1. Sauté the Mushrooms
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in mushrooms and walnuts, cooking for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Add soy sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine sautéed mushrooms, breadcrumbs, flaxseeds, and nutritional yeast.
- Mix well until the mixture sticks together (if too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water).
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
3. Shape & Bake the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Toss with marinara sauce and serve over pasta.
- Enjoy in a meatball sub with toasted bread and vegan cheese.
- Serve as an appetizer with garlic aioli or BBQ sauce.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked or baked meatballs for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or reheat in sauce.
Variants & Add-Ins
🌿 Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
🫘 Protein Boost: Add ½ cup mashed lentils for extra texture.
🍄 Mushroom Swap: Use portobello mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these oil-free?
Yes! Sauté mushrooms with vegetable broth instead of oil.
Q: Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?
Yes! Try almonds, sunflower seeds, or cashews.
Q: What’s the best gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Mushroom Meatballs are savory, hearty, and packed with delicious umami flavor. Whether served with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer, they’re easy to make, meal-prep friendly, and absolutely satisfying!
🍄🔥 Try them today and let me know your favorite way to serve them! 🌱✨
