If you’re craving the indulgent delight of Starbucks’ famous breakfast but want to savor it fresh from your own kitchen, the Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyère Egg Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These little bites are a perfect harmony of silky eggs, savory bacon, and nutty Gruyère cheese, all baked to tender perfection. Whether you’re prepping meals for your busy week or just treating yourself to a comforting morning snack, this recipe brings that gourmet café vibe straight to your home with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyère Egg Bites Recipe is simpler than you might think, and each one plays a key role in achieving that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste. From the crispy bacon bits to the luscious blend of cheeses, every component works together to create a truly unforgettable bite.
- Bacon, 6 slices diced: Provides smoky, crispy bursts of flavor that balance the creamy eggs perfectly.
- Cottage cheese, ½ cup: Adds a velvety smoothness while keeping the texture light and creamy.
- Large eggs, 6: The base of the egg bites, giving them structure and that wonderful richness.
- Heavy cream, ½ cup: Enhances the custard-like softness and luxurious mouthfeel.
- Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon: Elevates the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
- White pepper, ¼ teaspoon: A subtle, gentle spice that adds warmth without black specks.
- Gruyère cheese, 2 cups grated: Brings a nutty, sophisticated sharpness that defines the recipe.
- Monterey Jack cheese, 2 cups grated: Adds extra creaminess and melts wonderfully alongside the Gruyère.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the egg bites release easily from the silicone muffin tin.
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyère Egg Bites Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until beautifully crispy, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease but make sure to reserve about one tablespoon of the bacon fat. This fat will add incredible flavor to your egg bites, so don’t discard it.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the rack in the middle. Next, blend the cottage cheese in a blender until it becomes completely smooth—which only takes about one minute and makes a huge difference in texture. Add the six large eggs, heavy cream, the reserved bacon fat, kosher salt, and white pepper to the blender. Blend again until the mixture is perfectly smooth and uniform.
Step 3: Strain and Combine
To achieve that ultrasmooth texture reminiscent of the Starbucks classic, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. This step ensures no lumps will give your egg bites a grainy texture. Once strained, gently fold in two-thirds of the cooked bacon and two-thirds of each grated cheese—Gruyère and Monterey Jack—reserving the rest for a delicious topping.
Step 4: Bake the Egg Bites
Spray a silicone muffin tin with cooking spray so your bites won’t stick and fill each cup about three-quarters full with the egg mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining bacon and cheese evenly on top. Bake them in the oven for 5 minutes uncovered. Next, carefully place the muffin tin into a larger baking dish filled halfway with hot water—this water bath will ensure your egg bites cook gently. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the bites are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 5: Cool and Remove
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the water bath and let the egg bites cool completely. This cooling step helps them firm up just enough to remove cleanly from the tin. Run a knife gently around each cup edge and pop the bites free. Your silky, cheesy, bacon-studded breakfast gems are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyère Egg Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these egg bites with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like finely chopped chives or parsley to add a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavor. A tiny dab of hot sauce or a light drizzle of truffle oil can also complement the rich cheese and smoky bacon beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your egg bites with a crisp, refreshing salad of mixed greens tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a sweeter contrast, fresh fruit like berries or melon slices balance the savory richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your brunch unforgettable, serve your Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyère Egg Bites Recipe in elegant mini ramekins or decorative silicone molds. Stack a few bites on a wooden board with small bowls of assorted jams and spreads—it’s a great way to wow guests and make breakfast feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store these egg bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze your egg bites to enjoy later by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen egg bites maintain their taste and texture best when eaten within 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual egg bites in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds until heated through. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and heat them in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, which helps preserve their delicate texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of Gruyère and Monterey Jack?
Absolutely! While Gruyère and Monterey Jack deliver that signature flavor and creamy melt, you can substitute with cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or mozzarella depending on your preference. Just keep a good balance of flavor and meltability in mind.
Do I have to use a water bath for baking the egg bites?
Yes, the water bath is key to gently cooking the egg bites and preventing them from becoming rubbery. It helps create that tender, custardy texture that makes these bites so delightful.
Is there a dairy-free or vegan version of this recipe?
This particular recipe relies heavily on cheese and cream for its texture and flavor, so it’s tricky to replicate exactly dairy-free or vegan. However, experimenting with plant-based creamers and vegan cheeses could work with some texture tweaks.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Definitely! These egg bites are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on the weekend, store them in the fridge, and enjoy quick breakfasts all week long.
What’s the best way to prevent the egg bites from sticking to the muffin tin?
Using a silicone muffin tin sprayed generously with cooking spray is your best bet. Silicone releases baked goods beautifully and allows you to remove the egg bites without damage.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyère Egg Bites Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever waited to recreate this café favorite at home. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal go-to for busy mornings or cozy weekend brunches. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to these melt-in-your-mouth delights—you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintCopycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyère Egg Bites Recipe
These Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyère Egg Bites are silky smooth, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon, making a perfect protein-rich breakfast or snack that can be prepared ahead of time for convenient meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Egg Bite Mixture
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat
Cheese
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Preheat a large skillet to medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until crisp, then drain the bacon on paper towels and reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the oven rack in the center position.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, process the cottage cheese until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Add eggs, heavy cream, reserved bacon fat, kosher salt, and white pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Strain Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl to ensure extra smoothness.
- Fold in Bacon and Cheese: Fold in two-thirds of the cooked bacon and two-thirds of each cheese (Gruyère and Monterey Jack) into the mixture until evenly combined.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Spray a silicone muffin tin with cooking spray and fill each cup about ¾ full with the egg mixture.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Top each filled cup with the remaining bacon and cheese blend. Transfer the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
- Water Bath Bake: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and place it inside a larger baking dish. Pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the muffin tin. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the egg bites are set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the egg bites to cool completely before running a knife around the edges and carefully removing them from the muffin tin to serve.
Notes
- Using a blender and straining the mixture results in ultra-smooth egg bites similar to sous vide textures.
- The water bath baking method helps gently cook the egg bites evenly and prevents overcooking.
- Feel free to swap the Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella if preferred.
- These egg bites can be stored in the refrigerator up to 5 days and reheated gently in a microwave.
