15 Ways to Use Ground Flaxseed

September 13, 2017
Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
Add an omega-3 boost to a variety of dishes with this surprisingly versatile ingredient. Store-bought, pre-ground flaxseed works as a thickener, binder, and gluten-free breadcrumb sub for breaded fish and meatloaf.
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Flax-Boosted Meatloaf

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Flax-Boosted Meatloaf

We call for organic ketchup because it's usually sweetened with sugar, not high-fructose corn syrup. Feel free to toss in chopped fresh herbs for more flavor.

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Almond-and-Flax-Crusted Fish

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Almond-and-Flax-Crusted Fish

Earthy flaxseed and nutty-sweet almond flour are a delicious gluten-free breading for tilapia or chicken. Stick to medium heat so it doesn't burn.

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Mocha-Flax Smoothie

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Mocha-Flax Smoothie

This protein-packed sipper has only 6g added sugars—far less than what you'll typically find at a smoothie shop. Look for shelf-stable cold-brew in the coffee aisle or refrigerated versions near the creamer or fresh juices.

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Banana Chocolate Walnut Bread

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Banana Chocolate Walnut Bread

Mini chocolate chips disperse well and melt nicely for the chocolatey glaze.

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Flaxseed Buttermilk Pancakes

Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Flaxseed Buttermilk Pancakes

While we love that gluten-free foods are becoming more widely available in supermarkets, nothing beats breakfast from-scratch—and with flavor combinations like coconut-strawberry and pumpkin-almond, we’re not complaining about the extra time in the kitchen.

In fact, these gluten-conscious twists on breakfast favorites may be even tastier than the originals. In this first recipe, the beloved buttermilk pancake gets a nutritious makeover with the addition of nutty flaxseed meal. Tapioca flour and potato starch keep the cakes light and fluffy, while brown rice flour adds whole grains and fiber.

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Vanilla Honey-Nut Smoothie

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Vanilla Honey-Nut Smoothie

Start with creamy frozen yogurt and add peanut butter, milk, and honey for a nutty sweet treat. Silken tofu and ground flaxseed help this smoothie stick with you throughout an afternoon of running errands.

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Creamy 7-Grain with Goat Cheese, Yogurt, and Fig

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Cindy Barr
View Recipe: Creamy 7-Grain with Goat Cheese, Yogurt, and Fig

Whole-grain wheat, rye, oats, triticale, barley, brown rice, oat bran, and flaxseed pack a punch of texture and 37g whole grains per serving. Add fresh figs if you have them on hand.

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Basic Banana Bread

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Basic Banana Bread

Ground flaxseed adds heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and nutty flavor in this Basic Banana Bread recipe. Look for whole ground flaxseed (sometimes labeled "flaxseed meal") on the baking aisle.

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Chewy Oat and Fruit Granola Bars

Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chewy Oat and Fruit Granola Bars

Toasting the oats, coconut, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed adds a rich, nutty taste to these granola bars. A much healthier and gluten-free alternative to store-bought bars, these homemade treats are a wonderful addition to any lunch box. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Wrap individually in parchment paper and tie with twine for a nice touch.

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Chocolate-Nut Bars

Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chocolate-Nut Bars

Flaxseed meal adds to the nuttiness of the walnuts and almonds in these delicious chocolate bar cookies.

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Pumpkin-Honey Beer Quick Bread

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Pumpkin-Honey Beer Quick Bread

Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and honey beer flavor this smooth-textured bread. The best part of this 5-star recipe? It makes two loaves. Enjoy one for yourself and use the other as a gift. (Or wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months.)

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Deep Dark Chocolate Biscotti

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Deep Dark Chocolate Biscotti

This decadent-seeming chocolate biscotti recipe is actually pretty healthy and features good-for-you ingredients like whole-wheat flour, flaxseed, and unsalted almonds.

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Orange-Mango Gritty with Turmeric and Walnuts

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Orange-Mango Gritty with Turmeric and Walnuts

Our take on Paula Wolfert’s daily “gritty”—the opposite of a smoothie thanks to all the nuts, seeds, and spices. The walnut-flaxseed combination adds 2,000mg omega-3s to this satisfying sip, along with a pleasantly nutty balance to the sweet mango and bright citrus. Yogurt lends tangy good-for-the-gut probiotics, and fresh turmeric adds a bright, peppery zing. Some researchers say the curcumin in fresh turmeric is more bioavailable than dried, as some essential oils and pungency are lost in the drying process. We love it for its brighter, livelier flavor. If you can’t find fresh root (a close relative to ginger root), substitute 1⁄2 teaspoon dried turmeric instead.

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Apple Upside-Down Cake

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Apple Upside-Down Cake

Take advantage of this opportunity to use your cast-iron skillet in a conventional way. This upside down cake tastes delightful and is ready in less than an hour.

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Apple-Flax-Pecan Bread

Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House

This flavorful bread is teeming with antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids from the hearty combination of fruit, nuts, and flaxseed.

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