Remember those weekends when you’d sleep in, and the only thing that could lure you out of bed was a pillow? What is the promise of something delicious?High-Protein Egg BitesAre those promises, wrapped up in a bite-sized package of pure deliciousness? I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago when I was desperately trying to find something quick. What can I feed my family on a busy morning? We were all tired of the same old oatmeal, and let’s be honest, even the kids were getting bored. What are some of the best little egg bites ever? Think of them as a savory, protein-packed version of those grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches, but way more satisfying than the usual sandwich. Is there a better way to customize my website I tested them with a bunch of different veggies and cheeses before landing on my favorite, which I’m pretty sure is the best. *so* excited to share with you. What are some of the best ways to get a quick fix when you’re craving something tasty but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen?
What are high protein egg bites?
Think of these as mini quiches, but without the crust and a whole lot simpler! It’s essentially a baked EGG CUSTARD filled with your favorite mix-ins. The beauty of egg bites is that they are so versatile; you can add pretty much anything you like to make them your own. You’ll whisk eggs together with some milk and seasonings, then add in a blend of cheeses, your favorite veggies and maybe some meat. You then bake them in a muffin tin (or a specific egg bite maker if you have one). The result? Light, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying little bites of deliciousness. The name “Egg Bites” really says it all – they’re the perfect size for popping in your mouth, making them ideal for kids, a quick breakfast, or even a light lunch. They are super packed with protein which makes them a great way to get your day started!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?flavorIs it good to go savory with veggies? Second, they’re ridiculously cutesimpleI’m talking about mixing everything in one bowl, pouring into a muffin tin, and baking – it’s that simple. What are some of the best recipes that will save you time and money? If you are planning for a week ahead, they’re the perfect meal prep staple.
They’re also incredibly cost-efficientEggs are a good protein source, and you can use up any leftover veggies in the fridge. They are also extremely versatile – so many different types.variations! You can use them for meal prepping, or for an easy, tasty snack. You can even add some spices to suit whatever you are craving. What I love most about this recipe is that it’s so adaptable. I always make a big batch on Sunday, and my kids know they can grab one (or three!) on their way out the door for school. It’s also a perfect recipe for those times when you’re short on time but still want to eat something healthy and filling. If you enjoy this recipe, I encourage you to check out my frittata recipe, too! It’s a similar concept but baked in a skillet.
How do I make high protein eggs?
Quick Overview
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You’ll start by preheating your oven and preparing your muffin tin. Then, you’ll whisk your eggs with milk and seasonings, add your fillings, and bake until set. It takes about 25 minutes to put together and bake, making it the perfect breakfast or meal prep option. You can customize it to your liking with your favorite veggies, cheeses, and meats. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many servings you need, making it perfect for solo diners or a hungry family. Trust me; it’s a winner!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- I try to get the organic, free-range ones. They just seem to taste better!
- I love using whole milk to make it creamier. 1/4 cup milk (any kind works, but I like using almond milk for creaminess). Almond milk makes it slightly lighter).
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese (this is my secret ingredient for extra protein and creaminess)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a salty, nutty flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – start with this and adjust to taste
- What is the best way to ground Black Pepper?
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon (or a vegetarian option, like Sauteed Mushrooms or ham) or 1 cup chopped onion. I usually cook my sausage or bacon ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. (I usually eat more spinach) – I like to cook spinach before cooking.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend) (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (any color you like! I often use a mix of red, yellow, and orange)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (sauteed until soft for the best flavor)
For the Glaze:(Optional, but adds a nice touch)
- A drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha, or plain olive oil or avocado oil!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with silicone muffin liners. I love using silicone liners – it makes clean-up a breeze, and the egg bites pop right out! If you don’t have liners, make sure to grease the tin really well to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, cottage cheese, and salt. I always use a whisk for this step to make sure everything is well combined and the eggs are nice and frothy. I like to whisk until the cottage cheese is mostly broken down, giving the egg bites a super creamy texture. Make sure there are no visible lumps.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add in the Parmesan cheese and pepper. Stir to combine. Remember, freshly ground Black Pepper always tastes best!
