Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites
Starbucks egg bites make a perfect, creamy, and tender breakfast that is easy to enjoy on the go. These bites are famously known for their delicate texture, which comes from the sous vide method. However, you can replicate this texture at home without needing a sous vide machine. Heres how to make Starbucks egg bites in your oven.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or as needed)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyre cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325F (165C). Coat a 12-cup silicone or nonstick muffin pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a blender, combine the eggs, cottage cheese, 3/4 cup of Gruyre cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: While blending, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop.
Step 4: Place the greased muffin pan in a large, high-rimmed baking pan, such as a jelly-roll pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Gruyre cheese and chopped bacon into the muffin cups.
Step 5: Carefully pour the egg mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full.
Step 6: Once the water has reached a boil, carefully pour it into the rimmed baking pan. Avoid getting water into the muffin cups. The water should come halfway up the sides of the muffin pan.
Step 7: Transfer the baking pan with the muffin tin to the oven. Bake the egg bites for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are just firm to the touch. They should not be browned on top.
Step 8: Let the egg bites cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin pan. Enjoy immediately or store for later!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 291
- Total Fat: 21g (27% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 9g (45% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 289mg (96% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 567mg (25% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g (1% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 22g (45% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 329mg (25% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 182mg (4% Daily Value)

Recipe by: Sara Haas, RDN, LDN
Origin of the Dish
The Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites are a beloved offering from Starbucks, but their origin goes beyond just a coffeehouse snack. These egg bites are inspired by the classic sous-vide cooking method, which is popular for creating tender, creamy dishes. Starbucks introduced these egg bites as part of their effort to offer high-protein, grab-and-go breakfast options. Over time, they gained popularity for their fluffy texture and savory flavor. The use of Gruyre cheese and bacon brings an upscale twist to the humble egg bite, making them perfect for those who want something hearty but still quick and easy to eat on the move.
Regional Variations
While the Starbucks version of egg bites is available globally, the concept of a baked or steamed egg dish can be found in various cuisines. In France, a similar preparation might be seen in the form of "ufs cocotte," where eggs are gently baked in a ramekin, often with cream and other flavorings. In Italy, a dish called "frittata" serves as a counterpart, featuring eggs, cheese, and vegetables or meat. What makes the Starbucks egg bites distinct is their use of a water bath method, which is reminiscent of sous-vide cooking, allowing the eggs to cook gently without overcooking or drying out.
Differences from Similar Dishes
Compared to traditional scrambled eggs or omelets, egg bites have a denser yet tender texture, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese and the cooking method. The water bath helps maintain moisture, resulting in a creamy interior. While an omelet might be more commonly cooked in a skillet, the egg bites are baked in a muffin tin, giving them a uniform and bite-sized shape. Additionally, they are often served in flavors like bacon and Gruyre, which sets them apart from the more basic scrambled or fried eggs. The convenience of a portable egg bite also makes it distinct from other breakfast options.
Where Are They Typically Served?
Starbucks' Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites are most commonly served as a breakfast or snack item in their stores, especially for customers on-the-go. The dish has become a favorite for people seeking a quick but protein-packed start to their day. While Starbucks sells them in various locations around the world, the trend of bite-sized, high-protein egg snacks can also be found in cafes and quick-service restaurants that specialize in healthy, convenient breakfast options. Outside of Starbucks, these egg bites can be found in meal prep recipes, where they are made in bulk and stored for later use.
Fun Facts
- Starbucks uses a sous-vide cooking method to prepare their original egg bites, which helps achieve their signature creamy texture.
- Gruyre cheese, one of the key ingredients in the dish, is named after a Swiss town called Gruyres, and is known for its nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
- While the original Starbucks recipe uses sous-vide cooking, you can replicate the texture at home using a simple water bath, as shown in this recipe.
- Many home cooks have experimented with variations of the egg bites, including adding different meats like sausage or vegetables for extra flavor.
FAQ about Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites
Comments
Nathan Lopez
03/30/2025 02:02:32 PM
Rewritten review: I absolutely love these homemade egg bites, they're just as satisfying as the ones from Starbucks! I may have gone a bit heavy on the cheese, making them a tad saltier than I intended, but the extra bacon I added really boosted the flavor. I plan on making these again for sure! I adjusted the recipe to make 14 bites using extra-large eggs and had to bake the extras separately since my muffin pan only holds 12. Just a heads up, be cautious when handling the water bath to avoid any spills. I'm curious about how long they'll stay fresh in the fridge, the best reheating method, and if they freeze well.
Scott Mitchell
04/20/2024 02:40:29 AM
I'm reviewing based on the ingredients and nutrition. I plan to make it soon. I have one concern: the water bath setup is risky. A safer approach would be to place the dry pan and filled muffin tin on the oven shelf first. After that, pour in the boiling water. Moving a pan filled with boiling water into the oven could lead to spills easily. Safety should always come first!
Brenda Clark
09/30/2024 02:14:43 AM
Delicious breakfast treats! I hadn't tried Starbucks' version before, so I couldn't make a comparison. However, I was looking for a replacement for the discontinued Schwan's/Yelloh! Breakfast Bites, and these are definitely better. I will be making these from now on. I originally planned to use American Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère to save some money, but I discovered that both cheeses were similarly priced, so I stuck with Gruyère. I used precooked bacon bits for convenience and sprinkled some Everything Bagel seasoning. I agree that moving the jelly roll pan in and out of the oven with boiling water is risky – I also ended up spilling it everywhere. So the next time I prepared this dish, I used a deeper Lasagna Pan instead, which worked perfectly without any mess to clean up! Thank you for this recipe!
