Let’s be honest, as much as I love those egg bites, I don’t always love the hit to my wallet. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and recreate this delicious Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites at home. The best part? With just a handful of simple ingredients and the magic of sous vide (or a clever oven hack), you can enjoy egg bites that taste just as amazing as the ones from Starbucks—but for a fraction of the cost and with the satisfaction of cooking them yourself.
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How to make Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites
Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites are a hot breakfast item made with cage-free eggs, Italian sausage, and a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella and Monterey Jack.
Ingredients
To create your very own Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites, you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs (preferably cage-free, for richness and flavor)
- ½ cup cottage cheese (this is the secret to that creamy, velvety texture!)
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ⅓ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato pesto (you can find this at most grocery stores)
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small crumbles. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Blend the Egg Base: In a blender or food processor, combine the eggs, cottage cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth (this step is key to achieving the creamy texture that the sous vide method provides).
- Add Flavorful Mix-Ins: Pour the blended egg mixture into a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the cooked Italian sausage, sun-dried tomato pesto, and chopped basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, this is the perfect time to add a dash of hot sauce or red chili flakes.
- Prepare Baking Molds: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease a silicone muffin mold or egg bite mold. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the molds, filling each cavity about ¾ of the way full.
- Create a Water Bath: Place the silicone mold on a baking dish or tray with high sides. Carefully add hot water to the tray, creating a water bath. This helps mimic the sous vide cooking method by providing gentle, even heat.
- Bake the Egg Bites: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the egg bites are set and slightly puffed. They should feel firm but still have a soft, custard-like texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the egg bites to cool slightly before removing them from the molds. Serve warm, or store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just reheat in the microwave before serving!
Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Egg Bites
- Use a Sous Vide Cooker for an Authentic Texture: If you have a sous vide machine, use it! Simply prepare the egg mixture as instructed, pour it into the silicone mold, and cook at 172°F (78°C) for 1 hour. This method gives you that ultra-smooth, creamy texture Starbucks egg bites are known for.
- Experiment with Ingredients: While this recipe sticks to Italian flavors, feel free to get creative! You can swap out the Italian sausage for turkey sausage, add spinach for extra greens, or try different cheeses like Gruyere or sharp cheddar.
- Prep in Advance: These egg bites are perfect for meal prep. Make them on Sunday, and you’ve got a quick, healthy breakfast for the rest of the week.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat egg bites in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or place them in a low-temperature oven for about 10 minutes.
What to serve with
Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites are a filling and flavorful breakfast option on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides can elevate your meal to a whole new level.
1. Fresh Fruit Sides
Adding a fresh and light element to your meal works beautifully with the savory richness of the egg bites.
- Mixed Berry Salad: Combine fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of mint. This sweet and tangy side balances out the bold Italian flavors.
- Sliced Avocado: For a creamy, nutrient-packed side, slice up some avocado and sprinkle it with a pinch of sea salt and red pepper flakes.
- Citrus Medley: Pair the Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites with a blend of orange, grapefruit, and mandarin segments for a zesty, refreshing contrast.
2. Toast and Bread Pairings
Bread lovers, rejoice! Adding some carbs to the plate is a great way to round out the meal.
- Whole-Grain Toast: A slice of whole-grain or sourdough toast spread with avocado or cream cheese pairs wonderfully with the Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites. You can even top the toast with a little extra sun-dried tomato pesto to echo the flavors of the dish.
- Bagel Thins: For a lighter option, serve egg bites alongside toasted bagel thins with a dollop of mascarpone, ricotta, or plain cream cheese.
- Crusty Ciabatta or Italian Bread: Lean into the Italian theme by pairing the egg bites with lightly toasted ciabatta bread drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with rosemary.
Ingredients Substitutes
One of the best things about making your own Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites is the flexibility to customize the recipe to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or the ingredients you have on hand.
1. Italian Sausage Substitutes
The star of this recipe is Italian sausage, which brings bold, savory flavors. If you’re looking for alternatives, here are some options:
Meat Substitutes
- Turkey or Chicken Sausage: For a leaner option, swap out the pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage. These versions still pack in the flavor but with less fat and fewer calories.
- Breakfast Sausage: If you don’t have Italian sausage on hand, a good-quality breakfast sausage will work. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning to mimic the original flavor.
- Chorizo: For a spicier kick, try chorizo, which pairs wonderfully with eggs. Keep in mind that it will bring more heat and smokiness than Italian sausage.
