10 Best Substitutes for Egg in Meatloaf

meatloaf

You are in the mood for meatloaf. Just like your mother and grandmother made it. But halfway through the recipe, you realize that you don’t have eggs for the meatloaf. Or someone in your family is allergic to eggs, but you want to make meatloaf for the first time. 

Is there any way that you can leave the eggs in the meatloaf? Is there a substitute that you can use instead of the eggs?

The good news is that there are many things you can substitute the eggs for in meatloaf. Things like mayonnaise, olive oil, and oatmeal. However, there are some other great options that you can use as well. 

The good news is that you can use any of these 10 substitutes. To ensure that you still have a delicious meatloaf, but without the essential binding ingredient.  

1. Olive oil

Olive oil

This is the one ingredient that you might have in your home. Olive oil. Most people know that olive oil can be a substitute for eggs. However, there are still people that don’t know that this oil can be used for binding.

Most cooking oils are for the opposite purpose. And, therefore they don’t consider this oil to substitute eggs in meatloaf. The only thing that you need to know is that you need to use virgin olive oil for this purpose if you want to be successful with binding your meatloaf without eggs. 

2. Flax eggs

Flaxseed

Don’t worry, we don’t talk about eggs. This is flaxseed that is getting mixed with water. This will be a binding ingredient just like eggs. This is why it is known as flax eggs.

This might not be something that you have in your kitchen right now. But this is something to consider if you can’t use eggs in your food, especially in your meatloaf.

The correct ratio would be when you mix a ¼ cup of water per tablespoon of flaxseed. It will be enough to bind your meatloaf. 

3. Flour

Flour is one of the most popular binding ingredients that you can use instead of eggs. It is successful in binding meatloaf if you are adding enough flowers to your recipe. 

The only problem that we have with flour is that you might end up with a dry meatloaf. This is why you need to add some other ingredients like mayonnaise or olive oil to the recipe as well. To ensure that you still get a moist meatloaf at the end of the day. 

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal

Instead of the flour, you can use oatmeal. It will give your dish a nice texture and bind the meatloaf together. Many people are mixing oatmeal and flour before adding them to the mix.

5. Breadcrumbs

breadcrumbs

In most cases, breadcrumbs might be already one of the ingredients in your recipe. This is because the breadcrumbs are making a great binder.

If there are already breadcrumbs in your recipe, you can use them again. Then, you might need to look at one of the other substitutes for eggs to use instead. However, if not, this is the one ingredient that you can consider using instead of using eggs. 

6. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise

We already mentioned that mayonnaise is a great substitute for eggs. But, we need to add it to the list because of how perfect it can be to meatloaf.

Not only will this bind the meatloaf ingredients together. But it will give a great taste to the meatloaf. Especially, if you are using high-quality mayonnaise. And, you need to make sure that you are adding enough mayonnaise according to the amount of meat you have. 

7. Gelatin

We all know that gelatin is a binding ingredient. However, did you know that you can use it instead of eggs in your meatloaf? This is correct. You can successfully use gelatin instead of eggs in your meatloaf.

It will still bind the meatloaf perfectly, without compromising the taste of the meatloaf. This is something to try if you want to make sure your meatloaf is binding correctly. 

8. Chia seeds

Chia seeds

The chia seeds can be used the same as the flex seeds. As the flex eggs that we have mentioned earlier. This is also a great and healthy alternative to eggs in meatloaf.

The way you should add it to your meatloaf is the same as the flex eggs. And there is no chance that you might do it wrong, and it won’t affect the taste of the meatloaf so much. 

9. Mashed potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

This is something that not many people know to use as a binder, especially for meatloaf. If you are using the right amount, and not make the mashed potatoes too soggy. Then, this will be the perfect binding ingredient.

And, the best part is that if you have a large family, this can make a bigger potion at the end of the day. The secret here is to use the real potatoes and not the packets of mashed potatoes. 

10. Aquafaba

Aquafaba

Most people that are familiar with aquafaba are normally vegetarians. However, this vicious waster is especially great to use instead of eggs.

In fact, this is the ingredient that vegans are using to bake and to substitute eggs with on a daily basis. So, if you can’t use eggs in your meatloaf, this is something to consider.

These are all things you can substitute eggs in meatloaf with. Making sure that your meatloaf is successful, delicious, and moist. With all these substitutes, you just need to keep the ratio in mind to ensure that you are successfully replacing the eggs with other binding ingredients.

Is Egg Necessary in Meatloaf?

Yes, eggs are necessary for meatloaf. This is the binder for the loaf. Without it, you will have a mess instead of a loaf.

Just like in meatballs and hamburger patties, without the eggs, you will just have mince instead of another meal like the loaf, the balls, or the patties.

This is the key ingredient in meatloaf. However, you can get similar results if you use some of the substitutes mentioned in this article.

What Happens if You Don’t Put Eggs in Meatloaf?

boiling egg

What will happen when you don’t put eggs in meatloaf? You will not have something that will bind the whole meal together. Meaning, instead of having a loaf, you will have a loaf that will fall apart the moment that you remove it from the oven and pan. 

It will not be a loaf in any way, but just mince that you can use for curry and rice. However, there are a few things that you can add instead of eggs if you don’t have eggs on hand. Or if you have someone allergic to eggs.

Can I Use Mayo Instead of Eggs in Meatloaf?

You can use mayo instead of eggs in meatloaf. Not only because most mayonnaise is created of eggs. But because this is giving the meatloaf a great creamier and richer flavor. 

Make sure to add enough mayonnaise to substitute for eggs in the meatloaf. If you don’t add enough, it will not bind the loaf and you will not have a successful meatloaf. It is also suggested that you are using a high-quality mayo if you want to bind your meatloaf with it.

Easy Eggless Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf is one of the most common dishes. It’s also the best comfort food. The best part? You don’t need eggs to make a delicious meatloaf. The following recipe will provide a tender, tasty, and juicy eggless meatloaf. And it won’t fall apart when sliced.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of plain yogurt for 2lb of ground beef (1/4 cup of plain yogurt for 1lb of ground beef)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Ground beef
  • 1/2 minced onion
  • 1 cup dried bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

Instructions:

First and foremost, soak the bread in the yogurt for a moist meatloaf. Soak until the yogurt turns mushy and thick before adding the other ingredients.

Use ground beef that’s 80-85% lean meat. Bake as you normally would. Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before cutting it. This will give the juices some time to settle and redistribute.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, meatloaf can be made without eggs. Just use some of the substitutes listed in today’s article. Surprise your loved ones with a tasty and juicy meatloaf for lunch. If you have any tips, questions, or suggestions, drop a comment below.

2 comments
  1. I have used ketchup, worcester sauce, sometimes add mustard to mixture for years. I have also used chopped zucchini which also substitutes the breadcrumbs. Either squeezed out moisture or lightly brown with onions and garlic in a pan.

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