I Finally Figured Out the Key Ingredient for Making Perfect Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites

I’ve spent my fair share of money at Starbucks. From Pumpkin Spice Lattes to Pink Drinks, I’m a sucker for the coffee chain that sells much more than coffee. If you’ve been there, you know the menu is expansive, with most locations selling breakfast and other food options all day. One of the most popular items is the Egg Bites. When they first came out, my local Starbucks couldn’t keep them stocked and everyone I knew couldn’t stop talking about them. I thought they were crazy, until I tried them myself.

My First Bite of the Infamous Starbucks Egg Bites

Social media, my friends, my family, my neighbors, everyone, it seemed, was infatuated. I finally gave in and decided to see what all of the hype was about. I placed my order and waited patiently while my little bites got blasted with hot air in those nifty super-ovens the stores boast. The Starbucks barista handed me my latte and my egg bites and I was on my way.

I opened my bag and sadly didn’t feel smitten immediately. The bites were unimpressive and looked like eggs in the shape of muffin cups. What was the big deal? I quickly put appearances aside and took my first bite. It was soft. It was fluffy. It was almost too fun to eat. I devoured it. Seems like everyone was right. These things are delicious.

What Are Starbucks Egg Bites?

Head to the Starbucks app or website and you’ll see the following description of egg bites: “Applewood-smoked bacon and aged Gruyère Monterey Jack cheeses folded into cage-free eggs and cooked using the French 'sous vide' technique to create a velvety texture that's full of flavor.” 

That sounds nice, but what makes these things taste so good? Since I’m a recipe developer and Registered Dietitian, I’m naturally inclined to dissect (literally and figuratively) foods that I like to figure out how to make them at home. A quick glance at the ingredient list revealed that the main ingredients were (in order) cottage cheese, eggs, cheese blend, unsalted butter, and uncured bacon. Did you notice cottage cheese was first, but never mentioned in the description? Turns out the secret ingredient in these bites is the humble, but delicious, cottage cheese.

The Secret Ingredient Is Cottage Cheese!

That’s right, the humble refrigerator staple you grew up eating with canned pineapple and peaches is the secret ingredient in Starbucks Egg Bites. It’s blended with the eggs which is why it’s completely unidentifiable in the final cooked product. That trick (plus the one shared in the recipe) helps give the bites that fluffy, luscious texture and the perfect salty tang. While the ingredient list does not specify milk fat percentage, I recommend using cottage cheese that is 4% fat or higher (see tips below for more info on that) to keep water content low and flavor high.

Tips for Making Starbucks Egg Bites at Home

Before you run out the door to grab your cottage cheese and carton of eggs, you should know a few things:

1. Buy full-fat cottage cheese: There’s less water in full-fat cottage cheese, which means you’ll have less visible moisture after baking. A soggy egg bite is a sad egg bite.
2. Use a water bath: You don’t need a fancy sous vide machine to create the egg bites of your dreams. Just a pan of water for your pan to sit in while it bakes. This helps to evenly cook your eggs, creating that smooth, fluffy texture you’re after.
3. Use a blender: You may be tempted to just stir everything together so you don’t have to dirty an appliance, but don’t do that. You need the mixture ultra-smooth for best results—only a blender or food processor can get the job done.
4. Use a silicone mold: I know you don’t need another kitchen gadget, but I highly recommend investing in a silicone mold for these egg bites. The bites can be removed easily and there are no stuck-on bits you’ll have to soak and scrub.

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites

To take the guesswork out, we have the full recipe for Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites here for you. In summary, you'll begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F and coating a 12-cup silicone or other nonstick muffin pan with olive oil. You'll then blend the eggs, the *secret ingredient* cottage cheese, Monterey Jack and Gruyère cheeses, and seasonings together until smooth—about 30 seconds. (Meanwhile, don't forget to start some water boiling for a water bath that will help with even cooking as mentioned above.)

Place your molds or muffin pan in another large, high-rimmed baking pan in preparation for the water bath (a jelly-roll pan works well). Sprinkle bacon (and more Gruyère cheese!) among the prepared cups, then fill them about 3/4 of the way up with your egg mixture. Use a spoon to gently disperse the bacon and cheese inside the bites.

Carefully pour the boiling water into the rimmed pan (avoiding the eggs), until the water reaches halfway up the sides of the muffin pan. Finally, you're ready to bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the eggs are just firm and perfectly moist and delicious.

Your homemade egg bites will last in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months and will reheat nicely in the microwave (try 60 to 90 seconds) when you are ready to pop one out for an easy, nutritious breakfast.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites