What are sous vide egg bites (like Starbucks), and how can I make them at home?

Question

What are sous vide egg bites, and how can you make them at home? Get the recipe and technique for replicating the popular Starbucks egg bites.

Answer 1

Sous vide egg bites are a creamy, protein-packed breakfast item cooked in a water bath for a consistent texture. You can make them at home using a blender, silicone molds, and an immersion circulator.

Detailed Explanation:

Sous vide egg bites are essentially custards cooked in a precisely controlled water bath (sous vide). This method ensures even cooking and a velvety smooth texture that's difficult to achieve with traditional baking or steaming. The Starbucks version is popular for its convenience and consistent quality, but making them at home is surprisingly easy and allows for customization.Here's a step-by-step guide to making sous vide egg bites at home:1. **Gather your ingredients:** You'll need eggs, cheese (such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or cheddar), milk or cream, and any desired fillings like bacon, spinach, or roasted red peppers. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning.2. **Blend the base:** In a blender, combine the eggs, cheese, and milk or cream. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.3. **Prepare the fillings:** Cook any fillings you want to add, such as bacon or vegetables. Chop them into small pieces.4. **Assemble the egg bites:** Grease silicone molds (or small mason jars) with cooking spray. Divide the fillings evenly among the molds. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings, filling each mold about ¾ full.5. **Sous vide cooking:** Preheat your water bath to 172°F (78°C) using an immersion circulator. Carefully lower the filled molds into the water bath. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the egg bites are set but still slightly jiggly.6. **Cool and serve:** Remove the molds from the water bath and let them cool slightly. Gently loosen the egg bites from the molds and invert them onto a plate. Serve warm.

Pro Tip:

To prevent the egg bites from floating in the water bath, weigh them down with a small plate or use a sous vide rack. This ensures even cooking and prevents water from seeping into the molds.