining Gluten Free at Anna’s House? 

“Anna’s House commits to offering options that appeal to guests who want or need gluten-free options. We will continually look for new and creative ways to provide tasty and fun meals that are gluten-free, and we always welcome new suggestions and ideas that we can consider. We are fortunate to be able to serve guests options that allow everyone to enjoy a great meal at Anna’s House. Thank you for your patronage.”

Where is Anna’s House Located? 

Anna’s House has 13 locations across Michigan.

• Grand Rapids – East Beltline
• Grand Rapids – Plainfield
• Grand Rapids – Northland
• Byron Center
• Grandville
• Holland
• Grand Haven
• Kalamazoo
• Okemos
• Grand Ledge
• Westland
• Milford
• Ann Arbor

A 14th location in Grand Blanc, Michigan (southeast of Flint) is proposed for 2026. They hope to continue to expand, when ideal locations become available. 

Anna’s House
Locations in West & Mid Michigan, and Metro Detroit
Hours – 6 am – 3 pm daily (Westland and and Ann Arbor open at 7 am)
No Reservations Taken on the Weekend
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Anna’s House is one of many Michigan restaurants I’ve visited. You can find a list of them on my  Michigan gluten free dining post. Please remember to always ask any restaurant about their food preparation practices.

Originally Published August 2022

The post Anna’s House – Gluten Free Dining in Michigan appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor is a huge tourist destination in Michigan. Being the home of one of Michigan’s two Big Ten athletic teams, that brings a lot of visitors. In fact, the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitor’s Bureau estimates 5.6 million people visited there in 2014.

If we figure that 1% of the population has Celiac Disease, we could estimate that 50,000 people are in need of gluten-free dining options while in the area. So to help make your trip a little bit easier, here are my list of top Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant suggestions. (Plus two dedicated gluten free bakeries!)

Zingerman’s Roadhouse

My first mention in my Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant suggestions is Zingerman’s Roadhouse. Why? Because Zingerman’s is synonymous with the name Ann Arbor. The level of care that they take with their food prep is PHENOMENAL.

With dedicated fryers, toasters and waffle irons, it gives peace of mind while you’re enjoying your meal. I mean, look at those Bits & Grits Waffles?! I wish I had a plate of them right now. Or their a gluten-free fried chicken. Fried Chicken folks! While you’re in the area, make a pit stop at Plum Market across the street for Ethel’s Baking Company treats and other gluten-free goods.

Frita Batidos

I think I’m in love with Frita Batidos. Even though their “fritas” are served bunless for us gluten-free eaters, it may be the most delicious beef patty I’ve ever tasted. Did I mention that their beef is locally sourced?  Their signature fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer. That’s a huge thing for those of us with Celiac Disease.

Their batido milkshakes are wonderful. I could eat my weight in their cajeta, which is made-in-house salted goat’s milk caramel. Cover one of their sweet deep-fried plantains in the stuff and you’ll never want to leave. Add rum to their batidos and it truly is a happy hour. 

Condado Tacos

I’ve visited three different Condado Taco locations, and have had amazing meals every time. The majority of their menu is gluten free, and they have great protocols in place for dietary restrictions. Plus they’re a peanut free and nut free restaurant. Read my review. 

Juicy Kitchen

Ann Arbor is a place with many eclectic flavors and attention to healthy eats. Juicy Kitchen focuses fresh, local food with options for all kinds of eaters. Gluten-free? Check. Vegetarian? Check. Vegan? Yep, that’s covered too.

This delicious gluten-free stuffed French toast is cooked on a dedicated griddle with clean utensils and bowls. Cooks never share the egg wash from the regular French Toast. I highly suggest taking a bite with a bit of strawberry. 

Core Life Eatery

The Core Life Eatery chain recently opened a new location in Ann Arbor. Apart from the bread made off site, everything at Core Life contains no gluten ingredients. You can create your own bowl, or order one of their popular entrees. They also feature some pretty amazing beverages, including hot bone broth.

Anna’s House

This chain of restaurants originally started in Grand Rapids, and opened the Ann Arbor Anna’s House location in 2019. Gluten free meals are prepared in a dedicated prep space with dedicated utensils. While any meal here is stellar, their gluten free breakfast options are phenomenal. Pictured above is their breakfast lasagna.

Buddy’s Pizza

Buddy’s Pizza has many locations across Michigan, including one on Ann Arbor- Saline Rd. Read more about this business in my review.

Tasty Bakery

This 100% gluten free bakery serves up treats at their storefront, and at the Kerrytown Market. Customers also enjoy their treats at local Sweetwater coffee shop locations. To learn more about this unique confectionery, read my interview with Tasty Bakery.

