DIY Egg White and Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites: Starbucks Copycat Recipe

Finding a quick bite on the road that isn't loaded with additives gets more difficult every day. Yet, some fast food restaurants and coffee chains heard our complaints and did something. In 2017, Starbucks added an egg white and roasted red pepper egg bite to their menu that regulars love. It's a sort of mini quiche that you can grab with your morning coffee, getting started with a little protein instead of sugar.

Although their treats are tasty, they can get pricey, which makes a DIY option attractive.

We're going to duplicate the Egg White and Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites served by Starbucks at home. It's a simple recipe, and you don't have to use egg whites—a whole egg will do. And, if you're looking for the vitamins, most are in the yolk anyhow.

Eveline Chao-Rivera, Starbucks brand manager, noticed that many customers began eliminating bread, such as the oat biscuit roll and stuffed wraps, from the hot breakfast sandwich and wraps menu and were becoming more health-conscious and seeking wheat-free substitutes. She also mentioned that people were looking for more protein-filled meals to help them continue throughout their busy workday.

With help from staff, teamwork, and acknowledging meals that customers were actively requesting, Eveline stepped forward, seeking an alternative that customers would be interested in purchasing and would also benefit the company. It was then that Starbucks partnered with Cuisine Solutions and Executive Chef Bruno Bertin to create the sous vide egg bites. In the recipe section below, we will show you how to make egg bites using the sous vide or oven method.

Sous vide is a specialty cooking procedure that was introduced by French chef Georges Pralus in 1974; it means "under vacuum" in French. It involves cooking food in a vacuum-sealed water bath at a precise low temperature. This unique method makes cheaper cuts of meat tender and juicy.

It is relatively easy to seal foods and prevent water from entering. These are some quick, affordable options you could use, most of which you should already have in your kitchen pantry.

• Reusable silicone bags: These versatile bags can be used to cook your meat sous vide and store vegetables, meat, and other foods in the fridge or freezer. Ensure that the bags are LFGB-certified and that they do not contain any harmful chemicals, such as adhesives and glue.
• Vacuum sealing bags: On the other hand, even without a vacuum sealer, Anova Precision vacuum sealer bags are fridge- and freezer-friendly and support long sous vide cooking. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly. After all, one roll is equivalent to 32 plastic bottles, so you can feel at ease knowing you have done your part in helping the environment.
• Resealable bags: Ziplock freezer bags that are BPA-free can be used to remove air using the water immersion method.
• Mini muffin pan: Sized perfectly for a bite-sized goodie, mini muffin pans are an ideal solution if you'd like to make a bunch, and don't mind they aren't cooked via the sous vide method.

No matter how wonderful, sous vide means a little extra prep time. Sometimes that's more than you want. In that case, a mini muffin pan is perfect for this job.

This delightful breakfast anytime snack is versatile and can be made with egg whites or whole eggs, depending on your personal preference. They are quick, easy to make, and easy to store.

• Cage-free egg whites
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Spinach
• Fire-roasted red peppers
• Finely chopped green onion
• Hot sauce
• Canola oil
• Salt and pepper

• Blender
• Silicone muffin pan
• Deep pan baking sheet
• Sous vide machine (if using this method)
• 6x 4-ounce mason jars
• 1x large pot

Egg bites are tasty and versatile; you can add various ingredients to create your own unique egg bite recipe. Keep in mind the ingredients you use to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

• Cheese: Monterey Jack, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt.
• Meat choices: Shredded chicken breasts, bacon, beef, ham, sausage, or pepperoni.
• Herb options: Sage, chives, spring onion, basil, cilantro, oregano, parsley, mint, thyme, or rosemary.
• Vegetables: Onion, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, chili, carrots, corn, mushrooms, or broccoli.

1. Start by filling a large pot with water and inserting your sous vide machine. Set the temperature to 172 degrees, switch it on, and allow it to warm up.
2. Next, put the Monterey Jack, egg whites, salt, pepper, and cottage cheese in a blender. Allow it to mix on low speed for about a minute until well combined. Mixing at a low speed prevents the eggs from falling apart, allowing them to rise better.
3. In the meantime, chop the spinach, roasted red peppers, and green onion fine.
4. Next, it's time to spray the 6x 4-ounce jars with cooking spray or brush each one with butter or oil on the inside.
5. Disperse the spinach, red peppers, and green onion evenly into each jar.
6. Next, pour an even amount of the egg white mixture into each jar and close the lid. (Make sure to not close the lid too tight.)
7. Finally, put the jars into the warmed water and allow them to cook for an hour. Once completed, use tongs or a glove to remove the jars. Let the jars cool, then use a knife to separate the edges, remove them from the jar, and store them as needed.

Oven Version Instructions

1. First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, spray a 12-hole silicone muffin tray with spray and cook or grease each hole with butter or oil.
2. Next, fill a large baking dish halfway with hot water and place the silcone muffin tray on top.
3. Then add the Monterey Jack, egg whites, salt, pepper, and cottage cheese in a blender. Allow it to mix on low speed for about a minute until well combined. Mixing at a low speed prevents the eggs from falling apart, allowing them to rise better.
4. Thereafter, divide the green onion, roasted red peppers, and spinach into each silicone hole and fill equally with the egg cheese mixture.
5. Bake for 1 hour (it is recommended not to open the oven during cooking time to prevent the egg bites from dipping in the center).
6. Finally, once done, allow it to cool and remove it from the silicone mold.
7. Serve hot with an English muffin or salad.

Notes

The oven-baked version works well if you don't have a sous vide machine and you can still achieve similar results. To further add, this oven-baked version of the Starbucks egg white and roasted red pepper egg bites recipe uses the same amount of ingredients and should fill a 12-hole muffin tray. As previously mentioned, it is best to use a silicone muffin mold because it is easier to clean.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Method: Sous Vide
• Cuisine: American

Both homemade and Starbucks egg bites can be stored in a zip-lock bag or an air-tight container. Store in the fridge for up to two to five days or in the freezer for up to two months. Egg bites can be reheated as follows:

• Oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes
• Microwave for 40 to 60 seconds
• Air fryer for 5 minutes