Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your morning than with a delicious and nutritious breakfast egg bite? You don't have to rely on the popular coffee - shop chain to enjoy these bite - sized treats. With a simple water bath baking method, you can create your own sous - vide - like egg bites right at home, without the need for any special equipment.
First, let's gather the ingredients. You'll need eggs, of course. The number of eggs depends on how many egg bites you want to make. A dozen eggs can yield a good batch. Along with eggs, you can add various fillings. Some popular choices include cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella. Cheese not only adds a rich, creamy flavor but also helps bind the egg bites together. You can also include cooked bacon or ham, which adds a savory and salty element. Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers are great for adding freshness and nutrition.
Preparing the fillings is an important step. If you're using bacon or ham, cook them until they're crispy and then chop them into small pieces. For vegetables, wash and chop them as well. If you're using spinach, you may want to wilt it first by quickly sautéing it in a pan with a little bit of olive oil. This reduces its volume and makes it easier to incorporate into the egg bites.
Now, it's time to make the egg mixture. Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk them well. You can add a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and perhaps a little bit of milk or cream to make the egg bites more fluffy. Once the eggs are well - whisked, start adding your fillings. Stir them gently into the egg mixture until they're evenly distributed.
Next, prepare your baking container. You can use a muffin tin or a silicone egg - bite mold. Grease the cups of the tin or mold with a little bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent the egg bites from sticking. Pour the egg mixture into the cups, filling them about three - quarters full. This gives the egg bites room to expand as they bake.
Now comes the key part: the water bath. Place the muffin tin or mold in a larger baking pan. Then, carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the muffin tin or mold. The water bath helps to cook the egg bites evenly and gently, similar to the sous - vide method.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Put the baking pan with the water bath and the egg bites into the oven. Bake for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until the egg bites are set in the middle. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of an egg bite. If it comes out clean, they're done.
Once the egg bites are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, use a small knife or a spoon to gently loosen the edges and pop them out of the muffin tin or mold. You can serve them immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for later. They make a great grab - and - go breakfast option, especially on busy mornings.
You can get creative with your egg bites. Try different combinations of fillings. For a spicy kick, add some jalapeños or red pepper flakes. If you're a fan of herbs, sprinkle some fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the egg mixture. You can even make sweet egg bites by adding fruits like berries and a touch of honey.
In conclusion, making breakfast egg bites at home is not only easy but also allows you to customize them according to your taste preferences. With just a few simple steps and common ingredients, you can enjoy these delicious and convenient breakfast treats whenever you want. So, the next time you're craving those coffee - shop egg bites, don't head out. Instead, put on your apron and start baking your own!
