I make these Instant Pot Egg Bites when I want a quick, protein-packed breakfast that I can prep ahead. Cottage cheese keeps them light and fluffy, while cheese, meat, veggies, and fresh herbs add plenty of flavor. They’re Starbucks copycat that make mornings super easy.
Jump to Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
I love these Instant Pot Egg Bites because they make a filling breakfast so easy to prep ahead.
- Light and Fluffy: Steaming the egg bites in the Instant Pot gives them a soft, fluffy texture, while cottage cheese keeps them creamy. I use the Instant Pot for my Instant Pot Deviled Eggs, too.
- Five Flavor Options: You can choose from ham and cheddar, bacon and Gruyere, mushrooms and dill, sausage and goat cheese, or chicken with peppers and feta. There’s plenty of variety without changing the basic method.
- Great for Busy Mornings: I can keep these in the fridge for up to a week and quickly reheat a few for breakfast. They’re just as convenient to have ready as my Fully Loaded Keto Deviled Eggs.
- Easy to Customize: The simple egg and cottage cheese base works with all kinds of fillings. Spinach, roasted peppers, turkey bacon, fresh herbs, or different cheeses are all easy additions.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These egg bites can be made ahead and frozen for about a month. I love being able to grab just what I need and warm them up in minutes.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- Eggs – The base of every variation. They blend with the cheese to create soft, fluffy egg bites that cook perfectly in the Instant Pot.
- Cottage Cheese – Adds creaminess and helps give the egg bites their light, tender texture. Ricotta may work as a substitute, but the bites will likely be a little denser.
- Cheddar Cheese – Grated cheddar gives the ham variation a rich, savory, cheesy flavor. Monterey Jack is an easy substitute if that’s what you have.
- Gruyere Cheese – A nutty, flavorful cheese that pairs especially well with bacon or mushrooms. Swiss cheese makes a good substitute.
- Goat Cheese – Creamy and tangy, goat cheese balances the savory sausage in this variation. Feta can be used for a saltier, firmer option.
- Feta Cheese – Adds a salty, tangy flavor that works especially well with rotisserie chicken and roasted bell peppers. Goat cheese is a good alternative.
- Ham – Finely chopped ham makes the cheddar egg bites hearty and savory. Leftover ham works perfectly here.
- Cooked Bacon – Crumbled bacon adds smoky, salty flavor and gives you that classic Starbucks-inspired bacon and Gruyere combination. Turkey bacon also works.
- Cooked Mushrooms – Chopped cooked mushrooms bring an earthy, savory flavor to the Gruyere and dill variation. Make sure to cook off excess moisture before adding them.
- Sausage – Cooked, chopped sausage makes the goat cheese egg bites extra filling. Breakfast sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage will all work.
- Rotisserie Chicken – An easy way to add extra protein without additional cooking. Chop it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the egg bites.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Prepare the Molds: Spray the silicone egg bite molds with cooking spray and set aside.
- Blend the Egg Mixture: Add the eggs, cottage cheese, and cheese for your chosen flavor to a blender or food processor. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds until smooth.
- Add the Fillings: Add your chosen fillings, such as ham and green onion, bacon and green onion, mushrooms and dill, sausage and green onion, or chicken and roasted peppers. Pulse a few times to combine.
- Fill the Molds: Divide the mixture evenly between the silicone molds, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Cover tightly with the mold lids or foil and place on the trivet.
- Pressure Cook: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and carefully lower in the trivet. Secure the lid, set the vent to sealing, and cook on the Steam setting for 15 minutes.
- Release the Pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the molds and let the egg bites cool for a few minutes. Remove them from the molds and serve warm.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Ham and Cheddar: I like to combine finely chopped ham with sharp cheddar and green onions for a simple, savory breakfast. You can also use leftover ham to make prep even easier.
- Bacon and Gruyere: I use cooked bacon, Gruyere, and green onions when I want the classic Starbucks-style combination. Turkey bacon works well here, too.
- Mushroom and Dill: I pair cooked mushrooms with Gruyere and fresh dill for a meatless option. I make sure the mushrooms are cooked well first so they don’t add too much moisture.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Egg Bites
Breakfast Sides
- These Instant Pot Egg Bites are perfect for an easy breakfast or brunch spread. We love serving them with Cheesy Ranch Potatoes for something crispy and savory, or Air Fryer Potato Wedges when you want a heartier breakfast.
