Lemon Dill Swirled Cottage Cheese Egg Bites

Start your day with a burst of fresh flavor and a healthy dose of protein with these Lemon‑Dill Swirled Cottage Cheese Egg Bites! These aren’t your average egg muffins; the creamy cottage cheese base, bright lemon zest, and fragrant dill create a truly irresistible combination. Perfect for meal prepping, a quick breakfast, or a light snack, these egg bites are easy to make and endlessly satisfying. They’re also a fantastic way to sneak in extra protein and nutrients, keeping you energized and full until lunchtime. Get ready to elevate your egg game!

Ingredients

• Cottage Cheese (200g / 7oz): We’re using full-fat cottage cheese for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Full-fat provides a better mouthfeel, but you can use low-fat if preferred, though the texture might be slightly different. Cottage cheese is a fantastic source of protein and adds a lovely tang to these bites.
• Large Eggs (4): Eggs are the foundation of these bites, providing structure and protein. Using large eggs ensures a consistent ratio of ingredients.
• Whole Milk (60ml / ¼ cup): Whole milk adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture. You can substitute with other milk types, but whole milk will yield the most tender results.
• All-Purpose Flour (30g / 2 Tbsp): A small amount of flour helps bind the ingredients together and creates a slightly more stable texture.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (30g / 2 Tbsp): Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the lemon and dill beautifully. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best for optimal flavor.
• Olive Oil (1 tsp / 5ml): Used for greasing the muffin tin, preventing the egg bites from sticking. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for its flavor and health benefits.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the recipe. We’re using fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground pepper is much more aromatic than pre-ground.
• Cream Cheese (100g / 3½ oz), softened: The base for our lemon-dill swirl. Make sure it’s properly softened to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and consistency.
• Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): The zest provides a concentrated burst of lemon flavor. Be sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp / 15ml): Adds a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the cream cheese and eggs. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavor.
• Chopped Fresh Dill (1 Tbsp / ≈3g): Dill’s delicate, slightly anise-like flavor pairs perfectly with lemon and egg. Fresh dill is crucial for this recipe; dried dill won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
• Pinch of Salt: A small pinch of salt balances the flavors in the lemon-dill cream.
• Fresh Dill Fronds & Lemon Zest Curls (for garnish): These add a beautiful finishing touch and enhance the overall presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as written, here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Cottage Cheese: Ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute, though it will result in a slightly different texture.
• Whole Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, or other plant-based milks can be used, but may affect the richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used for a similar salty, savory flavor.
• Fresh Dill: While fresh dill is highly recommended, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill in a pinch.

Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil. Greasing is crucial to prevent the egg bites from sticking and allows for easy removal. Ensure every cup is coated, including the sides.
2. Blend the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, milk, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Use an immersion blender to blend the ingredients until completely smooth. Blending is key to achieving a light and airy texture. Don’t skip this step – a few small lumps are okay, but aim for a consistent mixture.
3. Create the Lemon-Dill Swirl: In a separate, small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the mixture is creamy and fully combined. The cream cheese *must* be softened for a smooth swirl.
4. Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the egg-cottage cheese batter into each muffin cup. This forms the base layer. Then, add a teaspoon of the lemon-dill cream to the center of each cup. Finally, cover the cream with another 2 tablespoons of the egg-cottage cheese batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This layering creates the beautiful swirl effect.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The egg bites are done when they are set and lightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. Cool and Release: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites rest for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, carefully run a thin knife around the edges of each bite to loosen them, and gently pop them out onto a plate.
7. Plate and Garnish: Arrange the Lemon-Dill Swirled Cottage Cheese Egg Bites on a white plate. Drizzle any remaining lemon-dill cream around the perimeter for an elegant touch. Finally, garnish each bite with a small dill frond and a curl of lemon zest for added flavor and visual appeal.

Why Cottage Cheese in Egg Bites? The Texture Secret

Cottage cheese isn’t just a filler in these egg bites; it’s the star when it comes to texture! Its unique protein structure, combined with the blending process, creates an incredibly light and fluffy result. Unlike using only eggs, cottage cheese prevents the bites from becoming rubbery or dense. It adds a subtle tanginess that complements the lemon and dill beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.

Tips for a Perfect Swirl

Achieving that gorgeous lemon-dill swirl isn’t difficult, but a few tips can help. Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened – leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. When adding the cream cheese mixture, don’t stir it into the batter. Instead, gently place a dollop on top and let the batter cover it. This creates a distinct swirl rather than a blended color. A piping bag can also help with precise placement of the cream cheese mixture.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

These Lemon-Dill Swirled Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble the muffin cups (filled but unbaked) and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, baked egg bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. They also freeze well – wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Benefits: A Protein-Packed Start

These egg bites aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly nutritious! Packed with protein from the eggs and cottage cheese, they’re a fantastic way to start your day or enjoy a satisfying snack. The addition of lemon and dill provides a boost of Vitamin C and antioxidants. They’re a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional breakfast options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different cheese? While Parmesan adds a lovely salty flavor, you could experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
• Can I make these dairy-free? Substituting dairy-free cream cheese and milk is possible, but the texture may be slightly different.
• What if I don’t have an immersion blender? A regular blender will work, but be careful not to over-blend.

These Lemon-Dill Swirled Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Their bright flavors and fluffy texture are sure to impress! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

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• Author: Sarah Mali
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 bites 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These Lemon-Dill Swirled Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are a healthy and flavorful breakfast or snack option, packed with protein and bright citrus notes. They’re perfect for meal prepping and easy to customize.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200g (7oz) cottage cheese, full-fat
• 4 large eggs
• 60ml (¼ cup) whole milk
• 30g (2 Tbsp) all-purpose flour
• 30g (2 Tbsp) grated Parmesan cheese
• 5ml (1 tsp) olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 100g (3½ oz) cream cheese, softened
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp (≈3g) chopped fresh dill
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh dill fronds & lemon zest curls (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Grease: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a muffin tin.
2. Blend Base: Blend cottage cheese, eggs, milk, flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Make Swirl: Combine cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and salt.
4. Fill Cups: Spoon batter into muffin cups, add cream swirl, then top with more batter.
5. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, until set and golden.
6. Cool & Release: Let cool for 5 minutes, then loosen and remove bites.
7. Plate & Garnish: Arrange bites and garnish with dill and lemon zest.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened for a smooth swirl. Don’t over-blend the batter.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bite
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg