Meatloaf is a delicious family dish that we love eating especially on special occasions. Eggs play a big role in meatloaf’s recipe. However, due to personal preferences, health reasons or unavailability one may choose to prepare a dish without eggs. You should understand its importance first to find a suitable substitute for eggs in meatloaf.
a. Eggs act as a binder i.e. it helps to form of meatloaf easily by holding up the shape.
b. Eggs create a perfect texture by providing moisture to the meatloaf.
c. They prevent crumbling of the meatloaf by firming it as you cook.
1. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is an excellent option for eggs in meatloaf because it makes it taste creamier. Additionally, it’s a tasty binding agent and good in enhancing the taste of the meatloaf. Remember to add one cup of mayonnaise for every three pounds of meat. Mayonnaise has high levels of calories so you need to watch out if your health is conscious. You can get it from the stores or prepare one for yourself. Preparing mayonnaise takes less than ten minutes.
Since we are getting rid of the eggs completely make sure that you make or buy eggless mayonnaise. Despite raising so much attention on its health hazards, mayonnaise is highly nutritious. For example, it is rich in minerals like selenium, vitamin K and E as well as chlorine. Some of its health benefits include
• Fights the ageing process.
• Heart health e.g. by preventing strokes
• Helps in absorption of nutrients
Summary
Mayonnaise is a great substitute for eggs because it acts as a good flavour enhancer in many recipes. Also, it does the binding job perfectly. It takes less than ten minutes to prepare but it is also readily available in the supermarkets.
2. Breadcrumbs
Most cooks use bread crumbs as binders in different recipes. If you want to have a crunchy coating or thicken your sauce try breadcrumbs. You can use crushed crackers or oats too and they will do the job equally too. Breadcrumbs not only holds the meatloaf firm but it also gives it a crunchy taste. Adding seasoning or herbs on top of the oats will give you a flavorful meatloaf.
Dry breadcrumbs are available at the store, but you can also make fresh ones. To make one, cut your bread cubes and put them in a food processor until they form crumbs. Then spread some baking sheet and bake until they become dry and golden brown. Soaking it to the milk will be more resourceful to your breadcrumb.
Breadcrumbs are highly nutritious, for example, they contain magnesium, iron, calcium, and proteins. Its major health benefits include:
• Sound sleep
• Weight control
• Gain muscle
• Maintains blood pressure
Summary
Breadcrumbs are readily available in the groceries and are easy to make too. It is a good substitute for eggs in meatloaf because it prevents it from crumbling.
3. Flaxseed
There are two types of flaxseeds, golden and brown, they are equally nutritious and also makes a great substitute for eggs in meatloaf. You can get them from supermarkets or groceries easily. First, pour water until its ¼ then add one teaspoon of flaxseeds. Remember this mixture is equivalent to one egg so add it to your meatloaf proportionally.
Flaxseed is highly nutritious in vitaminb1, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids. Others include potassium, fats, iron, folate, and calcium. The list for flaxseed health benefits is endless but I will mention a few.
• Improves heart health by lowering cholesterol
• Cancer protection
• Improves blood sugar
• Prevents constipation
• Protects us against radiation
Summary
Flaxseed is highly nutritious and it makes a good substitute for eggs in meatloaf because of its ability to hold it firmly.
4. Olive oil
Olive oil is the liquid obtained from olives. It does not contain proteins or carbohydrates. Health factors make olive oil a great substitute for eggs in meatloaf. It will prevent it from crumbling as well as enhance the flavor. If you don’t have it use any oil, they will serve the purpose well too.
The nutrients in a 100 gram capacity of olive oil include Omega-6-9.7%, monounsaturated fat -73%, saturated fat-13.8, vitamin E and Vitamin K. Major olive oil health benefits include.
• Fights Alzheimer’s disease
• Reduces the risk of getting type 2 diabetes
• Protective against heart disease
• May prevent stroke
Summary
Olive oil is a healthy substitute for eggs in meatloaf. However, you can use any type of oil depending on your personal flavour preferences.
5. Cheese
Cheese is a delicious substitute for eggs in meatloaf. It binds the meatloaf well and it also allows the formation of shapes without crumbling. Cheese in meatloaf is the best alternative, who would want to miss that? The best type of cheese to use is Mozzarella or parmesan. Although you can use any type of chess provided that it melts quickly.
Cheese is highly nutritious for example it contains proteins, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin B12. Its health benefits are;
• Boosts the immune system
• Good for thyroid health
• Excellent source of proteins
• Can prevent Osteoporosis
Summary
Cheese is a delicious sub for eggs in the meatloaf. It does the binding job perfectly and it is very nutritious.
6. Gelatin
If you are a fanatic of gelatin use it because it is a great binder. Always use the unflavored gelatin for a meatloaf recipe. Note that it does not change the taste of the meatloaf at all and that’s why it makes a great substitute. Combine two tablespoons of gelatin with warm water, this mix makes an equivalent of one egg. Mix it as quickly as possible since gelatin sets up very fast. Gelatin nutritional value is 99% protein. Although it does not contain all amino acids for a typical protein it is constituted of glycine, proline, glutamic acid, and hydroxyproline all from (mammals).
Here are some of the health benefits of gelatin:
• Improves bone and joint health
• Improves the appearance of the hair and skin
• It improves mental health and brain function
• Helps in weight loss
• Slows cancer growth
Summary
Unflavored Gelatin is a great substitute for eggs in meatloaf because it does not change the taste. Besides, easily accessible in the grocery stores. Gelatin’s health benefits are countless, you should try it.
Nutritional Facts Summary Table
| Substitute | Flavor Profile | Texture | Best Used In | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Creamy, tangy | Smooth | Sandwiches, salads, dressings | Egg yolks, oil, vinegar |
| Breadcrumbs | Neutral, slightly toasty | Crumbly, dry | Breading, coating, toppings | Dried and ground bread |
| Flaxseed | Nutty, earthy | Small, crunchy | Smoothies, baking, oatmeal | Seeds of Linum usitatissimum plant |
| Olive Oil | Fruity, grassy | Liquid | Cooking, dressings, marinades | Pressed from olives |
| Cheese | Rich, savory | Varies (depends on cheese) | Sandwiches, gratins, snacks | Dairy product from milk |
| Gelatin | Neutral | Powder or gelled | Gelatin desserts, gummies | Derived from animal collagen |
FAQs
What can I use as a binder instead of eggs?
You can use alternatives like mashed bananas, applesauce, yogurt, buttermilk, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, or commercial egg replacers as binders in recipes that call for eggs.
What can you use instead of eggs to bind meatballs?
You can use alternatives like breadcrumbs, rolled oats, or ground flaxseed mixed with water for binding meatballs. These options can help hold the meatball mixture together.
How do you bind breading without eggs?
To bind breading without eggs, you can use alternatives like milk or non-dairy milk, buttermilk, yogurt, or even mustard. These liquids can help the breading adhere to the food.
What can I use as a binder instead of breadcrumbs?
For binding purposes, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, panko breadcrumbs, or even ground nuts as alternatives to traditional breadcrumbs. These options can help hold ingredients together in recipes.
