Cottage Cheese and Veggie Egg Bites

Ingredients

• 6 Large Eggs (room temperature preferred)
• 1 cup Cottage Cheese (full fat or 2% for creaminess)
• 1 cup Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped)
• 0.5 cup Red Bell Pepper (finely diced)
• 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.125 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• Cooking Spray (for greasing the muffin tin)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.

2. 2

   In a blender, combine the 6 eggs, 1 cup of cottage cheese, salt, and black pepper.

3. 3

   Blend on high for about 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and slightly frothy. This aeration is key to the fluffy texture.

4. 4

   Finely dice the red bell pepper and roughly chop the fresh spinach into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for toddlers.

5. 5

   Divide the chopped spinach, diced red peppers, and shredded cheese evenly among the 12 muffin cups.

6. 6

   Pour the blended egg and cottage cheese mixture over the fillings in each cup, filling them until they are about 3/4 of the way full.

7. 7

   Bake in the center rack of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The egg bites are done when they have risen, are set in the center, and the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.

8. 8

   Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes. They will deflate slightly as they cool; this is normal. Use a silicone spatula or knife to gently pop them out of the tin.

Notes

Storage: These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Variations: You can swap the vegetables for broccoli, mushrooms, or kale. For added protein, add cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage to the cups before pouring the egg mixture.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• meal prep
• high protein
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• toddler friendly
• baby led weaning
• baked