Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites

Name: Copycat Starbucks Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 31 min
Ingredients: 6 eggs (large, cage free); 1 cup cottage cheese (2% reduced fat); 1 to 3 dashes hot sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot); Pinch kosher salt; Pinch black pepper (freshly cracked); 6 slices bacon (Applewood-smoked bacon, pre-cooked); 3 ounces Gruyère cheese (aged, shredded)

Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites are the ultimate high-protein breakfast; creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor. These are just like the ones from Starbucks but even better, because you can make them fresh at home!

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With a silky texture from blended cottage cheese and a golden finish from oven baking, this recipe is my go-to when I want something quick, satisfying, and a little bit fancy. They’re perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a protein-packed snack on the go.

A blue plate with mini egg muffins stacked neatly. The muffins are golden brown, speckled with green herbs, and small bits of bacon. A yellow and white checkered cloth is partly visible underneath, adding a cozy feel to the presentation.

Inspired by the popular Starbucks version, these egg bites feature 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. And yes, we achieve this texture right in the oven using a simple water bath, no special equipment needed! If you’re a fan of the originals, be sure to check out the Recipe for Starbucks Egg Bites too.

These copycat Starbucks egg bites have everything going for them: taste, texture, and super easy to make at home.

Taste velvety and rich: Blending cottage cheese with eggs makes them ultra creamy. For an even easier twist, check out these Cottage Cheese Egg Bites (Just 4 Ingredients!).
Meal prep friendly: Make a batch and enjoy throughout the week.
Low carb and high protein: Perfect for keto or protein-focused diets.
No sous vide machine required: A simple water bath in your oven mimics the classic French method.

Key Ingredients For Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites

Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Various ingredients are arranged on a white surface, including eggs, bacon bits, salt and pepper, hot sauce, Gruyère cheese, and cottage cheese. Each ingredient is labeled with text.

Eggs: Choose large, cage-free eggs for better flavor and ethical sourcing.
Cottage cheese: Go for 2% reduced-fat if you want a lighter texture. Look for small curd versions; they blend smoother and create a creamier finish.
Hot sauce: Frank’s Red Hot is a go-to, but any vinegar-based hot sauce will balance the richness of the cheese.
Applewood-smoked bacon: Look for thicker-cut bacon with visible marbling. Pre-cook and drain well for best texture in the egg bites. You can also refer to this guide on How To Bake Bacon In The Oven for mess-free prep.
Gruyère cheese: Choose an aged block and shred it yourself for best melt and flavor.

Before You Get Started

Ingredient Prep:

Bacon: Cook it your way: oven, skillet, or microwave. Let it cool before crumbling.
Cheese: Pre-shred the Gruyère so it melts evenly.
Egg mixture: Blend until completely smooth for the creamiest bites.

Equipment You’ll Need:

Muffin tin (or silicone muffin cups)
Blender
Large baking dish (for water bath)
Oven-safe kettle or pitcher (for pouring hot water)

Common Mistakes & Fixes:

Overfilling the cups: Fill only ⅔ full to avoid overflow.
Using cold ingredients: Let eggs and cheese come to room temp for better blending.

How to Make Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites

Top view of a blender containing a yellow, frothy liquid, placed on a white surface.

Step 1: Blend the Egg Mixture

Blend the egg base by combining the eggs, cottage cheese, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

A white tray filled with circular mini pancake batter portions, sprinkled with bits of bacon.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Bites

Spray your muffin tin or silicone liners with non-stick cooking spray. Place the liners inside the muffin tin if using. Pour the egg mixture evenly into 24 muffin cups, filling them about ⅔ of the way. Sprinkle bacon crumbles evenly across the tops of the egg mixture.

Step 3 : Create a Sous Vide Water Bath

A white muffin pan with 24 small compartments filled with shredded cheese and toppings. The pan is placed inside a larger black roasting pan with silver handles. The background is a plain white surface.

Add shredded Gruyère on top of each egg bite. Create a water bath by placing the muffin pan inside a larger baking dish. Fill with warm water until halfway up the sides of the muffin tin. This simulates the French “sous vide” cooking method for that signature silky texture. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes, then gently remove the egg bites and serve warm or cool completely for meal prep.

Illustration of a caramel syrup bottle with a brown label. The label includes the words "Caramel Syrup" and features an image of caramel cubes. The bottle has a handle and a screw cap.

Tips and Variations

Recipe Variations:

Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add chopped sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You can also try Mediterranean Egg Bites In Muffin Tins for a veggie-forward twist
Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a bit of chipotle powder to the egg mixture.
Cheese swap: Try aged white cheddar, Swiss, or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella.

Delicious Add-Ins:

Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Green onions or chives
Smoked paprika or garlic powder

Success Tips:

Blend thoroughly for the fluffiest texture.
Let the egg bites rest a few minutes before removing them from the pan to avoid tearing.

A blue plate holds a stack of small, round, baked egg bites garnished with chopped parsley. Beneath the plate is a yellow and white checkered cloth.

My Favorite Tools For Making Egg Bites

Cupcake Pans Non Stick

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Recipe Tips

Can I make bacon and Gruyere egg bites without a water bath?

You can, but the texture won’t be as silky. The water bath helps them bake gently and evenly and recreates the French sous vide technique used in Starbucks egg bites.

What’s the best bacon for egg bites?

Applewood-smoked bacon gives the best smoky flavor, but turkey bacon or pancetta also work well.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes! It’ll be slightly less tangy, but still creamy and delicious.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Keep leftover egg bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Meal Prep: Make a full batch ahead of time and portion them into grab-and-go containers.

Reheating: Microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Serving Ideas

Pair these egg bites with a cozy drink like the Oat Milk Latte or an energizing Turmeric Coffee Recipe for a balanced breakfast. If you’re looking for something fruity and refreshing, the Sweet And Creamy Blueberry Milk makes a fun match.