Cottage Cheese Egg Bites With Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Swirl

Looking for a protein-packed, make-ahead breakfast that doesn’t sacrifice flavor? These Cottage Cheese Egg Bites with a vibrant Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Swirl are the answer! They’re incredibly easy to customize, perfect for meal prepping, and a delightful way to start your day. The creamy texture of cottage cheese combined with the smoky sweetness of roasted red pepper creates a truly irresistible bite. These aren’t your average egg muffins – the swirl adds a beautiful visual appeal and a burst of flavor in every mouthful. Plus, they’re naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making them a great option for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 200g (7oz) Cottage Cheese – Well-Drained: We’re using cottage cheese as the base for these egg bites, providing a fantastic protein boost and a wonderfully creamy texture. It’s crucial to drain the cottage cheese well to prevent the egg bites from becoming watery. Full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese both work, but full-fat will yield a richer flavor.
• 4 Large Eggs: The eggs bind everything together and provide essential protein. Using large eggs ensures a good structure and fluffy texture.
• 100g (3½oz) Cream Cheese – Softened: Softened cream cheese is key for creating a smooth and easily swirlable mixture with the roasted red pepper. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but reduced-fat can be used if preferred.
• 1 Roasted Red Pepper (≈70g / 2½oz) – Peeled, Seeded, Finely Diced: The star of the swirl! Roasting the red pepper brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth of flavor. You can roast your own (highly recommended!) or use a jarred roasted red pepper, ensuring it’s well-drained. Finely dicing ensures it distributes evenly throughout the cream cheese.
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: This adds a beautiful smoky flavor that complements the roasted red pepper perfectly. Use good quality smoked paprika for the best results.
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Chives – Finely Chopped: Fresh chives provide a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of color. Don’t substitute with dried chives, as the flavor won’t be the same.
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil: Used for greasing the muffin tin, preventing the egg bites from sticking. Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavor.
• ½ tsp Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to your preference.
• ¼ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice. Freshly ground pepper provides a more robust flavor than pre-ground.
• Extra Chives for Garnish: A final sprinkle of fresh chives adds a beautiful finishing touch and a burst of freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to make a few substitutions to suit your tastes and dietary needs:

• Cottage Cheese: You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese, but it will result in a slightly less tangy flavor.
• Roasted Red Pepper: Jarred pimientos can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as complex.
• Chives: Scallions (green onions) can be used as a substitute for chives, though they have a slightly stronger flavor.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even cooking. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil. This prevents the egg bites from sticking and makes removal much easier. Ensure you coat all the cups, even the corners.
2. Combine Egg and Cottage Cheese: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs until they are light and frothy. This incorporates air, resulting in fluffier egg bites. Add the well-drained cottage cheese, salt, and pepper to the whisked eggs. Gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bites tough. The cottage cheese should be well-drained to prevent a watery texture.
3. Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely diced roasted red pepper, smoked paprika, and half of the chopped chives. Mash everything together until a smooth, vibrant orange-red swirl forms. The cream cheese *must* be softened to ensure a smooth consistency and easy mixing. The smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the roasted red pepper.
4. Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon approximately one-third of the egg-cottage cheese mixture into each muffin cup, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This creates a base for the egg bites.
5. Add the Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop a small dollop (about ½ teaspoon) of the roasted red pepper cream cheese mixture into the center of each muffin cup. This is where the beautiful swirl effect comes from.
6. Cover and Smooth: Cover the dollop of cream cheese with the remaining egg-cottage cheese mixture, smoothing the tops of each bite. Ensure the cream cheese is fully enclosed to prevent it from burning during baking.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are set and the tops are lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes. This allows them to set further and makes removal easier. Gently pop the bites onto a serving plate. Drizzle any leftover pepper-cream cheese around the plate and sprinkle with the remaining chives for a fresh, colorful garnish.

Why Cottage Cheese in Egg Bites? The Science of Texture

Using cottage cheese in these egg bites isn’t just about flavor; it’s about creating a wonderfully soft and moist texture. Cottage cheese is high in protein and has a unique ability to retain moisture during baking. This prevents the egg bites from becoming dry and rubbery, a common problem with solely egg-based recipes. The slight tanginess of the cottage cheese also balances the richness of the cream cheese and the sweetness of the roasted red pepper, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.

Roasting Your Own Red Peppers: A Flavor Boost

While jarred roasted red peppers are convenient, roasting your own takes the flavor to another level. The process of roasting intensifies the natural sweetness of the peppers and imparts a subtle smoky flavor. To roast your own, simply halve and seed red bell peppers, place them skin-side up on a baking sheet, and broil until the skin is blackened. Place the peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. This makes peeling the skin much easier. The result is a deeply flavorful roasted red pepper that elevates these egg bites.

Variations and Customization

These cottage cheese egg bites are incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little heat.
• Add different vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or chopped broccoli would all be delicious additions.
• Change the cheese: Use feta cheese instead of cream cheese for a salty, tangy twist.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These egg bites are perfect for meal prepping! You can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. They also freeze well. Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese? You can use either, but full-fat cottage cheese will result in a richer, creamier texture.
• Can I make these without a muffin tin? While a muffin tin is ideal, you can also bake them in a small baking dish lined with parchment paper.
• Are these egg bites suitable for a keto diet? Yes, these egg bites are low in carbohydrates and high in fat, making them a great option for a keto diet.

These Cottage Cheese Egg Bites with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Swirl are a delightful and healthy breakfast or snack. They’re packed with protein, flavor, and are incredibly easy to make. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later!

cottage cheese egg bites healthy filling

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• Author: Sarah Mali
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 bites 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These cottage cheese egg bites are a protein-packed, make-ahead breakfast featuring a vibrant roasted red pepper cream cheese swirl. They’re easy to customize and perfect for meal prepping, offering a delightful and flavorful start to your day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 100g (3.5oz) Cottage Cheese, well-drained
• 4 Large Eggs
• 100g (3.5oz) Cream Cheese, softened
• 70g (2.5oz) Roasted Red Pepper, diced
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 2 Tbsp Chives, chopped
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 0.5 tsp Sea Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
• Chives, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a muffin tin.
2. Combine Eggs & Cheese: Whisk eggs, then mix with cottage cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Make the Swirl: Combine cream cheese, red pepper, paprika, and chives.
4. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon egg mixture into cups.
5. Add Swirl: Drop cream cheese mixture into each cup.
6. Cover & Bake: Cover with remaining egg mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes.
7. Cool & Serve: Cool for 5 minutes, then serve garnished with chives.

Notes

For a smoother swirl, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened. Draining the cottage cheese well prevents watery bites.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bite
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg