Egg bites have been around for a while, and I’ll admit, I used to be all about them. Back in my gym phase, they were my go-to protein snack—portable, easy to make, and packed with fuel to power through workouts. But, as it often goes, my gym phase eventually fizzled out, and so did my love for egg bites. After months of eating them nonstop, I just couldn’t look at another one without feeling a little… meh.
That is, until Jennifer Garner came along.
In late 2024, Garner featured her favorite egg bites on her Pretend Cooking Show, and let me tell you, it reignited a spark. Her version, inspired by recipe developer Hannah Kling of Lovely Delites, brought a fresh twist to the classic egg bite: cottage cheese. Yes, cottage cheese. It’s a game-changer.
With a new gym phase on the horizon (thanks, New Year’s resolutions), I figured it was time to give egg bites another shot. And honestly? I’m glad I did. These little guys are not only perfect for meal prep and protein-packed snacks, but they’re also a hit with the grandkids. Silky, smooth, and just the right size for lunchboxes—they’re a win all around.
How to Make Jennifer Garner’s Favourite Egg Bites
The process is simple, but there are a few key steps that make these egg bites stand out.
Here’s how to whip them up:
Prep Your Muffin Tin: Start by generously coating a silicone muffin tray (or a standard metal muffin tin) with cooking spray. Garner recommends using a silicone tray, but I found mine stuck a little so coat generously. You could use a metal tin cupcake tin if you don’t have a silicone muffin tray but you might want to try cupcake papers or line the tin with baking paper to make removal easier.
Blend the Base: You can use as much or as little egg as you like here. Garner’s recipe calls for a mixture of equal parts whole eggs and straight egg whites, but I didn’t have egg whites on hand, so I used whole eggs and topped it up with a quick splash of chicken stock. I didn’t add much stock, though—just enough to loosen the mixture without thinning it too much. At the end of the day, it’s up to you what combination you use: whole eggs, just egg whites, or a mix of both. Once you’ve got your eggs sorted, add a generous scoop of cottage cheese and some shredded mozzarella. Blend everything together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and full of tiny bubbles. As Garner says, “Bubbles are your friend!”
Add Your Mix-Ins: Divide diced capsicum and spinach (or whatever veggies you like) across the muffin cups. Pour the egg mixture over the top, then sprinkle with a little Parmesan or your cheese of choice. Garner admits she’s a fan of cheddar or mozzarella, so feel free to get creative.
The Secret: The Water Bath: Here’s where the magic happens. Place the muffin tin on a baking or casserole dish, then pour hot water into the dish until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the muffin tin. This creates a water bath around the egg bites, which helps them cook gently and evenly. The moisture from the water bath also keeps the bites from drying out, giving them that silky, delicate texture we all love.
Bake and Grill: Bake at 180°C for 30–35 minutes, or until the tops are firm. For a golden, slightly crispy finish, pop them under the grill for a couple of minutes—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
My Honest Thoughts
Jennifer Garner’s Favourite Egg Bites brought me back to the fold. They’re creamy, fluffy, and far from the rubbery texture you sometimes get with homemade egg cups. The cottage cheese is the real MVP here—it melts into the eggs, creating a rich, moist base that’s packed with protein.
I’m not a huge fan of raw veggies in egg bites, so I swapped in some leftover roasted capsicum from a fajita night. (Yes, I’m patting myself on the back for that one.) The result? Next-level flavour.
The grill step is a must. That golden, slightly crunchy top adds the perfect contrast to the creamy interior. And the best part? These bites are versatile. Eat them hot out of the oven, cold from the fridge, or quickly reheated in the microwave. They’re great any way you slice it.
Tips for Making the Perfect Egg Bites
Keep a close eye on the grill step—those golden tops can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
The egg and cottage cheese foundation is perfect, but the additions are where you can let your creativity shine. It's an ideal method for using up leftovers. Chop everything into small pieces and toss them in. Whether or not you have leftovers, add a pinch of Avohaven Gourmet Salts to enhance the flavour. The options are limitless.
Jennifer Garner’s favourite Egg Bites are a winner. They’re easy to make, packed with protein, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re gearing up for a gym phase, looking for a quick breakfast, or packing lunchboxes for the grandkids, these bites have you covered.
And who knows? Maybe this time, my gym phase will stick. But even if it doesn’t, at least I’ll have these egg bites to keep me fuelled—and inspired.
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