High-Protein Turkey & Spinach Egg White Bites (Starbucks Copycat)

This recipe replicates the velvety texture of sous-vide egg bites using a standard oven. The key technical element is blending cottage cheese into liquid egg whites, which emulsifies the mixture and adds moisture to prevent the rubbery texture often associated with baked egg whites. By cooking at a lower temperature (325°F) and incorporating lean ground turkey, we create a nutrient-dense breakfast option that supports muscle recovery while remaining low in saturated fat.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 Min
• Cook Time: 20 Min
• Total Time: 30 Min
• Yield: 12 Bites (6 Servings)
• Calories: 120 kcal per serving (2 bites)

Ingredients:

The Protein & Veggie Base

• 1/2 lb Lean Ground Turkey (93% or 99% lean)
• 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, finely diced
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder

The Egg Mixture

• 2 cups Liquid Egg Whites (or approx. 10-12 fresh egg whites)
• 1/2 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (Crucial for texture)
• 1/4 tsp Salt and Black Pepper

The Finishing Touch

• 1/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella or Feta (Optional)

Preparation Steps:

1. Searing the Turkey

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and garlic powder.
2. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Stir in the chopped spinach and diced peppers for the last 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

2. Preparing the “Velvet” Egg Base

4. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
5. In a blender, combine the egg whites, cottage cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend on high for 20 seconds until completely smooth. This aeration step is essential for the souffle-like texture.

3. Filling the Molds

6. Lightly grease a silicone muffin tin with avocado oil spray.
7. Distribute the cooked turkey and veggie mixture evenly into the 12 cups.
8. Pour the blended egg white mixture over the top until each cup is about 3/4 full. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.

4. The Gentle Bake

9. Bake for 20–25 minutes. The bites are done when the centers are set but still have a slight “jiggle.” Do not wait for them to turn brown, as overcooking leads to dryness.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before popping them out of the mold.

Expert Tips:

• The Steam Trick: For a result closest to the coffee shop version, place a small baking dish filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven while the bites bake. This creates a humid environment that keeps the whites tender.
• Safety First: Always pre-cook the turkey to 165°F before adding it to the egg bites. Egg whites bake quickly at low temperatures, which is not long enough to safely cook raw meat from scratch.