These Baby-Friendly Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are a soft, protein-packed treat that’s perfect for babies and toddlers. Made with eggs and cottage cheese, these mini muffin-style egg bites are not only nutritious but also easy to customize with a variety of mix-ins like spinach, feta, broccoli, and more. They make for a great make-ahead breakfast or snack option, offering a wholesome choice for your little one while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These egg bites are the ultimate convenience food for busy parents. The combination of eggs and cottage cheese creates a smooth, soft texture that’s easy for babies and toddlers to chew. Plus, the recipe is fully customizable, allowing you to mix in a variety of healthy ingredients like spinach, cheese, or fresh herbs. They are perfect for meal prepping and can be stored in the fridge or freezer, making them an ideal option for quick, on-the-go snacks or breakfasts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Optional Mix-Ins:
- Spinach + Garlic + Feta: 1 cup finely chopped spinach, 1 clove garlic (minced), ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Broccoli + Cheddar: ¼ cup finely chopped broccoli florets, 3 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- Roasted Red Pepper + Goat Cheese: ¼ cup diced roasted red peppers, 3 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
- Caramelized Onion + Gruyere: ½ small onion (thinly sliced and caramelized), 3 tablespoons grated Gruyere cheese
- Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs of choice (such as basil, chives, dill, or parsley)
Directions
-
Prepare the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill a rimmed baking sheet with hot water and place it on the lower rack of the oven to create steam. This helps keep the egg bites moist. -
Blend Eggs and Cottage Cheese:
In a food processor or blender, combine the eggs and cottage cheese. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. -
Prepare the Muffin Pan:
Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or oil. If using mix-ins, add approximately 1 teaspoon of the desired combination into each muffin cup. -
Fill the Muffin Cups:
Pour the blended egg mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full over the mix-ins. -
Bake the Egg Bites:
Place the muffin pan on the oven rack above the water-filled baking sheet. Bake for 13-18 minutes for plain egg bites, or 20-25 minutes if using mix-ins, until the eggs are set and lightly golden on top. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow the egg bites to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or store for later use.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 20-24 mini egg bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-25 minutes (depending on mix-ins)
- Total Time: 25-35 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy cottage cheese and omit the cheese in the mix-ins.
- Veggie Packed: Add more veggies like finely grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Egg-Free Version: If you need an egg-free option, you can try using a chickpea flour mixture as a substitute for eggs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store egg bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.
FAQs
1. Are these egg bites suitable for babies?
Yes, these egg bites are soft and easy for babies to chew. They are packed with protein and can be a great addition to a baby-led weaning diet.
2. Can I freeze these egg bites?
Yes, these egg bites freeze very well. Allow them to cool completely before freezing in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.
3. Can I add meat to these egg bites?
Yes! You can add finely chopped cooked chicken, turkey, or even bacon to these egg bites for extra protein.
4. How can I make these egg bites fluffier?
To make them fluffier, you can add a pinch of baking powder to the egg mixture, though they are already quite soft due to the cottage cheese.
5. Can I make these egg bites without the muffin pan?
Yes, you can use any oven-safe baking dish. Just make sure to grease it well and adjust the cooking time based on the size of the dish.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all great alternatives to feta or goat cheese.
7. How can I make these egg bites more flavorful?
Add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs to the egg mixture for more flavor.
8. Are these egg bites gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it only contains eggs, cottage cheese, and veggies (if you add any).
9. How many egg bites should I serve to my baby?
For babies, serving 1-2 egg bites as part of a meal is a great start, and you can adjust based on their appetite.
10. Can I make these egg bites without the mix-ins?
Yes, you can make plain egg bites without any mix-ins for a simple option. They will still be soft and protein-packed.
Conclusion
Baby-Friendly Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are a versatile and healthy snack or breakfast option for your little one. With a smooth, protein-rich texture and endless customization options, they’re the perfect addition to your meal prep routine. Whether you go for spinach and feta, roasted red pepper and goat cheese, or any of your favorite combinations, these egg bites are a delicious, convenient, and nutritious choice for babies, toddlers, and adults alike.
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Baby-Friendly Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
These Baby-Friendly Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are a soft, nutritious, and protein-packed treat perfect for babies and toddlers. Made with eggs and cottage cheese, these mini muffin-style egg bites are easy to prepare and can be customized with a variety of mix-ins like spinach, feta, and broccoli. They’re ideal for meal prepping and make a wholesome, on-the-go snack or breakfast for your little one.
- Total Time: 25-35 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 mini egg bites
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Optional Mix-Ins:
- Spinach + Garlic + Feta: 1 cup finely chopped spinach, 1 clove garlic (minced), ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Broccoli + Cheddar: ¼ cup finely chopped broccoli florets, 3 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- Roasted Red Pepper + Goat Cheese: ¼ cup diced roasted red peppers, 3 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
- Caramelized Onion + Gruyere: ½ small onion (thinly sliced and caramelized), 3 tablespoons grated Gruyere cheese
- Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, chives, dill, or parsley)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a rimmed baking sheet with hot water on the lower rack to create steam, which helps keep the egg bites moist.
- Blend Eggs and Cottage Cheese: In a food processor or blender, combine the eggs and cottage cheese, blending until smooth.
- Prepare the Muffin Pan: Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or oil. Add 1 teaspoon of desired mix-ins to each muffin cup.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Pour the egg mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling them about ¾ full over the mix-ins.
- Bake the Egg Bites: Place the muffin pan in the oven, baking for 13-18 minutes for plain egg bites or 20-25 minutes if using mix-ins, until the eggs are set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the egg bites cool for 5-10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or store for later use.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use non-dairy cottage cheese and skip the cheese in the mix-ins.
- Veggie Packed: Add grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Egg-Free Version: Substitute eggs with a chickpea flour mixture for an egg-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes (depending on mix-ins)
- Category: Baby-Friendly, Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Baking, Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
