Baked Vegetarian Scotch Egg Recipe for Easy Healthy Snacks

Updated On: October 5, 2025

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty vegetarian twist on the classic Scotch egg, you’ve come to the right place! Traditional Scotch eggs are typically made with sausage meat wrapped around a boiled egg, then deep-fried until golden and crispy.

However, our baked vegetarian Scotch egg recipe offers a wholesome, meat-free alternative that’s just as satisfying and perfect for any meal, from brunch to picnic treats. By baking instead of frying, these Scotch eggs are lighter, healthier, and packed with flavor.

This recipe uses a combination of plant-based protein and spices to mimic the savory sausage coating, while the boiled egg remains the star in the center. Whether you’re vegetarian, looking to reduce meat consumption, or simply curious to try something new, these Scotch eggs will impress your family and friends with their texture and taste.

Plus, baking makes cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our baked vegetarian Scotch eggs are a fantastic fusion of classic comfort food and modern plant-based eating. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite:

  • Healthier alternative: Baking instead of frying reduces oil and calories, making this a guilt-free indulgence.
  • Vegetarian-friendly: Perfect for those avoiding meat but craving that hearty, savory flavor.
  • Protein-packed: The combination of eggs and lentils or chickpeas provides a satisfying protein boost.
  • Versatile: Great as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main meal, suitable for parties or lunchboxes.
  • Easy to customize: You can add different herbs, spices, or coatings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs (for boiling)
  • 1 cup cooked green lentils (or canned, drained)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan (for boiling eggs)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Food processor or potato masher
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Whisk or fork (for mixing batter)
  • Small bowls for flour and plant milk
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Boil the eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 7 minutes for slightly soft centers or 9 minutes for fully hard-boiled eggs. Immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, peel carefully and set aside.
  2. Prepare the lentil mixture: In a food processor, add the cooked lentils, chopped onion, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined but still slightly chunky. Alternatively, mash with a potato masher and mix in the seasonings.
  3. Form the lentil coating: Divide the lentil mixture into four equal parts. Spread each portion into a flat disc in your palm.
  4. Wrap the eggs: Take one peeled egg and gently roll it in the lentil mixture disc, shaping the lentils around the egg to form an even coating. Make sure the egg is fully enclosed. Repeat with remaining eggs and lentil mixture.
  5. Prepare the coating stations: Set up three shallow bowls – one with the flour, one with the plant-based milk, and one with breadcrumbs.
  6. Coat each lentil-wrapped egg: Roll each egg first in the flour, then dip into the plant milk, and finally press into the breadcrumbs until fully coated. This triple coating will give a crispy texture when baked.
  7. Preheat your oven: to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
  8. Place the Scotch eggs on the tray: Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to help browning.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the coating is golden and crispy.
  10. Cool and serve: Let the Scotch eggs rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the lentil mixture.”

  • Make it vegan: Substitute the eggs with firm tofu or vegan egg alternatives and use a flax egg or aquafaba for the milk coating step.
  • Try different legumes: Chickpeas or black beans can be used instead of lentils for varied textures and flavors.
  • Spice it up: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Breadcrumb alternatives: Use crushed cornflakes or panko for extra crunch.
  • Air fryer option: Cook the Scotch eggs in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes for a crispier finish with less oil.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Scotch Egg (1 piece)
Calories 210 kcal
Protein 14 g
Fat 8 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fiber 6 g
Sugar 2 g
Sodium 310 mg

Serving Suggestions

These baked vegetarian Scotch eggs are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Here are some tasty ways to serve them:

  • With a fresh green salad and a tangy mustard dressing for a light lunch.
  • Alongside roasted vegetables or chips for a comforting dinner.
  • As finger food at a party, served with dips like vegan mayo, chutney, or spicy ketchup.
  • In a sandwich or wrap with lettuce and tomato for a hearty lunch on the go.

For more creative vegetarian treats, check out our Kosher Vegetarian Recipes or try pairing these Scotch eggs with a fresh juice like the Green Goodness Juice Recipe.

Conclusion

This baked vegetarian Scotch egg recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy, meat-free twist. The combination of flavorful lentils and perfectly boiled eggs wrapped in a crispy coating makes for a delightful meal or snack.

Baking the eggs instead of frying keeps the dish lighter without sacrificing taste or texture. Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians or simply looking to add variety to your meals, these Scotch eggs are sure to please.

Give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with something both comforting and innovative. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our blog like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the irresistible Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Baked Vegetarian Scotch Egg

Description: A delicious twist on the classic Scotch egg using vegetarian ingredients and baked to perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated vegetarian cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Boil eggs for 7 minutes, then cool and peel.
  3. In a bowl, mix mashed chickpeas, cheese, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Divide chickpea mixture into 4 portions.
  5. Wrap each boiled egg with chickpea mixture, forming an even layer.
  6. Roll each wrapped egg in breadcrumbs to coat.
  7. Place eggs on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 25 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Baked Vegetarian Scotch Egg”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious twist on the classic Scotch egg using vegetarian ingredients and baked to perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 large eggs”, “1 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup grated vegetarian cheese”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tsp smoked paprika”, “1 tsp ground cumin”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1/4 tsp black pepper”, “1 tbsp olive oil”, “Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Boil eggs for 7 minutes, then cool and peel.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix mashed chickpeas, cheese, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Divide chickpea mixture into 4 portions.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Wrap each boiled egg with chickpea mixture, forming an even layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll each wrapped egg in breadcrumbs to coat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place eggs on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X