Cottage Cheese Egg Bites (High-Protein Starbucks-Style Breakfast)
These Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are soft, fluffy, and packed with protein—perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a healthy grab-and-go breakfast. Inspired by the popular egg bites from Starbucks, this homemade version is easier, cheaper, and more customizable, with no sous-vide equipment required.
Blending cottage cheese directly into the eggs creates an ultra-tender texture that stays moist and creamy, even after reheating. Whether you bake them in the oven or make them in the air fryer, these egg bites are a reliable, nutritious breakfast you’ll want on repeat.
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
- High-protein breakfast that keeps you full longer
- Soft and fluffy texture (no rubbery eggs)
- Perfect for meal prep – freezer-friendly and reheats well
- Low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free
- Customizable flavors with endless mix-ins
- No sous-vide needed – just a blender and muffin tin
Health Benefits of Adding Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary egg muffins into protein-rich egg bites with superior texture:
- Adds extra protein and calcium
- Keeps eggs moist and tender while baking
- Makes the egg bites more filling and satisfying
- Blends smoothly so there’s no cottage cheese taste or texture
Using full-fat cottage cheese gives the best results and helps prevent deflating after baking.
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
Base Ingredients
- 8–10 large eggs (adjust based on add-ins)
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, etc.)
Optional Add-Ins (½–1 cup total)
Choose one or mix several:
- Meat (cooked): sausage, ham, chorizo, turkey bacon, or tofu
- Vegetables: spinach, mushrooms, chives, onions, bell peppers, zucchini
- Cheese: feta, parmesan, gruyère, Monterey Jack
- Seasonings: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning
- Heat: red pepper flakes, cayenne, hot sauce
Tip: Reduce 1 egg for every additional ½ cup of add-ins to prevent overflow.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
1. Preheat
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin very well, or use silicone liners.
2. Blend
Add eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth (avoid high speed to prevent excess foam).
3. Fill
Divide shredded cheese and add-ins evenly among muffin cups. Pour egg mixture into each cup, filling ¾ full.
4. Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, until centers are set and tops are lightly golden. Let rest 5 minutes before removing.
Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
- Use silicone muffin liners
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 12–14 minutes
- Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly
How to Tell When Egg Bites Are Done
- Centers are fully set and no longer jiggly
- Toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- Internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These cottage cheese egg muffins are ideal for weekly meal prep:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months
- Reheat:
- Microwave: 30 seconds
- Air fryer: 350°F for 5 minutes
Place on a paper towel before microwaving to absorb moisture.
Flavor & Texture Tips for Best Results
- Use full-fat cottage cheese to avoid deflating
- Pre-cook watery vegetables (spinach, peppers, zucchini)
- Don’t overfill muffin cups—eggs expand while baking
- Let egg bites rest before removing to set structure
What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
Pair these protein egg bites with:
- Breakfast potatoes or hash browns
- Toast, sourdough, or English muffins
- Fresh salsa or hot sauce
- Smoothies or fruit salad
