Vegetarian Egg Recipes

Vegetarian Egg Recipes

Posted on: September 13th 2021

Vegetarian diets are nothing new. Ancient civilizations from the Greeks in the West to Hindu practitioners in the East adopted vegetarian diets for both health and religious reasons. Many simply ate vegetarian because meat was a difficult and expensive resource. Now, the most common reasons people adopt vegetarian diets are for health and sustainability.

For vegetarians, protein is an important nutrient that might be lacking in much of their diet. That’s why plant-based protein is so crucial, as are protein-rich foods like eggs to supplement a vegetarian diet. As well as being a source of protein and essential amino acids, eggs also contain vitamins D and B12, which support bone health and brain function.

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Why Make Vegetarian Egg Recipes?

These vegetarian egg recipes are tasty and healthy options for both special occasions and everyday meals. You’ll want to make these delicious recipes regardless of whether you’re vegetarian, but there are other reasons too. You might:

• Want to add more vegetables to your diet.
• Want to cook for a vegetarian friend or loved one.
• Want to try out easy meatless recipes.
• Want to add more protein to your vegetarian diet.

Try out some healthy vegetarian egg recipes to kickstart your journey to a more nutritious diet for you and your family.

15 Vegetarian Egg Recipes

1. Huevos Rancheros

Meaning “rancher’s eggs,” this naturally vegetarian egg dish is a classic served throughout Mexico and now in many places in the United States. This warm, hearty breakfast will prepare you for a hard day’s work.

The main ingredients for this recipe are:

• Eggs
• Roma tomatoes
• Serrano chile or jalapeño peppers
• Garlic
• Onion
• Thyme
• Corn tortillas
• Refried beans (optional)
• Salt

Huevos rancheros is a simple meal. You’ll start by roughly chopping the tomatoes, garlic, onion, and chile or jalapeño and adding them to a blender. Add a sprinkle of thyme and two tablespoons of water and blend until just slightly chunky. The salsa should be smooth, but you don’t want to make it too runny.

While the sauce is warming over medium heat, you can fry the tortillas. For a healthier option, you could simply warm both sides in a hot pan, but for an extra bit of flavor and crunch, use oil. You can let the excess oil drain off on a paper towel once you’re done.

For huevos rancheros, you want to make sunny side up eggs, so cook them until the whites have just hardened, but leave the yolk runny. If you don’t like your yolks runny, you can cook your eggs over medium or over hard. To serve, layer the tortillas, two eggs, and a generous serving of salsa over the top. Add refried beans to the side if you like and enjoy this filling Mexican breakfast dish!

2. Vegetarian Buddha Bowl

Whip together this vegetarian buddha bowl for a healthy one-bowl feast. Buddha bowls are great for days when you don’t feel like putting much effort into cooking. Mix whatever leftover veggies and grains you have on hand, and boom — you’ve made a meal and cleaned out your fridge at the same time. Our vegetarian buddha bowl includes:

• Sweet potato
• Brussels sprouts
• Eggs
• Avocado
• Jicama
• Quinoa
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Tahini
• Fresh lime juice
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic
• Saffron, for color
• Sea salt
• White pepper

You can add pretty much whatever veggies you have on hand, but we find sweet potato and quinoa makes an especially great base because they’re both tasty and filling. Quinoa is a whole grain, offers a great source of plant protein and fiber — especially important in vegetarian diets — and is naturally gluten-free. Sweet potatoes are gluten-free too and add a great element of sweetness to this dish.

We love the combination of savory Brussels sprouts and sweet potato, and adding the tahini, lemon and lime juice to the mix gives this dish an incredibly sweet, savory, and tangy flavor profile. For the eggs, you can boil them however you like. While many like the yolks cooked through, you can reduce the boiling time by a few minutes to have gorgeous runny-in-the-middle eggs.

Get as creative as you want with the assembly of this dish! Make an Instagram-worthy meal by arranging the ingredients creatively in the bowl, or toss everything together for an easy, colorful meal.

3. Vegetarian Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos

Make-ahead breakfast burritos are your go-to vegetarian breakfast if you’ve got a busy life. Make them for a family brunch or store them in the freezer for a quick breakfast during the week. They’re incredibly customizable, which is great if you have some picky eaters in the house. They’re also a healthy alternative to a fast-food breakfast sandwich.

The main ingredients for our make-ahead burritos are:

• Vegetarian sausage (optional)
• Black beans
• Potatoes
• Yellow bell pepper
• Vidalia onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Spinach
• Eggs
• Flour tortillas
• Colby or Muenster cheese
• Picante sauce, if desired

Instead of rice, these burritos have a base of black beans and potatoes to make them a little more breakfast-friendly. Black beans are a great source of fiber and protein and have the added benefits of antioxidants and blood sugar regulation. If you like vegetarian meat alternatives, tofu sausage can add great flavor to this quick meal — your non-vegetarian friends and family might not even know the difference!

The best thing about this dish is that you can freeze it in individual portions and reheat them as you need. Make a batch Sunday night for a quick, healthy breakfast that can last your family for the entire week. Try out different veggies and flavors every week. You can even use egg whites to make it extra healthy. Or, skip the tortilla entirely for a healthy veggie egg scramble.

4. Fresh Garden Vegetable Breakfast Casserole

This tasty vegetarian breakfast casserole is as healthy as it is versatile — serve with juice and toast for a tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eggs and vegetables for dinner might be a strange concept for those used to more traditional dinner fare. Still, this vegetarian egg casserole is a healthy and filling option for the whole family.

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheese
• Red and green pepper
• Zucchini
• Onion
• Spinach
• Cheese
• Green onions

This dish is also customizable, so use whatever vegetables your family will enjoy. We suggest using vegetables that are in season for the best flavor and freshness. You’ll want to cook the veggies until they’re slightly tender before adding the egg and putting the dish in the oven.

Sprinkle your favorite cheese and green onions on top before baking. Leave it in the oven until the eggs are cooked through and golden around the edges. Top this easy veggie egg bake with more green onions and parsley. You can store leftovers in the fridge.

5. Vegetarian Pancake Breakfast Taco

This twist on our pancake breakfast taco omits the ham for a tasty vegetarian breakfast. You’ll need:

• Pancakes
• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• White or yellow cornmeal
• Fresh creamery butter
• Green chili pepper
• Red onion
• Red bell pepper
• Pure maple syrup
• Eggs

For this recipe, prepare the pancake batter according to the directions on the package but add the cheeses and cornmeal to the batter before cooking. The cheese gives the pancake a more savory flavor, and cornmeal gives it much-needed substance and texture.

While tortillas are the traditional taco wrap, there’s nothing that says breakfast quite like a pancake. The peppers and onions in the eggs add some kick to the combination of bread and cheese, and maple syrup brings everything together with its quintessential sweetness. These are the perfect solution if you’re looking to try something new for breakfast or brunch.

6. Spicy Pad Thai

Heat up the kitchen with this spicy vegetarian pad thai. You can make this as mild or spicy as your palate can handle, and the addition of eggs adds protein and flavor to this nutty, classic Thai dish. This classic pad thai recipe includes:

• Fresh bean sprouts
• Cilantro, to garnish
• Green onions
• Chopped peanuts
• Eggs
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Rice noodles
• Tamarind concentrate
• Palm sugar
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Smooth peanut butter (optional)
• Garlic
• Lime

If you’re making your pad thai sauce from scratch, be sure to add the spice incrementally and taste after each addition. While you can always add more heat, it’s a little more difficult to make a spicy dish mild again. Most store-bought sauces have a good deal of sugar, so if you like your sauce more tangy and savory, consider making your own with this recipe. More sugar will vamp up the sweetness and tamarind will add more tang.