- For something lighter, pair the egg bites with Honey Lime Fruit Salad or fresh berries. The fruit adds a sweet, refreshing contrast to the rich eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, or ham.
Breads & Brunch Favorites
- Turn a few egg bites into a complete breakfast with Low Carb Everything Bagels or High Protein Bagels served warm alongside them. They’re especially good with the bacon and Gruyere or rotisserie chicken and feta variations.
- For a bigger weekend brunch, add Sweet Crepes or Croissant French Toast Bake to the table. The sweet breakfast dishes balance the savory egg bites and make it easy to serve several flavors at once.
FAQs
Can I make these egg bites without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can bake the mixture in a greased muffin tin instead. Keep in mind that baked egg bites will have a firmer texture, closer to a crustless quiche, while the Instant Pot creates softer, fluffier bites.
Why do you add cottage cheese to egg bites?
Cottage cheese helps give the egg bites a creamy, tender texture while adding extra protein. Blending it with the eggs also creates a smooth base similar to sous vide egg bites.
Do the meat and vegetables need to be cooked first?
Yes, bacon, sausage, and mushrooms should be cooked before adding them to the egg mixture. Ingredients with a lot of moisture, such as mushrooms or roasted peppers, should also be drained well to keep the bites from becoming watery.
Why should I cover the silicone molds?
Covering the molds helps keep condensation from dripping directly onto the egg mixture while it cooks. Use the lids that came with your molds or cover them tightly with foil.
Can you make these egg bites ahead of time?
Absolutely. They’re a convenient meal-prep breakfast because you can cook a batch in advance and quickly warm up only as many as you need.
How should I store, freeze, and reheat Instant Pot Egg Bites?
Store cooled egg bites in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze them in an airtight container for about 1 month. Reheat refrigerated bites in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or microwave frozen bites for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, checking as they warm through.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Soft Scrambled Eggs With Cheese – These soft scrambled eggs with cheese are the ultimate creamy, cheesy brunch! Infused with Boursin, they’re equal parts cozy and elegant.
- Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict – This Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict recipe is easy to make ahead of time and made with salmon, homemade hollandaise, and perfectly poached eggs.
- Baked Prosciutto and Egg Breakfast Tart – This beautiful Baked Prosciutto and Egg Breakfast Tart is fresh, light, and a delicious choice for Sunday brunch. Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Breakfast Egg Bread Bowls – Breakfast Egg Bread Bowls are just as fun to make as they are to eat. Filled with eggs, ham, and cheese, each bite will satisfy your soul.
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Instant Pot Egg Bites Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)
Servings: 7 egg bite, 1 egg bite is a serving
This Instant Pot Egg Bites Recipe is a quick and easy on-the-go breakfast! Pick your favorite of the 5 flavor variations and in 30 minutes, the Starbucks-copycat recipe is ready to eat.
Equipment
- 6 qt Instant Pot
- Instant Pot silicone egg molds
- Steamer rack trivet
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- cooking spray, olive oil or butter to spray/grease molds
Ham, Green Onion, and Cheese Option:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup ham, finelly chopped
- 2 tbsp green onion, finely chopped
Bacon, Green Onion, and Gruyere Cheese Option:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp green onion, finely chopped
Mushrooms, Dill, and Gruyere Cheese Option:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup gruyere cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup cooked mushrooms, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
Sausage, Green Onion, and Goat Cheese Option:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sausage, chopped
- 2 tbsp green onion, finely chopped
Rotisserie Chicken, Roasted Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese Option:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted bell peppers
Instructions
- Spray the silicone molds with the cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, add the cottage cheese, eggs, and other hard cheese. Blend for about 20-30 seconds. Then add in the other ingredients and pulse a few times to give them a fluffy texture.
- Divide the egg mixture evenly between the compartments of the silicone mold. Making sure to leave at least 1/4" space on top so when you cook they don't overflow. Clean around the mold as well, that helps to make sure your egg bites will be perfect. Close with the lid the molds came with or use foil to cover tightly. Place both molds on the trivet.