Heather Evans
09/18/2023 11:09:19 AM
Delightfully tasty! While I enjoy Starbucks' egg bites, I prefer to prepare them at home. After searching online, I discovered this recipe, and I was greatly satisfied with the results. The process became much easier the second time around, once I got the hang of it. I customized the seasoning to suit our tastes, and using an egg bite maker reduced the cooking time to just 10 minutes. I learned that adding the bacon after filling the cups is a crucial step, not only for flavor but also for visual appeal. A sprinkle of paprika and chives before serving made them even more delicious. Thanks a lot for the recipe; we absolutely adore them!
Emma Miller
11/30/2024 08:38:13 PM
I absolutely loved this formula and technique! I stuck to it closely, with just a few tweaks based on other reviewers' suggestions. Since I didn't have bacon, I opted for chopped prosciutto instead. I also decided to switch up the shredded cheeses. After reading through some reviews, I noticed a few mentioned adding cornstarch and vinegar, so I mixed in 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. The result was incredibly tasty with a fantastic texture!
Betty Martinez
12/13/2024 07:49:05 PM
I was pleasantly surprised by the Safeway large eggs, which turned out to be more medium in size. I ended up using 9 eggs in my recipe and added 1/2 cup of pre-chopped peppers and onions that I keep in the freezer for omelets. Doubling the recipe, I expected to make around a dozen egg bites, but to my delight, I was able to get 27 egg bites using silicon cups in my muffin tin. Impressive outcome!
Kimberly Harris
05/08/2023 08:05:25 AM
I substituted cream cheese for cottage cheese and included about 1/3 cup of skim milk. The taste was just as delicious! I doubled the amount of bacon and opted for gruyere cheese only (as we are fondue lovers, this was the ideal choice for us!). The recipe yielded 16 savory bites. To simplify the process, I placed a cookie sheet with raised edges on the lower rack of the oven and filled it with water. This method required minimal effort - just preheat the oven with the "steam bath" ready to go.
Susan Collins
08/27/2022 10:13:14 PM
My family has requested these every single day this week! They are so scrumptious that it's absolutely worth the extra effort of setting up the water bath. I typically double the amount of bacon and use whatever cheese I have available. The only change I make is blending together the cottage cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper first. After that mixture is smooth, I pulse in the bacon and half of the cheese so they retain some texture instead of being completely mashed. I fill my cups halfway, sprinkle a bit more cheese, and then top them off. The end result? Absolutely delicious!
Adam Davis
09/16/2023 03:52:57 PM
I want to express my gratitude for discovering the "process" for making these egg bites. Using the blender and the water bath method was truly innovative! I followed the recipe exactly and even did a taste test with my daughter, who used to work at Starbucks. While these homemade egg bites were delicious, they lacked the distinctive acidic taste that sets the Starbucks version apart. After some research, I found out that the secret ingredients are white vinegar, rice starch, and corn starch, which contribute to the unique texture. I believe incorporating these ingredients next time will bring us even closer to replicating the Starbucks egg bites. Thank you for providing a recipe that gets us very close to the original!
Robert Nelson
07/17/2023 10:18:28 PM
I will definitely make this recipe again. I would prefer to use only Gruyère cheese next time. I baked them in a non-stick metal muffin pan and sprayed it with olive oil. The results were fantastic, with just a tiny spot where they slightly stuck, but overall they turned out very delicious.
Nancy Walker
10/16/2024 02:58:25 AM
I skipped boiling the water step and instead added 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (since I didn't have white vinegar) and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the mixture. I also threw in some real black label bacon bits. Using an immersion blender made the cleanup much easier.
James Hill
08/14/2023 09:51:41 AM
This dish was excellent and simple to prepare! It was a great way to utilize our surplus of hen eggs, as we rarely have breakfast but enjoyed these for dinner. The leftovers reheated well in the microwave, and I paired them with salsa and sour cream for an extra kick of flavor.
Andrew Wilson
03/08/2025 01:54:24 AM
I have made this recipe several times. I added an extra slice of bacon and a bit more cheese. These bites are flavorful but require some effort to prepare. The center bites took longer to cook. However, we really enjoyed them.
Patrick Turner
03/17/2025 06:03:08 AM
I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but I plan to do so soon. I will provide my feedback later...
Brian Moore
09/24/2024 08:49:44 AM
I finally found the perfect recipe for making delicious egg bites at home! I've tried several recipes before, but they always ended up too dense or overly eggy. However, this one is a gamechanger with the water method. A word of caution though - if using a metal muffin tin, the egg bites may stick, so consider using silicone or paper trays instead. Also, let the water tray cool in the oven before removing to avoid any spills. My family absolutely adored these egg bites, and they are now a must-have in my weekly meal prep rotation!
David Carter
09/06/2024 06:21:46 AM
These are definitely superior to Starbucks! After making them myself and doing a side-by-side comparison with Starbucks, I can confidently say that these are the winners. While the Starbucks version may have a slightly browned bottom, likely for aesthetic purposes, taste-wise these homemade ones are far more delicious. I will definitely be whipping up more of these in the future. Thank you!
Justin Taylor
03/12/2023 06:24:06 AM
I have made this recipe twice already and added sautéed mushrooms, chicken sausage, and bell peppers - it turned out absolutely delicious. It actually makes more than 12 servings; I usually end up using a larger pan in addition to the 12-cupcake tin. Perfect for meal prepping for work.
Maria Wright
08/01/2024 09:29:06 PM
Just whipped up this recipe! It was a breeze and absolutely delicious! 😊
Julie Collins
11/26/2022 10:29:13 AM
These treats are truly amazing and definitely worth the extra step of using a water bath. The addition of cheese takes them to the next level of deliciousness, so be sure not to skip that ingredient!
Joshua Williams
02/03/2025 11:12:51 PM
Delicious taste with an easy preparation process.