For extra peanut taste, add some smooth peanut butter. This addition will give your dish a bigger peanut kick and it has the added benefit of adding more protein and helping the sauce thicken up. Serve with a topping of bean sprouts, a slice of lime, cilantro, and crushed peanuts.

7. Broccoli and Cheese Omelet Bites

Make these omelet bites for a meal at home, or take them as a great appetizer for a party or potluck. These bite-sized omelets are simple, quick, and tasty. The three basic ingredients for this dish are:

• Eggs
• Broccoli
• Cheese

You can add any spices you like and dress these up with other veggies and ingredients. Cheddar or Gruyere cheese go especially well with these bites. You can try mozzarella and Swiss for a milder flavor. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, try substituting spinach, peppers, or even asparagus.

8. Egg Foo Young

For another great recipe to clean out your fridge of excess veggies, try vegetarian egg foo young. A classic Chinese leftovers dish, this meal can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Egg foo young adds an extra bit of character to the flavor profile of a classic omelet with its signature umami flavor. The ingredients for the egg base include:

• Eggs
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Add the eggs, soy sauce, and whatever veggies you like to a bowl and whisk together. Simply cook in sesame oil and serve over rice.

9. The Partial English

While a full English breakfast features loin bacon and sausages, this vegetarian English breakfast subs in some tasty veg-friendly options. This recipe isn’t the healthiest meal option on this list, but it’s a hearty choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Roma tomatoes
• Halloumi cheese
• Tofu sausage links (optional)
• Mushrooms
• Baked beans
• Bread

This vegetarian twist on the full English breakfast is still a filling and tasty dish. The creamy, crunch halloumi cheese pairs well with all the other ingredients, and if you want the sausage taste, there’s vegetarian sausage available that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

While the beans aren’t the star of the show, they’re a quintessential element in this meal. If you don’t fancy baked beans you can substitute in other types, like black beans, or exchange them for grits or porridge. And though sunny-side-up eggs are traditional, you can have your eggs any way you like with this dish. Just don’t forget the fried bread to complete the feast.

10. Baked Avocado and Egg

Hop on an internet craze with this easy vegetarian egg recipe. The main ingredient in this dish is, of course, avocado, but you can dress these up with whatever veggies and toppings you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• Avocado
• Eggs
• Tomato
• Red or green bell pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Chives
• Spices

Avocados are a filling fruit with heart-healthy fats and potassium, proven to aid in cardiovascular health. Since both avocados and eggs pair well with a huge variety of foods, the possibilities are practically endless. For a simple breakfast or snack, a little salt, pepper, and paprika are just the right touch. If you’re looking for something a little more flavorful, try adding cherry tomatoes, red peppers, onions, and garlic. Or, top with salsa and black beans for Tex-Mex flair.

You can cook the yolk all the way or leave a little runniness to add that extra creamy texture. However you make these, they’re sure to be a healthy, fulfilling meal you’ll want to have again and again.

11. Smoked Tofu and Egg Fried Rice

Once you try this smoked tofu and egg fried rice, you may not go back to any other fried rice recipe. Use leftover rice and veggies to make this a quick and easy meal. To make smoked tofu fried rice, you’ll need:

• Eggs
• Smoked tofu
• Short-grain white rice
• Garlic
• Sesame oil
• Carrots
• Scallions
• Frozen peas
• Soy sauce
• Chives (optional)

If you want a crispier outside on your tofu, wrap the tofu with a layer or two of paper towels and place a plate or another slightly weighted object on top. This step will get rid of the excess moisture and help the tofu brown. You can also fry the tofu — just toss it in a little cornstarch and cook it in hot oil.

For fried rice, leftover rice is the best because the grains can firm up in the fridge. Otherwise, your rice might turn out mushy and have a closer consistency to porridge. You can also use medium or long-grain rice. Just be sure to follow the rinsing and cooking directions on the package.

