Savory Vegetarian Protein Balls
These delicious Savory Vegetarian Protein Balls are a delightful alternative to traditional meatballs, packed with flavor and loaded with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for surprising guests at a potluck dinner, these meatballs are not only great for spaghetti and marinara sauce but also make a scrumptious filling for meatball Stroganoff. With a crispy exterior and a tender, cheesy inside, they are sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Enjoy these versatile bites as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, and watch the astonished faces when diners discover there’s no meat involved! Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated from the freezer, they are always a crowd-pleaser.
4
Servings
540
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
4 (slightly beaten)
Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 envelope (1 1/4 ounces) (dry)
Grated Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (freshly grated)
Chopped Walnuts
3/4 cup (chopped)
Dry Italian Style Breadcrumbs
1 cup (for binding the mixture)
Vegetarian Broth
2 envelopes (1 1/4 ounces each) (use G. Washington brown broth or similar)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine beaten eggs, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, grated cheddar cheese, chopped walnuts, and dry Italian style breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined to form a thick mixture.
3
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
4
Once chilled, use your hands to form the mixture into 1-1/4 inch balls and place them on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
6
If not serving immediately, these meatballs can be frozen for later use. To prepare for serving, place meatballs in a casserole dish and cover them with 2-3 cups of boiling water and add 2-3 cubes or envelopes of vegetarian brown broth. Ensure the meatballs are nearly covered by the liquid, about 1/2 inch.
7
Cover the casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour. If using frozen meatballs, extend the baking time to 1-1/2 hours.
8
Alternatively, you can prepare the meatballs in a crockpot set to high for 1 hour (or 1-1/2 hours if frozen).
Nutrition Information
31.5g
Fat
51g
Carbs
27g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Vegetarian Protein Balls?
They are a meat-free alternative to meatballs made with eggs, cheese, walnuts, and breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 540 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 27 grams of protein.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 slightly beaten eggs.
What type of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
What kind of nuts are included in the mixture?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts.
What type of breadcrumbs are needed?
You should use 1 cup of dry Italian style breadcrumbs.
What temperature should the oven be for the initial bake?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do the protein balls bake initially?
They bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and firm.
Do I need to refrigerate the mixture before forming balls?
Yes, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
How big should the protein balls be?
Form the mixture into balls that are approximately 1-1/4 inches in size.
Can these vegetarian protein balls be frozen?
Yes, they can be frozen for later use.
How do I prepare the balls from frozen?
Place them in a casserole dish with broth and bake at 350 degrees F for 1-1/2 hours.
Can I cook these in a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook them on high for 1 hour, or 1-1/2 hours if frozen.
What specific soup mix is used?
The recipe specifies one envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix.
What kind of broth is recommended for reheating?
Vegetarian brown broth, such as G. Washington, is recommended.
How much liquid is used when baking them in a casserole?
Use 2-3 cups of boiling water mixed with vegetarian broth cubes.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 31.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 51g of carbohydrates per serving.
Are these suitable for a potluck?
Yes, they are described as a crowd-pleaser and great for surprising guests at potlucks.
Can these be used in spaghetti?
Yes, they are a great alternative to meatballs for spaghetti and marinara sauce.
Can I use these for Stroganoff?
Yes, they make a scrumptious filling for meatball Stroganoff.
What is the texture of these protein balls?
They have a crispy exterior and a tender, cheesy inside.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, use cooking spray on the baking sheet before placing the balls.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe uses 6 main ingredients.
Is there any meat in this recipe?
No, this is a completely vegetarian recipe.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Main Dish.
How much broth mix is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 envelopes or cubes of vegetarian broth.
How much liquid should be in the casserole dish?
The liquid should nearly cover the meatballs, leaving about 1/2 inch uncovered.