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+ servings
Eggplant Meatballs

Savor Every Bite of Irresistible Eggplant Meatballs

Discover these Eggplant Meatballs for a flavorful, hearty dish that's perfect for any meal, offering a delightful vegetarian twist.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 20 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 100

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 2 lbs Eggplant about 2 medium
  • 2 cups Italian Bread Crumbs Substitution: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitution: For a dairy-free option, substitute with a dairy-free cheese.
  • 2 large Eggs While they’re crucial, finding an egg substitute is still a challenge for vegan variations.
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
Optional for Extra Crispiness
  • Olive Oil for sautéing

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Fork or Potato Masher
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Prick the surface of the eggplants with a fork and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast them for about 45 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they are ready when the skin is blistered and the eggplant feels very soft to the touch.
  2. Once the eggplants are roasted, allow them to cool until manageable. Carefully peel the skin off and place the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the eggplant until it's chunky.
  3. Add the Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and salt to the mashed eggplant in the bowl. Mix everything together well until combined. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
  4. After chilling, take the eggplant mixture out of the fridge. Using your hands, form the mixture into 20-24 meatballs, rolling them gently but firmly for a good shape. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the prepared eggplant meatballs for 25-35 minutes. They are ready when they feel firm to the touch and are lightly golden.
  6. If you prefer a crispy outer layer, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the baked meatballs and sauté them for a few minutes until they are golden brown all over.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These eggplant meatballs freeze beautifully! Make extra and store them for quick, healthy meals later.

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