Sesame oil and soy sauce are essential to bringing out the umami flavor of this fried rice dish. You can add bean sprouts, bell peppers, and pretty much anything in the fridge to fully veg out your fried rice.

12. Egg Salad Sandwiches

Normally, you might pass on an egg salad sandwich. Between too much mayo and soggy bread, they can be a gloppy mess. However, there’s a trick to creating the perfect egg salad sandwich. You’ll need:

• Eggs
• Greek yogurt
• Whole grain mustard
• Celery
• Onion
• Lemon juice
• Lettuce
• Sourdough bread
• Garlic

For this sandwich, the use of Greek yogurt helps bring out the eggy flavor without adding heaviness. You can also substitute it for traditional mayo if you want a richer flavor. You also want to avoid mashing up your eggs too much, as having some texture is good.

The real trick, however, isn’t about the egg salad at all — it’s about the construction of the sandwich itself. Toasted bread adds some much-needed crunchiness and texture. Additionally, placing a leaf of lettuce on each slice of bread between the egg salad prevents the bread from getting too soggy if the sandwich sits out for a bit.

13. Sunny Side Up Pizza

Who said you can’t have pizza for breakfast? This eggy, herby take on the classic margarita pizza is sure to impress your taste buds. The runny egg on top adds a beautiful taste and texture to this already classic dish. The ingredients for this vegetarian recipe include:

• Pizza dough or pre-made pizza crust
• Italian blend cheeses
• Pesto
• Cherry tomatoes
• Eggs
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

You can make your pizza dough from scratch if you’re extra committed to authenticity, but you can also buy dough pre-made at the supermarket if you want a less involved recipe. For those with even less time on their hands, you’ll be happy to learn you can also find pre-baked crusts.

The trick to an evenly-cooked pizza is to turn it throughout the cooking process. That way, the crust is evenly crispy on the sides and bottom.

14. Banana and Egg Pancakes

Not all vegetarian dishes are savory. Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious banana and egg pancakes. The ingredients for these pancakes are:

• Banana
• Eggs
• Peanut butter
• Cinnamon
• Butter
• Maple syrup
• Confectioner’s sugar

With flour and sugar involved, pancakes can become quite a messy kitchen ordeal. Luckily, this recipe forgoes the flour and sugar for bananas, eggs, and peanut butter. This substitution also means these pancakes are a healthy and sweet start to your day.

Use ripe bananas for the best consistency, and don’t be afraid to dress up your pancakes — add chocolate or butterscotch chips, extra banana slices, honey, blueberries, or nuts to add amazing texture to your stack.

15. Seasonal Fruit French Toast

French toast is good any time of year, but using the freshest fruits gives your breakfast an added burst of flavor. To make this fruity french toast, you’ll need:

• Bread
• Eggs
• Milk or milk substitute
• Fruit
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Confectioner’s sugar
• Maple syrup

If you really want to up your French toast game, prep the egg mixture the night before and soak the bread overnight. If you do this method, you can also transfer the dish directly to the oven to create baked french toast. But for a more traditional method, you can simply soak the bread in the egg mixture for a few minutes and then fry in a pan.

There are so many ways to dress up French toast — adding seasonal fruit is perhaps one of the sweetest and tastiest breakfast options, but you could also fashion a savory french toast with veggies and avocado.

Add Sauder Eggs to Your Vegetarian Dishes

Adding eggs to vegetarian dishes has enormous health benefits. As an ingredient, a meal on their own, or a snack any time of day, eggs are one of the most versatile foods in the kitchen. There are endless ways to cook eggs, and they add a ton of rich flavor and nutrients. Eggs are especially important in vegetarian diets because they provide an essential source of protein.

For the highest-quality and most nutrient-rich eggs, use Sauder eggs to complete your meals. Choose from traditional white, natural brown, organic, and free-range egg varieties. To start cooking with Sauder eggs, find them in a store near you.