Nirit’s Bakery

This Cottage Law business, Nirit’s Bakery, sells at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Everything they make is gluten, dairy, soy and nut free. 

Blank Slate Creamery

Blank Slate Creamery is an ice cream icon in Ann Arbor. They make all of their own ice cream, and many flavors are gluten free. Gluten Free flavors are clearly labeled. 

Blom Meadworks

Blom Meadworks sells naturally gluten free, alcoholic mead. They often have gluten free snack options, too. 

Other Ann Arbor Gluten-Free Restaurant Suggestions

1. Paesano’s
I’ve heard lots of great things about Paesano’s over the years. A friend recently had dinner there, and enjoyed gluten free pasta and even tiramisu! They even serve gluten free bread. I need to return to Ann Arbor just to visit this restaurant. 

2. Pilar’s Tamales
Pilar’s Tamales is a small Salvadoran restaurant on Liberty St. Corn flour comprises the base of almost every item on the menu. They do make a few non gluten-free desserts. I highly suggest the pupusas stuffed with cheese and loroco flower.

3.  Miki Japanese Restaurant
My friend Jen Burch, from Blue Bear Aware, highly recommended this Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant option to me. The biggest issue for any Asian restaurant is the presence of wheat in soy sauce. She reports that Miki offers gluten-free soy sauce for their dishes. If you get a chance to eat there safely, report back so I know!

4. Totoro

If you’re in the mood for sushi, Totoro has many gluten free sushi options. Gluten free options notated on menu.

5. Stadium Market
Stadium Market isn’t really a restaurant. It’s a party store with a functional kitchen, selling gluten-free pizza and breakfast sandwiches Again, Find Me Gluten-Free has many reviews about this place. I sought the advice of Valarie Mates, the moderator of the online Gluten-Free Ann Arbor Yahoo Group.

She said that it’s “awesome.” Stadium Market reportedly has many gluten-free beers, and sells a selection of Udi’s products. If you can attest to their steps for preventing cross-contact, please let me know!

6. Salt Springs Brewery

Salt Springs Brewery is located in Saline, which is just outside of Ann Arbor. While I have not personally eaten there, I’ve been told they have a dedicated gluten free fryer for fried fish. However, I would check with wait staff before ordering, just to make sure. 

Final Reminders about Eating Gluten Free in Ann Arbor

As always, I suggest calling restaurants prior to dining to ask about gluten free food preparation practices. This allows you to get the best information without staff being distracted during a food rush. Luckily, Ann Arbor is a forward thinking city and there are plenty of options. You can even eat safely at University of Michigan dining commons! And last I knew, there’s a gluten free stand at the football field. 

Where do you look to eat in Ann Arbor? Leave me a note and I’ll be sure to check them out!

**In full disclosure, I was provided free meals at some of these establishments, but that does change my views or my comments.**

The post Ann Arbor Gluten Free Dining Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Learning to Appreciate Tofu

In college, I lived with my friend Sarah, who eats a vegetarian diet. I remember trying tofu then, and NOT enjoying it. However, since college, I’ve come to appreciate tofu so much more.

Much of my knowledge of tofu comes from my friend Cindy, author of Vegetarian Mamma. She wrote a great beginners’s guide to understanding tofu! She also introduced me to the E-Z Tofu Press, which I won in one of her giveaways. It works great at pressing out the extra water in a block of tofu.

One reason I really like tofu is because it’s inexpensive. I buy the Simple Truth Extra Firm Organic Tofu from my local Kroger. It costs under $2 for 14 ounces. You can’t get beef or chicken for that cheap! I cut my block of tofu by slicing the block of tofu horizontally, in 3 sections. Then I cut each section into 24 cubes

How to Bake Tofu

I always struggle at getting tofu crispy on the stovetop. Finally one day, I wondered what would happen if I coated and baked cubed tofu. The outcome was delicious! While I originally coated it in gluten free corn flake crumbs, I now coat it crushed Corn or Rice Chex. It’s so easy. (You can also use gluten free bread crumbs.)

This crispy baked tofu works perfectly for my Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Tofu recipe. Because the outside of the tofu stays crispy, the tofu doesn’t fall apart once combined with the sauce. Baking tofu makes your hands free to do the rest of your cooking, too. It cooks on its own while you’re making the sauce for this delicious Sweet and Sour Tofu.

Have an Air Fryer? Skip my step for baking in the oven and try this Best Air Fryer Tofu from Vegetarian Mamma!

Can You Make This With Chicken?

If you’re really not a fan of tofu, you can use this with chicken, instead. You could use diced chicken breast, and simply saute it in a skillet. You could also simply substitute chicken nuggets, and cut them up into smaller pieces. (We’ve done it before!)

