# What Can You Use As an Egg Substitute for Meatloaf?

URL: https://tastessence.com/substitutes/egg-substitute-for-meatloaf
Category: Substitutes
Published: 2021-01-05T10:08:45
Updated: 2021-01-05T10:08:45
**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](https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/handling-meat/egg-to-ground-beef-ratio-for-meatloaf/) 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](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/dairy-free-butter-substitute) 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](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/substitute-olive-oil-for-butter) 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.**](https://tastessence.com/)