25 Best Ways To Substitute for Eggs in Meatballs

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Are you looking to make meatballs without eggs? This massive list of ways to substitute for eggs in meatballs is just what you need!

Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply out of eggs, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explore numerous egg substitutes that will help you craft delicious and perfectly textured meatballs. From mashed potatoes to JUST Egg, we’ve got you covered.

Why People use Eggs in Meatballs

In meatballs, eggs serve multiple purposes, including:

Binding Agent: Eggs act as a binding agent, holding the ground meat and other ingredients together. This prevents meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
Texture Improvement: They contribute to the desired texture of meatballs, making them moist and tender.
Neutral Flavor: Eggs have a neutral taste, ensuring they don’t overpower the overall flavor profile of your meatball recipe.

25 Best Egg Substitutes for Meatballs

1. Mashed Potatoes

Ratio: Use ¼ cup of mashed potatoes to replace each egg.

Mashed potatoes are a fantastic egg substitute, especially for vegan meatballs. They add texture and retain the flavor profile of your meatball recipe. The paste-like consistency of mashed potatoes makes it easy to roll ground meat into perfect meatballs. Try mixing them with your favorite herbs and spices like garlic powder and onion powder for added flavor.

2. Ricotta Cheese

Ratio: Use ¼ cup of ricotta cheese for every egg.

Low-fat ricotta cheese serves as an excellent binding agent for meatballs, while its high-water content contributes to a healthier meatball. However, be cautious not to add too much, as it can result in a softer texture. It’s a great choice for meatball subs.

3. Tomato Paste

Ratio: Use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for every egg.

When crafting marinara sauce-infused meatballs, consider using tomato paste as a binding agent. It not only binds the meat but also enhances the flavor by allowing the marinara sauce to permeate the meatballs. Plus, it’s likely you already have some in your pantry if you’re making sauce.

4. Flaxseed

Ratio: Prepare a “flax egg” by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.

Flaxseed is a versatile egg substitute due to its neutral flavor. To use it, create a “flax egg” by mixing ground flaxseed with water until it reaches the consistency of an egg. It works well in various meatball recipes.

5. Buttermilk

Ratio: Use 2 tablespoons of buttermilk to replace one egg.

Buttermilk is a suitable substitute. Its rich flavor enhances the taste of meatballs and complements the addition of bread crumbs. Keep in mind that buttermilk is a dairy product, so it’s not suitable for vegan or dairy free.

6. Chia Seeds

Ratio: Create a “chia egg” by mixing 1 tablespoons of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.

Chia seeds, much like flaxseeds, are a neutral-tasting option for binding meatballs. To use them, create a “chia egg” by mixing chia seeds with water until it thickens. It’s a versatile choice for any meatball recipe.

7. Unsweetened Applesauce

Ratio: Approximately 3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce for one egg.

Unsweetened applesauce works wonderfully as a dairy-free and vegan egg substitute. It pairs excellently with pork meat, adding a subtle apple flavor. Consider spicing it up with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra depth of flavor.

8. Nut Butter

Ratio: Use 3 tablespoons of nut butter for each egg.

Believe it or not, nut butter can serve as a nutritious egg substitute, offering similar nutritional content as eggs. Ensure you choose unsweetened varieties to avoid overly sweet meatballs. This substitute is ideal for meatball stews or curries.

9. Plain Yogurt

Ratio: Around ⅛ cup or 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt equals one egg.

Plain yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, can replace eggs in meatballs effectively. It boasts a neutral taste and contains beneficial bacteria for improved digestion and gut health.

10. Sour Cream

Ratio: Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of sour cream to replace each egg.

Sour cream mirrors the consistency of plain yogurt and can be used as a binding agent in meatballs. It works particularly well in recipes with tangy sauces, like Italian meatball spaghetti.

11. Tofu

Ratio: Around ¼ cup of silken tofu equals one egg.

Silken tofu is a vegan and dairy-free alternative that mimics the texture of eggs. Drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your meatballs. It’s ideal for vegan meatballs or recipes with marinara sauce.

