Easy Eggless Meatballs: Dairy-free and Gluten-free

A plate of meatballs: no egg, no dairy, gluten free

Traditional meatballs typically rely on eggs as a binding agent. But what if you have no eggs or breadcrumbs/oats to make meatballs? No need to panic, because I’ve got you covered with the Eggless Meatballs recipe.

Eggless meatballs recipe

Eggless meatballs often use ingredients like olive oil, milk, yogurt, or even ricotta cheese to help bind the mixture together. Some recipes incorporate a “panade,” which is made by soaking bread in milk to create a binding paste.

I’m going to get creative with a simple yet effective egg substitute: ground flaxseed. Not only does it bind the ingredients together just like eggs do, but it also adds a nutty flavor that complements the savory goodness of the meatballs.

Best Eggless Meatballs on a plate
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These egg-free versions maintain a tender texture and rich flavor, making them suitable for various dietary preferences, like those with egg allergies. Here’s how to make Eggless Meatballs:

A plate of meatballs: no egg, no dairy, gluten free

Eggless Dairy free Meatballs

An egg-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free recipe. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or allergies, these meatballs are made without eggs or dairy products, yet maintain a juicy texture and rich flavor.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground meat beef, turkey, pork, or chicken
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed as an egg substitute
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  • In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, creating a flax "egg" mixture.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, prepared flax “egg,” tomato paste, olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Make sure not to overmix, as it can make the meat tough.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each meatball.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the meatballs and your oven, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
  • Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
  • Serve the eggless dairy-free meatballs hot with your favorite sauce or alongside pasta, rice, or vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Notes

If you don’t have ground flaxseed, you can use 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs or oats (gluten-free if needed) instead. You just need to combine it with other ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal
Keyword dairy free, dairy-free meatballs, egg free, eggless meatballs, gluten free
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If you want to make Asian-inspired eggless meatballs, use these Asian-inspired variations:

  • Five-Spice Meatballs: Seasoned with the complex flavors of Chinese five-pice powder
  • Ginger-Scallion Meatballs: Infused with fresh ginger and green onions
  • Teriyaki Glazed: Coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce

Sauce variations

Once they’re done, you can serve these eggless meatballs in your favorite sauce, whether it’s marinara, barbecue, or Swedish.

1. Traditional marinara sauce

2. Vegan cream-based sauces

Vegan cream-based sauces offer a luxurious alternative to traditional tomato-based options.

  • Cashew Alfredo: A rich, creamy sauce made from blended cashews
  • Coconut Curry: A fragrant, spicy sauce with coconut milk base
  • Roasted Red Pepper Cream: A smoky, slightly sweet sauce
  • Vegan Vodka Sauce: A pink sauce combining tomato and cashew cream

3. Other sauce options

  • Romesco: made with roasted red peppers and almonds, offers a nutty and smoky flavor
  • Pistachio pesto: crafted from pistachio, delivering a fresh and nutty flavor.
  • Salsa Verde combines tomatillos and cilantro for a tangy, herbaceous taste
  • Mushroom Gravy, featuring assorted mushrooms, brings a rich, earthy umami profile

How to serve and pair

1. As a main course

Eggless meatballs can be served as a main course. There are several ways to elevate these protein-packed spheres to entrée status:

  • Meatball Parmesan: Topped with marinara and vegan cheese, then baked
  • Banh mi meatballs: Cooked with the tomato sauce and nestled in a banh mi
  • Meatball Stroganoff: Served over egg-free noodles with a creamy mushroom sauce
  • Meatball Tagine: Simmered in a Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce with olives and preserved lemon
  • Swedish-style Meatballs: Paired with lingonberry jam and dairy-free mashed potatoes

2. Appetizers and snacks

These meatballs make excellent appetizers and party snacks:

  1. Mini meatball skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves
  2. Meatball sliders on small, gluten-free buns
  3. Sweet and sour meatballs served with toothpicks
  4. Meatball-stuffed mushroom caps
  5. Meatball bruschetta on crostini

3. Sandwiches and subs

The meatballs elevate sandwich and sub options to new heights. You can experiment with various combinations:

Sandwich TypeBreadSauceToppings
Classic SubWhole grain hoagieMarinaraVegan mozzarella, basil
Banh Mi StyleBaguetteSriracha mayoPickled vegetables, cilantro
Mediterranean PitaWhole wheat pitaTzatzikiCucumber, red onion, tomato
BBQ MeatballPretzel bunBBQ sauceColeslaw, crispy onions

4 Incorporating into soups and stews

Eggless meatballs add substance to soups and stews, creating hearty, comforting meals.

  • Italian Wedding Soup: With spinach and small pasta in a light broth
  • Meatball Minestrone: A veggie-packed soup with a tomato base
  • Albondigas Soup: A Mexican-inspired soup with rice and cilantro
  • Meatball and Vegetable Stew: A chunky, vegetable-rich stew perfect for cold days

5. Pair with side dishes

  1. Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
  2. Roasted Mediterranean vegetables for added nutrition
  3. Quinoa pilaf for a protein boost
  4. Garlic bread made with gluten-free bread for a classic touch
  5. Mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette for freshness

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