Step 4: Combine
Now, gently fold in your filling ingredients. Be careful not to overmix – you want everything to be evenly distributed but not completely mashed together. If you are including sausage or bacon, make sure it’s cooked and cooled slightly before adding. This prevents the egg bites from getting greasy. If you’re using vegetables, you can either add them raw (if they’re finely chopped) or sautee them in a pan beforehand for extra flavor and to soften them up.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Fill muffin cups about 34 full. Don’t overfill, or they’ll spill over when they bake.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
If you’re feeling fancy, you can swirl a bit of the filling mixture into the egg mixture using a toothpick or knife to create a marbled effect. It doesn’t affect the taste, but it makes them look extra pretty! You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you are feeling extra decadent. If you are using hot sauce or oil drizzle, now is the time!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the egg bites are set and slightly golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them! If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil. Once they’re done, let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the egg bites cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. If you used muffin liners, it’s simple to just lift them out! If you didn’t, run a knife around the edges to loosen them before gently popping them out. Let them cool completely before serving. If you are adding a glaze, now is the time.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve warm, and enjoy! They are delicious straight out of the oven, but I also love them cold. They are easy to grab and go. Serve them with a side of fruit, toast, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a complete breakfast.
What should I serve it with?
What is the beauty of these images?Egg Bites: High protein eggs. is that they are incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas for serving them, depending on the occasion:
For Breakfast: I always serve them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a side of fruit, like berries or a sliced banana. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll make a quick smoothie to go with it. They’re also great alongside a whole-grain toast!
For Brunch: These are the perfect addition to a brunch spread! Pair them with a mimosa or a Bloody Mary, some fresh fruit salad, and maybe some crispy bacon. They’re also pretty impressive to present on a platter – you can even add some fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Yum!
As Dessert: You can serve these as a side with a yogurt parfait. Sometimes if my kids don’t like the dinner I make, they ask for these instead! So this can work for a snack as well as a dessert!
For Cozy Snacks: Make a big batch and keep them in the fridge for a quick snack. I love pairing them with a simple side salad or a small bowl of soup for a light lunch. They’re also great when you’re watching a movie!
I always have these for my family on special occasions such as birthdays, Easter and Thanksgiving! You can never go wrong with them!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your High-Protein Egg Bites
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these egg bites absolutely perfect every time! Here are my top tips:
Zucchini Prep: If you’re adding zucchini, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the batter. Zucchini holds a lot of water, and if you don’t remove it, your egg bites can become soggy. I usually grate the zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel, and squeeze out the excess liquid. It really does make a difference!
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the egg batter! Overmixing can make the egg bites tough. Mix just until everything is combined. And be sure to fold in the fillings gently to prevent them from breaking down too much.
Swirl Customization: If you want a beautiful swirl effect, don’t swirl too vigorously! Just a gentle swirl with a toothpick or the tip of a knife is all you need. If you over-swirl, the colors can blend together, and you won’t get that pretty marbled look.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! You can swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese, like Monterey Jack, feta, or Gruyère. You can also add different meats or veggies. I’ve tested this recipe with turkey sausage, ham, spinach, mushrooms, and even roasted red peppers, and they all work great. The key is to keep the proportions similar so that the texture remains consistent.
Baking Tips: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature, and don’t open the oven door while they’re baking unless you absolutely have to. This can cause the egg bites to deflate. Also, the baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick. Don’t be afraid to use a kitchen timer!
Glaze Variations: You can easily adapt the glaze to suit your tastes. I love adding a touch of hot sauce or sriracha for a little kick. You could also try a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil instead. Remember that the glaze is optional, so don’t feel like you have to add it if you don’t want to!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These High-Protein Egg Bites are perfect for meal prepping because they store so well! Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat them within a few hours, you can leave them at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate them.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover egg bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps them from drying out and keeps them fresh for longer.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the egg bites. Let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for an hour or two. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend adding the glaze just before serving. If you’re storing the egg bites in the refrigerator or freezer, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until you’re ready to eat them. This prevents the glaze from getting soggy or absorbing moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy this High-Protein Egg Bites recipe as much as my family and I do! They are so easy to make, super delicious, and incredibly versatile. It is a go-to recipe for those busy mornings or whenever you need a quick and healthy snack. I know you will love them. They are the perfect way to sneak in some extra protein and veggies, and they’re completely customizable to your tastes. They’re great with a variety of sides, such as fresh fruit, whole wheat toast or even a big salad. If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out my other breakfast recipes, like my breakfast quiche!
I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Share your creations in the comments below. Did you add any fun ingredients? I am always on the lookout for new ideas. Don’t forget to rate the recipe as well. Happy baking!
High-Protein Egg Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 Large Eggs
- 0.5 cup Cottage Cheese Low-fat
- 0.25 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 0.25 cup Chopped Cooked Ham
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.125 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, ham, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the egg bites are set and lightly golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm or cold.
