01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray, ensuring all cups are well-coated to prevent sticking. This crucial preparation step ensures easy removal of your delicious Cheesy Muffin Tin Cottage Cheese Egg Bites.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 6 large eggs until they are light yellow and frothy. This aeration helps create a fluffy texture for your egg bites. Set aside the whisked eggs while you prepare the other ingredients.
03 -
In a separate medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese, 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt until well mixed.
04 -
Pour the whisked eggs into the cheese and seasoning mixture. Add 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Gently fold everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the distinct texture of the cottage cheese in these Cheesy Muffin Tin Cottage Cheese Egg Bites.
05 -
Evenly distribute the egg and cheese mixture among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about two-thirds full, as the bites will puff up slightly during baking. Ensure an even distribution of all ingredients in each cup for consistent flavor.
06 -
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the Cheesy Muffin Tin Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are set, golden brown around the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.
07 -
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the egg bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes. This allows them to set further and makes them easier to remove. Gently loosen the edges with a knife or small spatula, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving warm.