Name: Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 lb Italian sausage; 6 large eggs; 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, grated; 1/4 cup cottage cheese; 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto; 1 tsp hot sauce; 1 tsp basil; 1/4 tsp coarse Kosher salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; Non-stick spray

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If you’ve ever swooned over Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites during a morning coffee run, you’re in for a treat! This recipe brings the cafe experience right to your kitchen, delivering pillowy-soft, protein-packed egg bites filled with savory Italian sausage, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and a punch of sun-dried tomato pesto. It’s the ultimate breakfast hack—easy to make ahead, endlessly customizable, and a family favorite that always vanishes in record time.

Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are incredibly simple but essential for nailing the taste and texture of true Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites. Each one adds a special touch—flavor, creaminess, or that unmistakable golden color that makes these bites so tempting.

Water: Creates a humid oven environment, ensuring the egg bites stay velvety and don’t dry out while baking.
Italian Sausage: The heart of these egg bites! Go with mild or spicy depending on your mood—just make sure it’s cooked but still juicy.
Large Eggs: Six to bind everything together into that custardy, rich base.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty goodness and a gentle tang that perfectly pairs with sausage.
Cottage Cheese: Don’t skip it! This is the secret to the super soft and creamy interior.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Adds depth, acidity, and a burst of savory-sweet tomato flavor.
Hot Sauce: Just a little for gentle warmth—you control the spice!
Basil: A pinch of dried basil brings that quintessential Italian aroma.
Coarse Kosher Salt: Essential for brightening all the other flavors.
Black Pepper: A bit of bite, balancing richness with a smidge of heat.
Non-Stick Spray: Helps your egg bites release from the muffin tin with ease.

How to Make Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites

Step 1: Prep Your Oven for Steamy Success

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, fill a baking dish with 1–2 inches of water and place it on the bottom rack. This steam bath is what helps cook your Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites gently, giving them that signature, tender bite.

Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage

Heat your non-stick skillet over medium-high. Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook it just until barely done—think juicy, not crunchy. Drain the sausage on a paper towel to keep everything light and avoid any greasy pockets in your egg bites.

Step 3: Grate and Prep Your Cheese

Shred your Monterey Jack cheese so it melts smoothly into the egg mixture. Save back about 1/4 cup to sprinkle into the muffin tin later for luscious, melty pockets inside every bite.

Step 4: Blend the Egg Mixture

Add eggs, half the grated Monterey Jack, cottage cheese, sun-dried tomato pesto, hot sauce, basil, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blitz on high for 30 seconds—this is crucial for that cloud-like fluffiness. Love a smoother texture like the Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites? Toss in the sausage before blending! If you crave a little bite, blend the eggs first, then stir in the sausage for a chunkier effect.

Step 5: Fill and Assemble in the Muffin Tin

Spray your Texas-sized muffin pan (or jumbo muffin tin) with non-stick spray. Drop spoonfuls of sausage and that reserved cheese into each cavity, then pour in the egg mixture until each cup is about halfway full. Split the filling evenly—those pockets of goodness are totally worth the effort!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your muffin pan onto the middle rack, above the dish of water. Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until the centers are just set and barely jiggle when you tap the pan. That’s your cue for fluffy, custardy perfection.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites cool for a few minutes—this helps them release easily. Use a silicone spatula to gently coax them from the pan, then dig in while they’re warm and dreamy!

How to Serve Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few shavings of Parmesan on top adds a pop of color and extra savoriness. Feel free to drizzle a little extra hot sauce or a dab of sun-dried tomato pesto for that chef’s touch.

Side Dishes

These egg bites play so well with others! Try them alongside an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted breakfast potatoes, or a buttery slice of sourdough toast. They’re even great dipped into your favorite salsa or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting brunch? Arrange Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites on a platter with toothpicks for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Or, tuck them into a bento box with fruit and veggies for a power-packed on-the-go meal. They’re a total crowd-pleaser however you serve them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. Store your Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.

Freezing

To freeze, let your egg bites cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to two months—just remember to label the date so you never lose track of your stash.

Reheating

For best results, microwave refrigerated egg bites for 30-40 seconds until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight first, then warm as usual. They taste just as dreamy as the day you made them!

FAQs

Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a Texas-sized one?

Absolutely! Just fill each standard muffin cup about halfway and reduce the baking time slightly. You’ll get smaller, portable bites—perfect for snacking or meal prep.

What’s the texture difference if I blend the sausage in versus stirring it?

Blending the sausage results in a super smooth, custardy texture similar to the Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites. If you stir in the sausage after blending the eggs, you’ll get a more rustic bite with delicious pieces of sausage throughout.

Can I swap out the cheeses?

Yes—you can replace Monterey Jack with pepper jack for spiciness, or try Swiss or mozzarella for a mild twist. The cottage cheese, though, is key for that signature pillowy texture.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can experiment with dairy-free shredded cheese and silken tofu in place of cottage cheese. The results will be a little different but still wonderfully protein-packed and satisfying.

How do I make them vegetarian?

Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. You’ll still enjoy all the creamy, herby goodness of the original Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, customizable breakfast, these Starbucks Italian Sausage Egg Bites truly check every box. I hope you’ll give them a try and experience just how special homemade can be—right down to every last tender, savory bite!