My Cottage Cheese Egg Bites recipe makes the most tender, delicious on-the-go high-protein breakfast with amazing flavor. It’s easier than the sou vide Starbucks egg bites recipe, but just as delicious, and I include info on how to swap different mix-ins to get the flavor you love. Make these ahead to make mornings a breeze!
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Easy Cottage Cheese Egg Bites Recipe
I won’t say these are a copycat recipe because I’ve been making egg bites for years! Starbucks definitely made them famous, but now you can make them at home for family breakfast or meal prep like I do. I love how easy they are to portion and grab on the go, and the best part is that you get to add the toppings that fit your tastes. You can even make several varieties at one time.
My sister Svetlana first introduced me to adding cottage cheese, and it is the secret ingredient in these egg bites. She even mixes cottage cheese into her Scrambled Eggs! You can’t taste it, but it keeps the eggs from getting rubbery when baked. The added moisture makes the best soft and fluffy texture in the oven, so there’s no need for the fancy sous vide process, and you can make more bites at a time.
Cottage Cheese Egg Bites Video
Watch my video tutorial, and you’ll see how easy it is to make these egg bites – they literally come together in a blender. You’ll be a pro in no time!
Many of my recipes, like Lasagna, Cottage Cheese Pancakes, and Cottage Cheese Cookies use cottage cheese for moisture and added calcium and protein, but it also makes the dish more filling and satisfying. It’s just what you need to start your day!
Ingredients for Egg Bites with Cottage Cheese
The basic egg bite recipe has just 3 ingredients and salt and pepper. Then, add up to a full cup of mix-in toppings to fit your tastes. Tell me in the comments what unique flavors you’ve come up with.
- Eggs – use 8-10 large eggs, depending on how many toppings you add. If you include 1/2 cup of mix-ins, use 9 eggs, but if you add 1 cup of mix-ins, use 8 eggs to be sure the mixture doesn’t spill out of the muffin tin.
- Cottage cheese – I prefer to use full-fat cottage cheese for egg bites since it adds to the richness and moisture, and won’t be soggy or collapse since it has less water-to-fat ratio.
- Cheese – choose your favorite type of cheese, or omit it if you’d prefer. I usually opt for sharp cheddar cheese, but other options include Monterey jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, parmesan, etc
- Salt and pepper – adjust to taste. Remember to reduce the salt for saltier cheese, like parmesan.
- Add-ins – See suggestions below. Use 1/2 cup to 1 cup of toppings, and be sure to reduce the amount of eggs if using more toppings.
Mix-ins for Egg Bites
For every 1/2 cup of mix-ins that you add, reduce 1 egg from the mixture to create the perfect breakfast egg bites. For a Mexican flair, opt for chorizo, taco seasoning, and cotija cheese. For meat lovers, use sausage, ham, and bacon. See my Egg Muffins Recipe for even more ideas.
- Meat (cooked) – bacon, sausage crumbles, chopped ham, chorizo, or tofu
- Veggies – chopped mushrooms, chives, or spinach, or sautéed zucchini, pepper, potatoes, or onion
- Cheese – cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, feta, parmesan, gruyere cheese, or Cotija
- Spices – taco seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, or basil.
- Heat – red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a few pumps of hot sauce
How to Make High-Protein Egg Bites
It’s easy to make my egg bites recipe using just a muffin tin. Follow these easy steps.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a non-stick muffin tin very well or use silicone. Egg loves to stick, so be thorough! You don’t have to grease if you use a silicone muffin tin or silicone liners.
- Into a Blender, add the eggs, cottage cheese, salt and pepper and blend for 1 minute on medium speed. Don’t blend at high speed, or the mixture will be too foamy. You can also use a food processor or an immersion blender.
- Divide the cheese and toppings into the greased muffin tin. Make a variety of egg bites by adding different toppings to each muffin tin after pouring the egg mixture. Pour the egg mixture to fill each cup to 3/4 full, leaving some room for expansion.
- Bake at 325°F until the egg is set and the edges are slightly brown, about 22 minutes, and then let the egg bites cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, before removing. If the eggs are browning too fast, cover the pan with foil.
Can I Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bites in the Air Fryer?