12. Parmesan Cheese

Ratio: Use ¼ cup of parmesan cheese to replace one egg.

Parmesan cheese offers both flavor and binding properties to meatballs. Shred it if using whole cheese, as it melts more easily, making it an excellent binding agent for the meat. It’s perfect for pasta sauces.

13. Aquafaba

Ratio: About 2 to 3 tablespoons of aquafaba equals one egg.

Aquafaba, the liquid from canned beans, is a versatile and vegan-friendly binder for meatballs. It’s a great choice for those watching their cholesterol intake. Keep the aquafaba instead of draining it.

14. Saltine Crackers

Ratio: Use 1 cup of ground saltine crackers to replace eggs in the recipe.

Saltine crackers can serve as a binding agent but are best suited for beef and pork meatballs with high-fat content. Ground them into a powder and use accordingly. Avoid using them for chicken or turkey meatballs.

15. Tapioca Starch

Ratio: Replace 1 eggs with a mix of 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch and 3 tablespoons of water.

Tapioca starch is an additional egg substitute with effective binding properties.

16. JUST Egg (Vegan Egg Substitute)

Ratio: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for JUST Egg, typically 3 tablespoons per egg.

JUST Egg, a vegan egg substitute, offers a convenient and plant-based option for your meatball recipes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the right ratio.

17. Crustless White Bread and Milk

Ratio: Use a mixture of soaked crustless white bread and milk to replace eggs.

Combine soaked crustless white bread and milk to create an egg substitute with excellent binding capabilities.

18. Mayo

Ratio: Substitute 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise for 1 egg.

Mayonnaise might not be the first choice that comes to mind, but it can effectively replace eggs in your meatball mixture.

19. Water and Panko Bread Crumbs

Ratio: Combine water and Panko bread crumbs together to replace eggs.

Mix equal parts of water and Panko bread crumbs to create a binding mixture for your meatballs. Use this mixture in place of eggs.

20. Dried Potato Flakes

Ratio: Replace eggs with dried potato flakes for great meatballs.

Dried potato flakes offer a unique texture as an egg substitute. Usually ¼ cup of potato flakes is quite enough for every pound of ground meat.

21. Potato Flour

Ratio: Substitute eggs with potato flour in meatballs.

Potato flour can effectively replace eggs in meatballs. Use approximately 1 -2 tbsp potato flour in place of 1 egg.

22. Coconut Flour

Ratio: Replace one egg with 1-2 tablespoons of coconut flour.

Coconut flour adds a hint of tropical flavor while binding your meatballs. Use roughly 1 -2 tablespoon of coconut flour in place of one egg.

23. Almond flour

Ratio: Replace 1 egg with 2 tablespoons almond flour.

Use the coconut flour to bind your meatballs. You may need to adjust to suit your needs.

23. Dry Oats

Ratio: Replace eggs with some dry oats

Dry oats can add texture and thickness to your meatballs while serving as an egg substitute.

24. Leave It Out! (High-Fat Content Ground Meat)

If you prefer simplicity and have high-fat content ground meat, you can omit eggs altogether. The fat content in the meat will act as a natural binder while also contributing to the meatballs’ flavor.

Tips for successfully substituting eggs in meatballs

When substituting eggs in meatball recipes, keep these tips in mind for the best results:

Thorough Mixing: Some substitutes may not bind as efficiently as eggs. Spend extra time mixing to ensure the perfect meatball consistency.
Flavor Consideration: Several substitutes have distinct flavors that can impact the final taste. Adjust the quantity or choose substitutes that complement your recipe.
Additional Seasoning: Enhance the flavor of your meatballs by adding spices and herbs. Experiment with Italian seasoning or your preferred seasonings to elevate the taste.

This comprehensive guide to egg alternatives for meatballs, give you a plethora of options to create flavorful, well-textured meatballs tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply experimenting with different ingredients, these substitutes offer endless possibilities!

Experiment, adjust the ratios to your liking, and discover the perfect egg-free meatball recipe that suits your taste!