No Egg Italian Meatball Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I bind meatballs with instead of eggs? ›

Thankfully, mashed potatoes work as an excellent egg substitute for meatballs. The function of egg in meatballs has very little to do with flavor and more to do with its binding properties, similar to why you might use breadcrumbs in meatloaf or burgers: to help everything hold together.

Eggs act as a binder in meatballs and meatloaf. Without them you might find the texture of your meatballs to be a little crumbly and they may fall apart if handled roughly. If you don't have any eggs or don't want them in your food, then make the meatballs without them.

But it's not an unusual choice, either, when you consider its parts: egg, oil, and a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice, all whisked or blended together. Because it's a stable emulsion, mayo serves as an excellent binder for meatballs. It easily slips into the role played by eggs and bread crumbs.

An egg is usually a good start, as that can help with the tenderness and texture, but the king of meatball binders is breadcrumbs soaked in milk (also known as a panade). Soaking the breadcrumbs first makes them pliable and soggy, which allows them to easily and evenly mix into the ground meat.

For binding meatballs, veggie burgers, meatloaf and more:

Avocado works well as a binder because it has a nice concentration of fat, just like an egg, McNish said.

You only need a small amount of egg – it's there only to help the cooked meatball retain its shape, and shouldn't detract from the meat's flavour or texture. Filler ingredients like breadcrumbs or flour are important too because they stop the meatballs becoming dry.

Whisk together water, oil, and baking powder.

This is a great substitute if you need to replace multiple eggs in a recipe, as it won't make the baked good too greasy or change its flavor profile (like some other substitutes). A simple combination of water, baking powder, and vegetable oil mimics eggs almost to a T.

The Key to Tender Meatballs

One trick to making sure meatballs are totally tender once they're cooked is to use a binder. Here, we're soaking fresh or dried breadcrumbs in a little milk until the bread becomes soggy, then mixing that right into the meat.

You can replace eggs in recipes with a variety of other foods, including applesauce, ground flaxseed, yogurt, and some kinds of tofu. Eggs are incredibly healthy and versatile, making them a popular food for many. They're especially common in baking, where nearly every recipe calls for them.

How much mayonnaise equals one egg? ›

Mayonnaise. Eggs are a key ingredient in mayonnaise, so it makes sense that it can be a perfect substitute when you're out of eggs. Use 3 tablespoons of mayo as an egg substitute.

Yogurt:Plain yogurt can serve as a good substitute for eggs in breading. It provides moisture and helps the breading stick to the meat. Greek yogurt is a thicker option that works w.

After all of the Italian meatballs I've been making lately, I consider myself a meatball expert. A good rule of thumb is to bake meatballs for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Egg and breadcrumbs are common mix-ins to add moisture and tenderness. Another binder option that people swear by is a panade, which is fresh or dry breadcrumbs that have been soaked in milk. “The soaked breadcrumbs help keep the proteins in the meat from shrinking,” as food writer Tara Holland explained in the Kitchn.

Chia seeds can be an excellent egg substitute for meatloaf, but they aren't your only option. You can also use ground flaxseeds, olive oil, oatmeal, or gelatin. For example, vegans will love Guy Fieri's egg substitute, which requires mixing a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water.

Flour and Water Slurry

To make this egg substitute for frying, combine 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water until the mixture is lump free. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/8 teaspoon of salt if desired. Use this mixture as you would regular eggs when frying foods.

Rolled Oats

Oats are the perfect substitutes for breadcrumbs in meatballs or meatloaf. While they aren't ideal for a crispy coating, they add the right amount of texture to bind meat, eggs and flavorings together into a delicious Italian-inspired feast.