You can set the silicone liners directly into the air fryer basket and air fry the egg bites in the muffin tin at 300°F for 12-14 minutes. Cover with foil if they are browning too quickly.
How to Know When Egg Bites Are Done?
This egg bite recipe cooks quickly in the oven or air fryer. Be sure the egg is lightly golden and completely set on top before removing it from the oven. You can test by sticking a toothpick into the center to see if it comes out clean. You can also cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
I love to make these cottage cheese egg bites at the beginning of the week because they reheat beautifully and are great for meal prep. Allow the egg bites to cool completely before storing.
- Make-Ahead: Double the recipe if needed, and then store cooled egg bites in the fridge or freezer.
- To Refrigerate: Store in a zip-top bag or air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: once cool, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To Reheat: Place egg bites on a paper-towel-lined plate and microwave for 30 seconds, or reheat in the Air Fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes or until heated through.
What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins
While these can be a great grab-and-go breakfast, egg bites made with cottage cheese can be part of a complete breakfast. Try serving them paired with these delicious breakfast recipes:
- Breakfast Potatoes
- Hash Browns
- Air Fryer Bacon
- Homemade Salsa or Hot Sauce
- Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Toast or Sourdough Bread
- English Muffins
- Green Smoothie
Cottage cheese egg bites are the easier version of a Starbucks egg bite copycat recipe. The cottage cheese keeps the eggs tender and makes these a great on-the-go high-protein breakfast. You’ll love how easy and versatile they are with a wide variety of mix-ins. Make these for meal prep or as a great breakfast potluck dish.
Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
Ingredients
- 8-10 large eggs*
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, or added to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese, such as medium cheddar or mozzarella
- 1/2-1 cup optional add-ins, see notes*
Instructions
- Preheat – Preheat oven to 325˚F. Spray a non-stick muffin tin with cooking spray. If you use silicone muffin cups, you don’t need to spray.
- Blend – In a blender, combine eggs, cottage cheese, salt and pepper and blend together until well combined.
- Divide cheese or your desired toppings to each cup then divide the egg mixture evenly into each cup, filling about 3/4 full and bake until the edges and centers are fully set.
- Bake at 325˚F for 22-25 minutes or until tops are set. You can also put these in the air fryer at 300˚F for 12-14 minutes (cover lightly with foil if browning too fast). Let the egg bites rest in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before removing.
Notes
- Use 9 eggs if using 1/2 cup of add-ins.
- Use 8 eggs if using 1 cup of add-ins.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Egg Breakfast Egg Recipes
- Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
- Omelette Recipe
- Breakfast Quesadillas
- Sausage Asparagus Quiche
- Easy Frittata
- Quiche Lorraine
- Eggs Benedict
- Breakfast Burritos
I made these beauties this morning, and I was pleasantly surprised to find how easy it was to make them!
I realized that this recipe is also very versatile, as you can use many different add ins to diversify your routine.
Thank you for this recipe Natasha, and for all the other recipes you work hard to perfect.
With great admiration,
Xhevahir
Yes, it’s so versatile that’s why we love this at home so much. Glad to hear that you also enjoyed making it!
I made these this past weekend so my granddaughter could try them. My daughter-in-law was looking for ideas for some nutritious quick breakfasts/lunches. These were a big hit with my granddaughter & everyone else! THANK YOU!
That’s wonderful, Kathy! So glad to hear they were a hit!
These egg bites were delicious. Very easy to make and healthy. I added some cholula and sriracha as a topping option and loved it. The second time I made them I used a bit more of the seasoning. These are going to be a regular part of my weekly lunch and casual morning brunch snack. A new “go-too”!
What is the serving size the nutritional information is based on?
Thank you.
Hi Sheila! The serving size is one egg bite.
I wish so much that in my last comment on your new cookbook that I would have said I enjoyed your stories so much, I didn’t put your new cookbook down until I read every page. That encluded each and every Recipe. It was that enteresting. Keep Cooking and keep telling stories. I will keep enjoying.
Thank you for sharing that with me. I hope you try and love the recipes, Sara!
I have been enjoying your recipes so much that for Christmas I bought myself and my grown daughter your cookbook, Natasha’s Kitchen, oh my, so wonderful I ready it from cover to cover and read each recipe and the recipes I really wanted to make first I would write Try at the top Then I evailuate the recipe. I have made two recipes in two weeks Pg 77 and pg 164. They both got my highest rating. Love your tips.