- Add 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot, and carefully lower the trivet with the molds. It should fit snug.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the vent is set to sealing. Press the STEAM button and set the timer to 15 minutes. It will take about 5 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to full pressure, then the display will show a countdown timer. TIP: if you own an older model of the Instant Pot, cook time will be 10 minutes and 10 minutes natural release.
- Once the cooking time is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then release any remaining pressure before opening the Instant Pot.
- Remove the molds one at a time, being careful of the steam. Allow the egg bites to cool for a few minutes before removing from the molds and enjoying.
Notes
- Grease the molds well. A light coating of cooking spray helps the egg bites release cleanly once they cool.
- Blend the base until smooth. Give the eggs, cottage cheese, and cheese 20 to 30 seconds in the blender for a light, creamy texture.
- Pulse the fillings briefly. Add meats, vegetables, and herbs after blending, then pulse just a few times so they stay evenly distributed without becoming completely pureed.
- Cook wet vegetables first. Sauté mushrooms, spinach, and similar vegetables and remove excess moisture before adding them to keep the egg bites from turning watery.
- Leave room at the top. Fill each mold compartment with at least 1/4 inch of space remaining so the eggs have room to expand.
- Cover the molds tightly. Use the silicone lids or foil to help prevent condensation from dripping onto the egg bites during steaming.
- Use the natural release. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the rest to help the egg bites finish cooking gently.
- Let them cool before unmolding. A few minutes of cooling helps the bites firm up and makes them easier to remove without breaking.
- Make them ahead. Store cooled egg bites in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze them in an airtight container for about 1 month.
- Reheat gently. Microwave refrigerated egg bites for about 30 seconds at a time to avoid making the eggs rubbery.
Valerie
I found 10 min to be too long in the instant pot. They were coming out rubbery. I adjusted to 5 minutes, natural release and I got more of that creamy texture I was looking for. I also added a few shakes of green tobacco and 3/4 T cornstarch ??
Stephanie
In love with this recipe, even better than Starbucks!
lena
So happy to hear that Stephanie. They are some of my faves to make and have in the fridge or freezer for a quick breakfast or snack.
Iryna
Best egg bites recipe !!!! Thanks for making it available for us!????
lena
Thank you so much for sharing your review Iryna. I’m happy you are loving the recipe. Happy Cooking!
Kateryna
Taste exactly the same. Amazing!
Christi Shedd
Such an easy recipe and tastes even better then Starbucks egg bites. Save so much money doing it this way! If you haven’t fixed them, what are you waiting for?! Bacon and gruyere cheese is my favorite!
lena
Ohh I am so happy you loved this recipe. Thank you for sharing your review.
Carlie
This is my go to make ahead breakfast recipe. I love them, my husband loves them. First thing that is gone after after a meal prep for the work week. Lots of opportunities to sub ingredients based on what you have, leftover taco ground beef with green onion and cheddar is fantastic!
lena
Oh! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of our absolute favorites.
Deanna
I cannot recommend these enough! I’ve shared this recipe with my friends. Must try! We make this at least once every few weeks. Kid approved and loved!
lenaskitchen
I am so happy to hear that Deanna. Thank you for making this recipe and sharing it.
Yelena Lisun
Been making these egg bites on repeat! So fluffy, soft and delicious. Even my toddler who doesn’t like eggs devours these.
Iryna
In love with this amazing recipe! Totally hits all the best in egg breakfast, and our family new favorite))) Thank you Lena!
Heather
Hey there!! I was wondering if you could do these without an IP? I would love to get one, but I have several gadgets and don’t have room for 1 more. These egg bites sound so delicious!
lenaskitchen
Hi Heather, unfortunately, you can’t. With the steaming setting and the way the Instant Pot works, you wouldn’t get the same results. They would be more of a crustless quiche. The Instant Pot is awesome, I use mine all the time for so many things. Hopefully one day you can make room for one too.