How to Make Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Sauce

My recipe for Sweet and Sour Sauce uses pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, San J Tamari, plus brown sugar, cornstarch and water. *Note – combine the cornstarch and water in a small dish and stir, before adding to the rest of the ingredients. This prevents your sauce from having lumps in it.

You could put this sauce on any protein you like. I use this homemade sauce for Sweet and Sour Chicken at our Michigan Gluten Free Kids Camp. The kids eat it right up! In fact, you could serve it alongside chicken nuggets. Or, use it as a dipping sauce for my Rice Paper Egg Rolls. (Or buy them premade from Feel Good Foods!)

What to Serve with Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Tofu

I like to serve this Sweet and Sour Tofu over Jasmine rice. I fell in love with it after trying it from Delta Blues in my Bi Bim Bap. It smells so sweet and fragrant! Plus, it cooks so quickly. I make a large batch of rice in my Instant Pot and then have leftovers for later in the week.

Craving a different type of Asian recipe? Check out my round up of over two dozen gluten free Asian recipes.  Looking for other tofu recipes? Again, I highly recommend checking out all the tofu recipes on Vegetarian Mamma’s website. I know I’m eager to try her tofu based Vegan Thai Lettuce Cups!

Recipe

Print

Sweet and Sour Tofu

Equipment

• Marukan Vinegar Rice Genuine Brwd
• San J International, Sauce Tamari Reduced Sodium Organic, 20 Fl Oz

Ingredients

For the Baked Tofu

• 1 14 oz pkg Extra Firm tofu cut into cubes
• 1/3 Chex cereal crumbs 1 1/2 cups pre ground
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Vegetables, etc

• 1 green pepper cubed
• 1 red pepper cubed
• 1 onion cubed
• 1 c. pineapple chunks from can

For the sauce

• 2/3 c pineapple juice from can of pineapple
• 1/3 c ketchup
• 1/3 c rice wine vinegar Apple cider vinegar works, too
• 2 tbsp San J tamari
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp corn starch dissolved in
• 1/3 c water

Instructions

• Open package of tofu and press out extra water. I do this in my tofu press, and let it squeeze for 15-20 minutes. 
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and pulverize cereal into crumbs. Do so in a food processor or blender so the crumbs are as fine as possible. To that, add salt and garlic powder. 
• (If making rice, start it now.) 
• After tofu is pressed and most of the water is out, cube tofu. I slice mine in thirds from the side when it’s flat, and then cube each third into 24 pieces from the top side. (Hopefully the picture in my post explains this better.)
• Next, toss the mostly dry tofu in the cereal crumb mixture. Place coated tofu on a baking sheet, and spray with cooking spray. (If you want, you can recoat the tofu if you like yours extra coated.) 
• Place tofu in oven and bake for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. 
• While the tofu bakes during the first 15 minutes, prepare the sauce recipe. Combine the pineapple juice, ketchup, rice wine vinegar, tamari, and brown sugar in a medium pot. Heat until almost boiling. In a small dish, combine the 2 tbsp of cornstarch with the 1/3 cup of water. Mix until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Add to sauce mixture on stove, and cook until it thickens. 
• After the sauce is prepared, work on cooking the vegetables. I cut my peppers and onion in rather large chunks, and cook over a low temperature so as to prevent burning. (Coat the vegetables with cooking spray to avoid burning, also.)  I find they cook well enough if I put them on during the last 15 minutes while the tofu cooks. I also find they taste best with just a sprinkle of salt. 
• I used canned pineapple chunks for this recipe. However, I find the pieces to be larger than I like, so I usually cut each piece in half. (I use a 20 oz can, and only use half the pineapple and juice from the can.) 
• To serve, place a scoop of rice on the bottom of the bowl. Then top with cooked vegetables and pineapple chunks, then baked tofu. Pour hot sauce over each portion and serve. 

** I was not paid or compensated for this post. It does however contain affiliate links. Purchases made through those links help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Thank you for your continued support!**

Originally Published July 2016

The post Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Tofu appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Is Special K Cereal Gluten Free? Are There Alternatives?

I first wrote up this recipe for Gluten Free Special K Loaf in 2015. At that time, Kellogg released a gluten free version of their Special K cereal. However, they discontinued it. It left me looking for a similar tasting flake cereal. Here are some gluten free alternatives to Special K Cereal.

• Nature’s Path Gluten Free Corn Flakes
• Meijer’s True Goodness Gluten Free Organic Bran Flakes

Special K Cereal and the Kellogg Company

Kellogg, located in Battle Creek, Michigan, created Special K to be a high protein cereal. A one ounce serving contains about 112.5 calories, 5.25 grams of protein and less than a gram of fiber.

