If you're a fan of Starbucks' egg bites but want a more affordable and keto-friendly option, this Instant Pot recipe is perfect for you. This recipe is incredibly easy, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal prep time. These egg bites are not only a great low-carb option, but also a fantastic meal prep solution for busy mornings.
Why Make Egg Bites in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot offers a convenient way to achieve a texture similar to sous vide egg bites without the need for specialized equipment. The steam function of the Instant Pot gently cooks the eggs, resulting in a light, fluffy, and creamy texture. Plus, it's a faster method than traditional sous vide cooking.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's a list of the ingredients you'll need to create these tasty keto egg bites:
- Eggs: The base of the recipe, providing protein and essential nutrients.
- Heavy Cream: Helps to thin out the egg mixture, creating a smoother texture.
- Cheese: Adds flavor and richness. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, feta and Parmesan cheese are excellent choices.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor. You can use store-bought bacon crumbles or cook your own. Prosciutto, sausage, or ham can also be used as substitutes.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
- Optional Add-ins: Vegetables like spinach, roasted red peppers, bell peppers, mushrooms, and scallions can be added for extra flavor and nutrients. Hot sauce can also be added for a little spice.
Essential Equipment
- Instant Pot: A 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot works best for this recipe.
- Silicone Egg Bite Mold: These molds help shape the eggs into perfect bite-sized portions. Ensure the mold fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot.
- Trivet: The trivet elevates the egg bite mold above the water level in the Instant Pot. Some egg bite molds come with an attached trivet/handle, which can make life easier.
- Blender or Food Processor: To blend the egg mixture until smooth and frothy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to make these delicious keto egg bites in your Instant Pot:
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine the eggs, heavy cream, cheese (cottage cheese, shredded cheese, feta, Monterey Jack and/or Parmesan cheese), salt, pepper, and any optional spices or hot sauce. Blend until smooth and frothy. If adding vegetables, chop them finely and gently pulse them into the mixture.
- Prepare the Molds: Lightly grease the silicone egg bite molds with extra virgin olive oil or cooking spray, although this might not be necessary if using bacon crumbles, as the bacon grease can prevent sticking. Fill each cup of the silicone egg bite mold with a teaspoon of bacon crumble. Evenly divide any additional mix-ins, such as spinach or roasted red peppers, among the mold compartments.
- Fill the Molds: Pour the egg mixture into the silicone molds, filling each cup about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Be sure to leave some space at the top, as the egg bites will rise during cooking. If your silicone mold came with a lid, cover the mold with it. If not, cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Assemble in the Instant Pot: Pour 1 to 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside the pot. Carefully lower the egg bite mold onto the trivet. If you're using egg bite trays with an attached trivet, you can place the tray directly into the cooking pot without needing the metal trivet.
- Cook the Egg Bites: Place the Instant Pot lid on and lock it in place. Ensure the pressure release valve is set to the "sealing" position. Select the "steam" setting and set the cooking time for 5-10 minutes. The ideal cooking time may vary depending on your Instant Pot and the size of your egg bites, so start with 5 minutes and adjust as needed.
- Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the pressure release valve to the "venting" position (cover release with a kitchen towel). Be cautious of the hot steam that will be released. Alternatively, you can allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, followed by a manual release of any remaining pressure.
- Cool and Remove: Once all the steam is released and the pressure indicator pin has dropped, carefully remove the lid. Use oven mitts or kitchen towels to lift the trivet with the egg bite mold out of the Instant Pot. Allow the egg bites to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the silicone mold. Gently loosen the edges of the egg bites with an offset spatula or butter knife to help them release more easily.
Tips for Success
- Don't Overfill: Make sure not to overfill the silicone egg molds, as the egg bites will expand during cooking.
- Drain Excess Liquid: If using vegetables like spinach or roasted red peppers, be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the egg mixture. This will help prevent the egg bites from becoming watery.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses, meats, and vegetables to create your own unique flavor profiles.
- Use a Blender: Blending the egg mixture ensures a smooth and creamy texture, especially when using cottage cheese.
- Proper Sealing: Ensure the Instant Pot lid is properly sealed to maintain the correct pressure for cooking.
Serving and Storage
These keto egg bites are perfect for a quick and easy breakfast, snack, or meal prep option. They can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Refrigerating: Store leftover egg bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the egg bites for up to 1 month. To prevent them from sticking together, flash freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight bag or container.
- Reheating: Reheat the egg bites in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
Each egg bite contains approximately 99 calories, making them a great option for those watching their calorie intake. They are also low in carbs, with only 1 gram of carbs per egg bite, making them suitable for a keto diet.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Meat Variations: Instead of bacon, use cooked sausage, ham, or chorizo.
- Vegetable Variations: Add your favorite low-carb vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Common Questions
- Can I use egg whites only? Yes, you can substitute whole eggs with liquid egg whites for a leaner option. Use 1/2 cup of liquid egg whites in place of 4 whole eggs.
- Can I use the silicone mold lid in the Instant Pot? Yes, you should attach the lid to the silicone mold before steaming in the Instant Pot.
- How many carbs are in Starbucks egg bites? A bacon gruyere egg bite from Starbucks contains 9 grams of carbs, while the homemade version can be made with significantly fewer carbs.
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