Vegetarian Substitutes
- Plant-Based Sausages: Brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods offer plant-based sausage crumbles that taste similar to traditional sausage. Opt for the Italian-style versions, which often come pre-seasoned.
- Mushrooms: If you want a vegetarian option without meat substitutes, finely chopped and sautéed mushrooms are a great way to add a savory umami flavor. Shiitake or portobello mushrooms work particularly well.
- Tempeh or Tofu Crumbles: For a protein-packed vegetarian alternative, crumble and season tempeh or firm tofu with Italian herbs to mimic the sausage flavor.
2. Egg Substitutes
This recipe is naturally all about eggs, but if you’re looking for an alternative (due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or vegan preferences), here’s what you can use:
- Egg Replacer: Commercial egg replacements like JUST Egg or Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer can be used for a vegan-friendly option. Follow the package instructions for the equivalent of 4 eggs.
- Silken Tofu: Blend 1 cup of silken tofu with a pinch of turmeric (for color), nutritional yeast (for flavor), and salt. This creates a creamy, egg-like base.
- Chickpea Flour: Mix ½ cup of chickpea flour with ½ cup of water, a pinch of turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of nutritional yeast for an egg substitute that sets well when baked.
3. Dairy Substitutes
The cottage cheese and Monterey Jack cheese are key to the creamy texture and flavor of the egg bites. Here’s what you can use if you need a substitute:
Cottage Cheese Alternatives
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for cottage cheese. It has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that works well in the egg mixture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is another excellent replacement. Use the same amount, and opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess.
- Non-Dairy Cottage Cheese: If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan-friendly cottage cheese made from almonds or soy.
- Soft or Silken Tofu: Blend soft or silken tofu with a little almond or cashew milk to replicate the texture of cottage cheese.
Monterey Jack Cheese Alternatives
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works just as well for the recipe. It gives the egg bites a slightly bolder flavor while still melting beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella has a mild, creamy flavor and melts easily, making it a great substitute.
Gruyere or Swiss Cheese: For a more elevated flavor, try Gruyere or Swiss cheese. Both have a nutty, rich taste that pairs beautifully with Italian sausage.
Plant-Based Cheeses: Brands like Violife or Daiya offer dairy-free shredded cheeses that can replace Monterey Jack for vegan or lactose-intolerant diets.
4. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Substitutes
If you can’t find or don’t have sun-dried tomato pesto on hand, here are some alternatives:
- Tomato Paste: A small amount of tomato paste can provide a similar concentrated tomato flavor—just mix it with a little olive oil and Italian herbs.
- Regular Pesto: Traditional basil pesto (made from basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil) can be used instead for a herby twist.
- Finely Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If pesto isn’t available, mince some oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and mix them directly into the egg batter.
- Roasted Red Pepper Spread: Roasted red peppers blended into a paste are a flavorful and slightly sweet alternative.
5. Herb Substitutes
The recipe calls for fresh basil, but it’s easy to switch this out if needed:
- Dry Basil: If you don’t have fresh basil, use dried basil instead. A teaspoon of dried basil equals about a tablespoon of fresh basil.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of oregano, thyme, and rosemary from an Italian seasoning blend will work wonders as an alternative.
- Parsley or Spinach: Chopped fresh parsley or baby spinach can also serve as a green, fresh-tasting substitution.
- Cilantro: While not traditional in Italian dishes, cilantro can work if you enjoy its flavor.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites are versatile enough to pair with a range of sides, from light and fresh options to hearty classics.
More Starbucks Recipes:
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ⅓ cup cooked Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato pesto
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small crumbles. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Blend the Egg Base: In a blender or food processor, combine the eggs, cottage cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth (this step is key to achieving the creamy texture that the sous vide method provides).
- Add Flavorful Mix-Ins: Pour the blended egg mixture into a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the cooked Italian sausage, sun-dried tomato pesto, and chopped basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, this is the perfect time to add a dash of hot sauce or red chili flakes.
- Prepare Baking Molds: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease a silicone muffin mold or egg bite mold. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the molds, filling each cavity about ¾ of the way full.
- Create a Water Bath: Place the silicone mold on a baking dish or tray with high sides. Carefully add hot water to the tray, creating a water bath. This helps mimic the sous vide cooking method by providing gentle, even heat.
- Bake the Egg Bites: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the egg bites are set and slightly puffed. They should feel firm but still have a soft, custard-like texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the egg bites to cool slightly before removing them from the molds. Serve warm, or store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just reheat in the microwave before serving!
