Cornmeal substitutes
Cornmeal substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Polenta
Same amount as the cornmeal
Coarse cornmeal, very similar.
Polenta or corn grits are the best substitutes for cornmeal.
- Best for —
- Most recipes, when you want same texture
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cornmeal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PolentaMost recipes, when you want same texture | Same amount |
| 2 | Corn flourBaking, when you want finer texture | Same amount |
| 3 | SemolinaWhen you want similar texture | Same amount |
| 4 | GritsMost cornmeal recipes | Same amount |
| 5 | Almond flour + cornstarchGluten-free baking | ¾ cup almond flour + ¼ cup cornstarch |
Polenta
Coarse cornmeal, very similar
- Best for
- Most recipes, when you want same texture
Polenta is essentially coarse cornmeal.
Corn flour
Finer ground corn, similar flavor
- Best for
- Baking, when you want finer texture
Use the same amount as cornmeal.
Semolina
Wheat-based, similar texture
- Best for
- When you want similar texture
Made from durum wheat, not corn.
Grits
Coarse ground corn, very similar
- Best for
- Most cornmeal recipes
Grits are essentially cornmeal.
Almond flour + cornstarch
Gluten-free alternative
- Best for
- Gluten-free baking
Mix almond flour with cornstarch.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between cornmeal and polenta?
Cornmeal and polenta are essentially the same thing - both are ground dried corn. The main difference is that polenta is typically coarser and often refers to the Italian preparation method.
Can I make cornmeal at home?
Yes, you can grind dried corn kernels in a food processor or grain mill, though it may not be as fine as commercially ground cornmeal.
Is cornmeal gluten-free?
Yes, cornmeal is naturally gluten-free since it's made from corn, not wheat. However, always check labels as some brands may be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
Can I use cornmeal instead of flour?
Cornmeal can be used in some recipes instead of flour, but it has different properties. It's coarser and doesn't provide the same structure as wheat flour, so it's best used in combination with other flours.
Tips for substituting cornmeal
6 tips- Cornmeal is ground dried corn and comes in fine, medium, and coarse grinds
- It's commonly used in cornbread, muffins, and as a coating for fried foods
- Cornmeal adds texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor to dishes
- It's naturally gluten-free and works well in both sweet and savory recipes
- Store cornmeal in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
- Cornmeal can be used as a thickener in soups and stews