Meijer’s True Goodness Organic Bran Flakes compares at 110 calories, 2 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per one ounce serving. For those missing Raisin Bran, this cereal is a fantastic substitute. Just add raisins!

Seventh Day Adventist Connection

Will Keith Kellogg started Kellogg cereal with his brother. They invented the first ever flaked cereal. As Seventh-Day Adventists, they believed in eating a vegetarian diet. His brother John Harvey, a certified physician, believed most diseases flourished due to poor intestinal health. For those with Celiac Disease, we understand how true that is!

My husband’s family ate Special K Loaf when he was a child. His mother received the recipe from her boss, who was a Seventh Day Adventist. When my husband told me about this dish after we married, I thought it sounded incredibly odd. However, after tasting it, I really enjoyed it!

View Fisher Nuts’ FAQ’section for their gluten free testing procedures.

Loaf or Casserole?

While this recipe is called Gluten Free Special K Loaf, that’s a bit of a misnomer. It’s really more of a casserole. Most recipes direct you to bake in a 9 x 13 dish. However, I chose to bake mine in my 10.5 x 7.5 rectangular Staub gratin dish. I feel this is the perfect size! (If it looks familiar, I also used it to make my Gluten Free Au Gratin Potatoes.)

Because it contains six cups of cereal, it contains quite a bit of carbohydrates. Therefore I recommend broccoli or maybe a salad as a side dish. These Roasted Rainbow Carrots from A Dash of Megnut would add a beautiful touch, as well!

Vegetarian Alternative to Meatloaf

This Gluten Free Special K Loaf contains ingredients such as cottage cheese, numerous eggs, and nut meal. Therefore, it’s quite high in protein. While it doesn’t taste exactly like meatloaf, I find it to be very similar in taste and texture. My husband even likes to put ketchup on his!

Can I Make Special K Loaf Egg Free / Dairy Free?

This recipe contains a LOT of cottage cheese and quite a few eggs. I can’t recommend simply substituting them. Baking You Happier has a recipe for Vegan Special K Loaf. However it contains flour and oats. You can sub GF flour and oats, if you’d like to try it. Her recipe also calls for tofu instead of egg.

Can I Make Gluten Free Special K Loaf Without Nuts?

I have yet to see any recipe for Special K Loaf without the use of nuts. Healthy Little Vittles created a Vegan Gluten Free Meatloaf without nuts. However it does contain oats.

A Note About Sodium

A word on sodium. Between the cottage cheese and the George Washington seasoning, this is not a low sodium dish. (Meijer True Goodness Organic Bran Flakes contain 45 mg of sodium per ounce.) However, my motive for sharing this dish is to allow those who miss it a chance to have it again. Or for people to try something new and creative! If you’re concerned about sodium, this dish may not be for you.

 Can’t find George Washington seasoning? Try this substitute seasoning recipe!

Print

Gluten Free Special K Loaf

Equipment

• Staub Ceramic Baking Dish Set, 3pc, Dark Blue
• Fisher Chef’s Naturals Pecan Halves 24oz
• Nature’s Path Organic Corn Flakes, 10.6 Oz Box
• G Washingtons Seasoning and Broth, Golden, 1 Ounce (Pack of 6)

Ingredients

• 24 oz. container cottage cheese I suggest Daisy brand, 4% fat
• 1/4 c. oil
• 1/4 c. milk
• 5 eggs beaten
• 2-4 packs of George Washington Broth seasoning
• 1 tbsp. onion flakes or one small onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces ground into meal can substitute other nuts
• 5-6 cups lightly crushed gluten free cereal I recommend using Nature’s Path Corn Flakes, as Freedom Foods is no longer in business. I briefly pulsed them in my Ninja blender to break into smaller pieces.

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large bowl, mix together cottage cheese, oil, milk and beaten eggs. Next, add broth seasoning and onion flakes.  
• Next, roughly grind pecan pieces in a blender or food processor. Add the pecan meal to the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated thoroughly. 
• I chose to roughly process the flaked cereal before adding it to the wet mixture. If you want to skip this step, simply crush the cereal in the bag a bit. 
• Add mixture to casserole dish sprayed with cooking oil. Many recipes call for a  9 x 13 3 qt greased pan. I used a “10.5 x 7.5” 2.5 quart Staub Ceramic Gratin Dish.) Bake 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. 
• Serve with a side vegetable of your choice.

Have you tried Gluten Free Special K Loaf before? What familiar meals do you miss, now that you must follow a gluten free diet? Let me know and maybe I can rework it for you! 

**Staub provided me with gratin dish free of charge. I was not otherwise paid or compensated for this post. This post does contain Amazon affiliate links. I receive a small portion of the sale. However, this does not affect your final price.**

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