These Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are fluffy and packed with protein! They’re super easy to whip up, making them a perfect quick breakfast or snack any time of day.
What I love about these bites is how customizable they are! You can toss in your favorite veggies or cheese. Plus, they’re so tasty that you’ll forget they’re healthy. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Fresh large eggs provide great structure and protein. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can try a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground seeds plus 3 tbsp water) for binding, but the texture will differ slightly.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese works best for a creamy texture. If you’re avoiding dairy, silken tofu blended until smooth is a good substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Optional, but adds nice flavor. You can swap it for feta, mozzarella, or omit it entirely for a lighter version. Nutritional yeast is also an excellent way to get cheesy flavor without dairy!
Fresh Herbs: Any fresh herbs like spinach, green onions, or bell peppers can add flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used, but use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Do You Get Fluffy Egg Bites?
To make sure your egg bites are super fluffy, the key is in how you mix and bake them. Here’s how:
- Whisk the eggs well to incorporate air, which helps with fluffiness.
- Don’t overmix once you add the cottage cheese; you want some lumps for texture.
- Bake in a preheated oven, and don’t open the door while baking! This helps maintain the heat for rising.
Let them cool slightly before taking them out to help them set better. Enjoy these bites warm for the best texture!
Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Egg Bites:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or cilantro)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing the muffin tin
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you can have these delicious egg bites ready in about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure that your egg bites cook evenly and rise nicely. While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk the Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 4 eggs until they are well blended and slightly frothy. This will help incorporate air, making your egg bites light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the Cottage Cheese:
Now, add the cottage cheese, optional cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture. Gently stir until everything is combined, but don’t overmix. It’s okay if the cottage cheese makes the mixture a little lumpy.
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
Fold in the finely chopped fresh herbs of your choice. This will add flavor and freshness to your egg bites!
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This leaves enough room for them to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Bites:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for them to be set in the middle and lightly golden on top. If you gently shake the pan, the bites should not jiggle.
7. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, take the muffin tin out of the oven and allow the egg bites to cool for a few minutes. This makes them easier to remove. Use a small spatula or a fork to gently lift them out of the tin.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle with more fresh herbs, if desired, and serve warm. They’re delicious on their own or with a side of hot sauce or chili flakes for an added kick!
These Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are a fantastic healthy option for breakfast or snack time, packed with protein and flavor! Enjoy!
Can I Substitute Egg Whites for Whole Eggs?
Absolutely! You can use egg whites to reduce calories and cholesterol. For this recipe, you’ll need about 12 egg whites to replace the 4 whole eggs.
Can I Freeze These Egg Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking and cooling, place the egg bites in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy them!
How Do I Customize the Flavor?
You can easily customize these egg bites! Try adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, spinach, cooked bacon, or different cheeses. Just be cautious not to add too much liquid, so they remain fluffy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until warmed through, keeping them moist by covering with a damp paper towel while reheating.
