Meatless Meatballs
Flavorful meatless meatballs with cheese, garlic, and parsley, perfect for pasta or as appetizers, offering a hearty vegetarian option with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl.
- Add milk and remaining ingredients except bread. Mix well.
- Add bread cubes and mix with wet hands to form balls, pressing lightly to eliminate cube shape.
- If the mixture is too dry, add more milk.
- Lightly brown the meatballs in oil (Mazola or olive) until golden.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute whole wheat bread with gluten-free bread. If you prefer a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the mixture. To enhance flavor, you can also mix in some Italian herbs or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Using Mazola oil for frying can help achieve a crispier texture.
Serving Suggestions
These meatless meatballs are delicious served with marinara sauce and whole wheat spaghetti for a hearty meal. They also pair beautifully with Lorettas' Italian Biscuits for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. For a lighter option, serve them on a bed of greens with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, turning occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave's power.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatless Meatballs contains roughly 330 calories, with 11g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2063mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg). Both options will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the meatballs moist.
How do I make these meatballs spicier?
To add some heat to your meatless meatballs, include finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes in the mixture. You can also experiment with spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).