Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a healthy, protein-packed breakfast that’s easy to grab and go, try these Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bites. They’re loaded with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a light touch of lemon zest for brightness. Cottage cheese or ricotta keeps them fluffy while adding extra protein, and blending the mixture until smooth gives the bites a soft, consistent texture. They’re perfect for meal prep—make a batch on the weekend and reheat throughout the week for a quick, nourishing start to your day.

freshly baked broccoli cheddar egg cups on a white porcelain plate with forks and coffee mugs

Ingredients

  • 2 cups small broccoli florets
  • 10 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese or ricotta
  • 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1/2 small lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

Step One: Preheat the oven and prepare the pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup silicone muffin pan with nonstick spray or a thin brush of oil. Set the silicone pan on a baking sheet—this makes it much easier to move the pan in and out of the oven without spills.

a few bowls containing broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and eggs

Step Two: Steam and chop the broccoli

Pour about 1 inch of water into a pot and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and steam for about 5 minutes, or until just tender. Remove the steamer basket and let the broccoli cool until you can handle it, then finely dice the florets. Divide the chopped broccoli evenly among the 12 muffin cups—aim for roughly 2 tablespoons per cup so each bite has a good vegetable base.

Step Three: Blend the egg mixture

In a high-speed blender combine the eggs, cottage cheese or ricotta, shredded cheddar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, and hot sauce (if using). Blend until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy, about 20–30 seconds. This aeration helps keep the egg bites light and tender.

Step Four: Fill the muffin pan

Pour or ladle the blended egg mixture over the diced broccoli, filling each muffin cup about three-quarters full. The mixture may settle around the broccoli—try to keep the filling distribution even so every bite has a balance of egg, cheese, and broccoli.

a red silicone muffin tin with unbaked broccoli egg cups and lemon

Step Five: Bake and cool

Bake in the preheated oven until the egg bites are just set, about 15–20 minutes. Be careful not to overbake—overcooking will make them dry. The bites may puff up slightly in the oven and then settle as they cool. Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Gently loosen the edges with a small silicone spatula or butter knife and transfer the bites to a cooling rack or plate.

a stack of broccoli and cheddar egg cups on a plate

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These egg bites are ideal for meal prep. Store cooled egg bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated egg bites in the microwave for 20–40 seconds or until warmed through; frozen bites can be thawed overnight in the fridge or reheated from frozen for 60–90 seconds depending on microwave power.

Recipe FAQs

How do I prevent the egg bites from sticking?

Silicone muffin pans work best because they release easily. If you use a metal muffin tin, be generous with nonstick spray or line the cups with paper liners designed for baking to prevent sticking.

Are these egg bites spicy?

The recipe includes a teaspoon of hot sauce for a touch of heat, but it’s optional. Omit the hot sauce or use a milder brand to keep the flavor gentle.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—make a batch and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts or portable snacks.

Nutrition (per bite)

Calories: 100 kcal • Carbohydrates: 2 g • Protein: 8 g • Fat: 7 g • Saturated Fat: 3 g • Sodium: 347 mg • Vitamin C: 14 mg. Nutrition information is an approximation and intended for general guidance.

More healthy breakfast ideas

Try other simple, make-ahead breakfasts like pesto and ciabatta egg bakes, freezer-friendly breakfast sandwiches, or roasted red pepper egg white bites for more variety.

Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bites

Prep: 20 mins • Cook: 20 mins • Total: 40 mins • Servings: 12 bites

Ingredients

  • 2 cups small broccoli florets
  • 10 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese or ricotta
  • 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1/2 small lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 12-cup silicone muffin pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet.
  2. Steam 2 cups broccoli florets in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water for about 5 minutes, until just tender. Cool and dice finely; divide evenly among the muffin cups.
  3. Blend 10 eggs, 3/4 cup cottage cheese or ricotta, 3/4 cup shredded cheddar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp hot sauce (if using) until smooth, about 20–30 seconds.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
  5. Bake 15–20 minutes until just set. Cool 5 minutes in the pan, then loosen edges and remove the bites.

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats. Recipe author: Alex Snodgrass.

a stack of broccoli and cheddar egg bites with a white and brown coffee mug in the background