10 Ways to Use Almond Flour

Almond flour has lots of uses, whether you're avoiding wheat flour or simply seeking more almond-y goodness in your life.

Almond flour, also known as almond meal, is a protein-rich flour that's often used in gluten-free and Paleo diet cooking. You can make your own by grinding blanched sweet almonds in a food processor, or buy it already ground at most grocery stores. Here are 10 ideas for how to incorporate it into your everyday cooking.

1. Pancakes: For a subtle nutty flavor, substitute almond flour for one-quarter of the flour — whatever type you're using — in your pancakes.

2. Scones: Boost your scones by swapping one-quarter of the flour for almond meal. Or, make these deliciously crumbly almond scones that are lightened with a bit of arrowroot.

3. Breading: Use almond flour in place of breadcrumbs or flour to make a gluten-free crust for fish or chicken. Use chopped almonds instead of very finely ground ones for a crunchier coating.

4. Meatballs and meat loaf: Substitute almond flour for any bread used in your favorite recipes.

5. Pasta: Add protein to your fresh pasta by swapping one-third of the flour for almond meal.

6. Biscuits: Make pleasantly crumbly, buttery drop biscuits.

7. Cookies: Use almond flour to make chewy-crisp cookies, like these easy honey-tahini ones. Or make crunchy biscotti.

8. Macarons: With nothing more than sugar, almond flour, and egg whites, you can create the cookies for French macarons. Now all you need is a filling! And maybe some food coloring.

9. Almond cake: With nearly as few ingredients, you can make a simple mixed berry almond cake. Or get fancy and try a decadent roll cake filled with orange-studded cream and topped with dark chocolate drizzle.

10. Brownies: Use almond flour to make incredibly fudgy brownies.