Meatloaf is a classic American dish, with some families passing their meatloaf recipes down through generations. Many of these recipes call for eggs to bind the other ingredients together — but can you use an egg substitute for meatloaf?
You might not realize it, but there are actually quite a number of alternatives that you can use in place of egg in meatloaf. In this post, we’ll highlight a few of the best options for an egg substitute for meatloaf, including a few that you likely already have at home.
Here’s what to use as an egg substitute for meatloaf
Before we share our top picks for egg alternatives in meatloaf, we should discuss the purpose that eggs serve in this dish.
Just like in baking, eggs are frequently used in meatloaf to bind together the ground beef with the other wet and dry ingredients. It isn’t necessarily used for its taste, making it easier to find a suitable egg substitute for meatloaf.
Here are three of the best ingredients you can use in place of eggs in your meatloaf.
Olive oil
Olive oil is an extremely versatile ingredient that works as a substitute for many items. It’s a well-known replacement for butter in cooking and baking — and it’s also an excellent alternative for eggs in meatloaf. Even better? You probably already have olive oil sitting in your pantry.
To use olive oil as an egg substitute for meatloaf, start by adding a tablespoon or so at a time. When compared to eggs, olive oil is runnier and oilier, so you don’t want to overdo it when swapping the two.
Mayonnaise
Another kitchen staple, mayonnaise, can also be substituted for eggs quite easily. It makes sense that the two foods can be interchanged in meatloaf, considering that oil and eggs are the two primary ingredients in mayo.
Mayonnaise can add a rich flavor to your dish, making it a tasty egg substitute for meatloaf. On the downside, mayonnaise is high in fat and calories, so it isn’t your best bet if you’re health-conscious. When using it in meatloaf, add tablespoons one at a time until your beef reaches the level of moisture that you’d like.
Egg substitutes
If you’re choosing to omit eggs for dietary reasons, you could instead use an imitation egg product in your meatloaf. Sometimes, they can be difficult to find at your nearest supermarket. However, many health food stores stock vegan egg products that don’t actually contain animal products.
Before adding the egg replacement into your recipe, it’s a good idea to try it first. You should make sure that you enjoy the taste before adding it into any meals. Check the packaging to see how much of the product equals one egg and add it into your recipe accordingly.
Whether you’re out of eggs or you don’t consume them, it’s super simple to find an egg substitute for meatloaf that tastes great. In addition to these three options, you can also try breadcrumbs, quinoa, or flax seeds.
For more recipe tips and ideas, check out the Tastessence blog.