Julia
This recipe is so simple and easy to follow! The egg bites turned out absolutely delicious and I love that each egg bite is 9g of protein! I follow @lenaskitchenblog on Instagram and I watched her highlight bubble for the “IP Egg Bites” that has some tips and tricks! I’ve seen some reviews saying that their egg bites overflowed and the lid popped off. In her highlight bubble Lena mentions that it’s super important to leave about 1/4” in each egg bite section on the mold to give the egg bites room to expand. She also mentioned that it’s important to clean any messes or spills on the top of the mold to ensure that the lid closes all the way. If you’re struggling with the recipe, I highly recommend watching her story highlight bubble! It’s very helpful. My egg bites turned out perfectly without any spills and super fluffy! 10/10 recommend this recipe!
mari
hi lena! I followed your recipe to a T but when I opened my IP, the lids were off both of the molds and the egg bites were spilling over 🙁 any suggestions on what would have caused that? I left some room after watching your InstaStories to make sure i’m doing everything right. A bit clueless at this point and sad. I was so excited for them!
lenaskitchen
Hi Mari, I’m sorry you’re having trouble with this recipe. Are you making sure to measure everything out? It’s important with this recipe. Also, do you have the older model of IP or a newer one? I’m wondering if the order model needs lower steam time because it takes longer to heat up? I would say steam for 10 minutes instead of 15 and then let them do the natural release for 10 minutes.
Veronica
I made these a couple of times and loved them, they are way better then Starbucks ones, these are so fluffy and soft
Ashley
These egg bites are perfect! We make these and the beginning of the week and half way through the week we have to make more. They are that good! If you don’t follow Lena on Instagram you should. She is such a sweet, genuine, and a fabulous lady. I feel like she is one of my friends just by watching her stories, (even though we don’t know each other 🙂 Our family loves all her recipes!
Diana
Soo easy to make and taste so good!
Courtney
I made these four different times and each time they wouldn’t fluff up. I followed the instructions to a T and still nothing. Lena was so kind and generous to message back and forth of IG to figure out my issues. I got a new instant pot for mothers day and BOOM! they were perfect. My kids loved them either way I made them but they are much more fun when they are fluffy and full!
Jenny
If you have not tried this recipe, you gotta make them as soon as possible. This is so easy and omg so good. I have been eating them everymorning. The perfect healthy easy breakfast, especially Keto Friendly. Play with different ingredients beside the eggs and cottage cheese has been really fun !!! 5 ⭐️ Through and through
Sandy
Love these egg bites. So easy to make in my instapot and they are light and delicious. Much better than Starbucks.
Roxi
These egg bites are seriously so delicious, the ONLY recipe we use for egg bites now. Super quick and easy to make and Especially perfect for my husbands Breakfast in the morning because he wakes up really early and it saves time not to have to prepare anything in the morning. Just make ahead, refrigerate, grab and go!
Anna
these look amazing! I’m dairy free so I’ll be trying these out with some substitutes. Hoping they turn out!
lenaskitchen
Anna, please share how it turned out and what you used when you do so I can add that as a tip to the recipe.
Elena
I tried this recipe and it was delicious. My picky 3 y.o. tried one and ask for more. Definitely making it again.
lenaskitchen
When kids eat good food like this, always a great compliment for me. I hope you try some other yummy recipes to share with your babe.
Liliya
Made the egg bites at the beginning of the week and use them for a quick breakfast or snack while I’m doing keto. So yummy! Thanks for sharing awesome recipes!
lenaskitchen
So happy to hear that Liliya, always great to see your recipe being enjoyed.
Ella
I made these egg bites this morning and they were SO DELICIOUS!! Thank you for the quick and easy recipe!
Victoria
Loved making ! So easy and delicious for busy morning!
lenaskitchen
That is so great to hear Victoria. We love these in our house too. Glad you tried the recipe and loved it.
Emily
Can I make these without the trivet?
lenaskitchen
Unfortunately no, The trivet should have come with your Instant pot. If not, you can buy one on amazon. It keeps the molds from the bottom and burning when cooking. I also use the tivet when hard boiling my eggs or steaming veggies.
Dasha pruglo
Such a fun and easy breakfast idea. Perfect for making it for hubby when he goes on the road. Thanks for such a fun idea Lena
lenaskitchen
I’m so happy to hear that Dasha, we love these so much. Easy to grab and go or enjoy for a slow morning with coffee.
kristina lowky
Absolutely love these ! And my kiddos do too coming from picky eaters .. so easy to make too !
lenaskitchen
I think kids loving these is my favorite compliment. So happy to hear that.