I was looking for a meatless loaf recipe and came across the Special K Cottage Cheese Loaf. I was totally unaware of this recipe and the fact that it is immensely popular. Sounded interesting so I adapted it to be gluten-free and work with the ingredients I had on hand and to my family's taste. Very delicous! Will make again.

Above are the ingredients I used. I had some leftover gluten-free cereal in the cupboard that needed using up. I used Kellogg's gluten-free brown rice rice krispies cereal and Compliments gluten-free corn flakes cereal - about half of each. I think that you could use any gluten-free cereal similar to Special K that you had on hand. I had 2% cottage cheese in the fridge so that is what I used. Wanting to make a bit of a healthier version than the original, I opted to add ground flaxseed and some finely chopped or grated vegetables. You could also add some gluten-free nutritional yeast if you like. I didn't this time, but I think I will next time.

I use ground flaxseed often when I'm cooking. I add a teaspoon or more to my baked goods, smoothies, and things like meat loaves. It gives you some extra fiber which is often lacking in a gluten-free diet, and is a source of omega 3's. For more information on ground flaxseed, here is a link to the Mayo Clinic website. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/flaxseed/faq-20058354

Do you like nutritional yeast? I think it is also called savoury yeast flakes in Australia and Brufax in New Zealand. It is also nicknamed "nooch". Nutritional yeast has a cheesy, nutty flavour. Please let me know if there are other names for it. It is often used in vegan/vegetarian cooking to create a cheese-like flavour in sauces for pasta dishes and so on. It is a good source of fiber, protein, some B vitamins and other nutrients. I always buy the gluten-free fortified type - it is fortified with an extra B vitamin - B12. I like to add it to casseroles, pasta dishes, and sprinkle it on popcorn, salads and toast. I didn't use it this time.

I fried my onions, celery and carrot until they were soft. The original recipe calls for ground or chopped pecans. I didn't have any so I substituted gluten-free walnuts that I ground in my food processor. Then added everything into a bowl except the cereal and gave it a good mix.

Here is what it looks like with the cereal added and mixed in. It is important to let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the cereal to soak in the liquid. You could add a little grated cheese to the mixture if you like. This is optional.

Now pour into a greased pan or casserole dish. I used my 8" by 8" cake tin. Gently press the mixture into your pan.

Here is how it looked after baking in a 350 Farenheit oven for about 45 minutes to an hour. You could serve it now with gravy.

We like a glaze on our regular meat loaf, so I thought I would try it on this vegetarian meat loaf. Here is what it looks like before cooking. It is a simple mix of ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Now before anyone gets worked up, yes this can be called a vegetarian loaf even though it has eggs in it. It depends on the type of vegetarian you are. There are many types of vegetarians out there. There is the vegan who eats no meat, eggs, fish or dairy (no animal products at all) then there is the lacto-vegetarian (dairy products are ok, but no eggs, fish or meat), ovo-vegetarian (eggs are ok, but no dairy, meat or fish), lacto-ovo vegetarian (No meat or fish but eggs and dairy are ok) and the pescatarian ( No meat, eggs or dairy but fish is ok).

Above is what it looks like after cooked. I put the glaze on and put it back in the oven at 350 Farenheit for about 5 minutes, then turned the broiler on high and cooked it for another 2 minutes. You just want the glaze to become sticky. Watch carefully because it easily burns. Then I took it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. We enjoyed it with mashed potatoes, vegtables and gluten-free gravy.

Here is a photo to show you what it looks like inside. My family really enjoyed it. This recipe has been added to our dinner rotation. The texture was very similar to a regular meat loaf.

Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Loaf Recipe

Ingredients

• 60 grams chopped onion (1/2 small onion)
• 60 grams chopped celery (1 large stalk)
• 50 grams grated carrot (1 medium carrot)
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying the vegetables)
• 500 mL cottage cheese
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 chicken or vegetable bouillon cube, crushed
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free ground flaxseed
• 1 - 2 tablespoons gluten-free nutritional yeast (optional)
• 1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon gluten-free worchestershire sauce (optional)
• 55 grams ground walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup)
• 3 cups of gluten-free cereal (gluten-free rice krispies and/or gluten-free corn flakes)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• oil spray or extra oil to spray/brush the 8" x 8" pan or casserole dish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 Farenheit.
2. Gather all your ingredients.
3. Wash and peel your vegetables. Cut the onion and celery very small. Grate the carrot.
4. Add the butter or oil to a frying pan, heat on medium and add your vegetables. Cook stirring once and awhile until they are light brown.
5. Once cooked set aside to cool.
6. In a large bowl add your cottage cheese, eggs, ground nuts, ground flax seeds and all your seasonings. Mix well.
7. Add your cooled vegetables and combine.
8. Add your gluten-free cereal and mix well. Let mixture sit for about 5 minutes, so that the cereal can soak up the liquid.
9. Add shredded cheese if using and mix well.
10. Spray your 8" x 8" pan with oil.
11. Pour your mixture into the pan. Lightly press down.
12. Bake uncovered in a 350 Farenheit oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
13. Remove when brown on top. You can eat it as is or add a glaze. Recipe for glaze below. If using a glaze then spread it on top of the loaf and put the loaf back in the oven and cook for about 5 minutes then broil for about 2 minutes. Take out and let cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Gluten-Free Glaze for Loaf (Also great for ham or a regular meat loaf)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon mustard

Directions

1. Mix the three ingredients well in a small bowl.
2. When the loaf is finished cooking, spread the glaze on top of the loaf.
3. Put the loaf back in the oven for about 5 minutes and then broil for about 2 minutes.
4. You want the glaze to be bubbly and sticky.

Here is how I slice it up. This was great the next day just as it is. I also tried it in a sandwich and in a wrap and both were very tasty.

Have you tried the Special K faux meat loaf? What do you put in the mixture? I'd love to hear what you serve it with. I think this recipe would make good patties and faux meatballs.

If you are looking for other recipes for a meatless Monday meal, then check out my Lentil Meatball recipe.

Note: These are my personal experiences and opinions. Always seek out a medical opinion for medical concerns.