I’m so excited for you! Thank you for purchasing the cookbook! I hope you love all the recipes you try!
I have tried several egg bite recipes for my kids and these held their shape the best! I’m wondering if anyone else had them come out really salty? I was thinking it might be the cottage cheese I used? But they were sooooo salty. I didn’t give them to the kids. Hoping for a better result the second time!
Hi Robin! I have not had that happen, but I’m thinking that it could definitely be the brand of cottage cheese. I would check the label and see what the sodium amount is. You can omit the salt in the recipe and only add it if needed.
Hi For the egg bites, can I use egg whites only?
Hi Janet. I haven’t tested just egg whites. I’m sure it’s possible but likely would change the texture and taste.
First time making these little gems and they came out A-MAZING! So fluffy and yummy and perfect for on the go. Another 5 star recipe Natasha! 🌟 Thank you for sharing your great recipes for many of us “home cooks” that are not chefs, but your recipes make us feel like it!!! 😉
Awww, thank you for your kind words and great feedback!
Excellent, healthy and quick to make for any meal of the day! THANK YOU!!!
You’re welcome, Angie!
I’ve tried many different egg bites recipes, finally,found the best one! These egg bites are firm and fluffy!! Super easy to make! I will admit, I put in an extra 1/2 cup of cottage cheese in the recipe, makes the egg bites that much more firm.
Thank you for your great review! I’m glad you enjoyed them!
The egg bites are so easy…and delish. I made the basic recipe but I’ll add some green onion next time and maybe a little hot sauce
Thank you for sharing that with me, Nancy! I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Looks great! I used to have similar recipe but lost it witch is a good thing because yours looks much better!
Thank you very much!
I’m glad you found it. Let us know what you think of this recipe, Rob!
Absolutely the best “Egg Bites” and a great way to get extra protein to start my day.
The whole family loved them.
Thank you for this recipe
I agree, these are the best way to add protein. I’m so happy you loved it, Marlene!
These have changed my life! Delicious with any of your favorite additions. Twice I’ve added onion, mushrooms, red pepper, diced applewood bacon, and two cheeses. The muffin liners are a MUST!!! Don’t try without. Get the OXO because you will love the tabs for easy removal. Go Natasha!
I’m so happy you love these, Deb! Thank you for your awesome review!
Question,
I am trying to track these in an app. You mention that the dietary label provided is for 8 eggs. Is this just 8 eggs, the cottage cheese and shredded cheese? Not including any toppings? If there aren’t any added toppings then wouldn’t you use 10 eggs instead of 8? Just a little confused here! Thanks 🙂 also I really appreciate you sharing this recipe and the nutritional information as well!!!
Hi Liz! Yes, the nutrition label on the recipe is based on using the basic ingredients and no toppings or mix-ins included.
Can you use egg whites to replace some of the eggs – maybe half eggs, half egg whites?
Hi Lizzie! I imagine it will work, but that texture will be different.
Hi Natasha,
Love all your recipes. I have one question can you give me any suggestions as to what I can substitute the cottage cheese without adjusting the taste when baking the egg bites?
Thank you
Hi Sylvia! I’m glad you’re enjoying my recipes. One of our readers shared this in the comments below “Very tasty and easy. I substituted Ricotta cheese for cottage cheese because I had leftover Ricotta and didn’t want to waste it. Tender and yummy. I will tryvwith cottage cheese next time.” Hope that helps!
any substitute for cottage cheese? I am not fond of it. How about Ricotta, strained if necessary.
Hi Abbey! One of our readers shared this in the comments below “Very tasty and easy. I substituted Ricotta cheese for cottage cheese because I had leftover Ricotta and didn’t want to waste it. Tender and yummy. I will tryvwith cottage cheese next time.” Hope that helps!
Followed recipe, did not do any add-ins. They taste good but as soon as I took them out of the oven, the fell and don’t ‘look’ all that appealing. Not sure where I may have gone wrong, doubtful I will make again.
Hi Gina. Did you use low fat cottage cheese? I prefer to use full fat since they hold their shape better and don’t collapse.