These keto cottage cheese egg bites are a quick, easy, and high-protein breakfast solution for busy mornings. Whether you call them cottage cheese muffins or egg bites, this recipe uses simple ingredients and leftover ham to create a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. Cottage cheese is the key ingredient, providing a creamy texture and boosting the protein content to 12 grams per egg bite. These egg bites are perfect for meal prep, offering a grab-n-go option that will keep you full and energized.
Why Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that makes these egg bites so special. It not only adds a creamy and soft texture, preventing the eggs from becoming rubbery, but also contributes a mild flavor that enhances the overall taste. It also helps keep the egg bites moist. If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, don't worry-the taste is very mild once cooked.
Nutritional Benefits
Compared to store-bought egg bites, these homemade versions offer a healthier nutritional profile. They typically have fewer calories, less fat and sodium, and fewer carbohydrates while still providing a good amount of protein. Plus, they're made with whole-food ingredients and without the preservatives and starches found in many commercial options.
Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients you'll need for this recipe:
- Eggs: The foundation of the egg bites. Use 8-10 large eggs, adjusting based on the amount of toppings you add.
- Cottage cheese: The star ingredient for creamy texture and added protein. Good Culture 4% fat cottage cheese is a good option.
- Ham: Diced ham adds a savory flavor and extra protein.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides a mild and melty cheese flavor.
- Heavy cream: Contributes to the creamy texture.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Optional Add-ins
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the egg bites with your favorite toppings and flavor combinations. Here are some ideas:
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- Cheese Variations: Sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack, or Gruyere.
- Meat Options: Pork sausage, ground chicken, or turkey sausage. Bacon, crumbled and crisp-cooked. Chorizo.
- Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, garlic, spinach, roasted red pepper, scallions, chopped chives, bell peppers.
- Other: Parmesan cheese, taco seasoning.
Remember to reduce one egg for every 1/2 cup of mix-ins you add.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare the muffin pan: Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray. Alternatively, use a silicone muffin pan or parchment paper liners for easier removal.
- Add ham: Place half of the diced ham into each muffin cup, setting aside the rest.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cottage cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. A blender can also be used to mix these ingredients until smooth.
- Fill the muffin cups: Pour the egg mixture into each muffin cup.
- Add remaining ham and toppings: Add the rest of the diced ham into each cup. Sprinkle chopped scallions or other desired toppings into each cup.
- Bake: Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown around the edges. To ensure the egg bites are moist, place a pan of water on the lower rack of the oven. The egg bites are done when the center is set and no longer jiggly; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool slightly before enjoying.
Tips for Success
- Grease well: Generously grease the muffin tin for easy removal.
- Baking time: Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the egg bites.
- Cooling period: Let the egg bites cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven to allow them to continue cooking from the residual heat and make them easier to remove from the muffin tin.
- Don't over-blend: If using a blender, avoid blending at high speed to prevent the mixture from becoming too foamy.
Variations
- Mexican flair: Use chorizo, taco seasoning, and cotija cheese.
- Meat lovers: Use sausage, ham, and bacon.
- Vegetarian: Add sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, or roasted red pepper and spinach.
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Air Fryer: Place the silicone liners directly into the air fryer basket and air fry the egg bites in the muffin tin at 300°F (150 degrees C) for 12-14 minutes.
- Instant Pot: Cook "sous vide egg bites" in an Instant Pot using a round silicone egg pan that fits inside the Instant Pot.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
These egg bites are perfect for meal prep. Here's how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover egg muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Let them cool to room temperature before adding the lid to prevent them from sweating.
- Freeze: Once cool, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
While these egg bites are a great grab-and-go breakfast on their own, they can also be part of a complete breakfast. Serve them with a side of fruit, a small salad, or a slice of whole-grain toast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can sour cream be used instead of cottage cheese? Yes, sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, or even ricotta can be used in place of cottage cheese.
- Can this recipe be doubled or halved? Yes, this recipe can easily be adjusted for a larger or smaller batch.
- Why bake with a pan of water underneath the muffin tin? This helps keep the egg bites moist.
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