Shelf-Stable, Freeze-dried Entrees and Meals-In-a-Jar
Meal Kit: Egg Bites
I've been making a version of these egg-bites for years, but just recently decided to try them with freeze-dried ingredients. These are a favorite breakfast choice when I visit a popular coffee chain, so I adapted the recipe to make at home in my Instant Pot.
This mix is so versatile! If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can steam them on the stove top. As for flavor combinations, almost anything you have in your pantry will work, but I do have a few suggestions below. This recipe makes about 7 egg bites in the baby-food molds pictured (about 1/3 cup each).
Ingredients
- 1 cup freeze-dried egg powder)
- 1 cup freeze-dried crumbled or shredded cheese
- ¼ cup freeze-dried cream cheese
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried milk (or heavy cream) powder
- 1 cup freeze-dried veggies and/or protein (see below for for some ideas)
- Seasoning to taste
Assembling the Jar:
- In a quart-sized mason jar, layer the freeze-dried ingredients and seasoning. Seal, label & store.
To Rehydrate:
- When ready to cook, pour jar contents into a mixing bowl. Add 1 to 1 ½ cups water, mix well, and let the mixture re-hydrate for 10-15 minutes. Check consistency and add more water if needed - should look like a thick scrambled-egg mix (depending on the add-in’s).
Cooking:
- For Egg Bites in the Instant Pot:
- Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup water
- Pour the rehydrated mixture into greased silicone egg bite molds, ramekins or small mason jars. Place on the trivet in the Instant Pot
- Cook on LOW pressure for 6 minutes, followed by a quick release.
- Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the molds/jars to serve
- For Egg Bites on the Stove Top:
- Place filled egg bite molds or ramekins/jars on a trivet in a large pot on the stove top
- Add water to just below the bottoms of the containers and steam (over low heat) for about 15 minutes or until the eggs are set
Our Favorite Combos:
The beauty of this egg mix is it's flexibility. It can be made with pretty much any cheese, vegetable and protein you have on hand. Or skip the protein and make it vegetarian. I've listed some of our favorite combinations below:
- Ham & Spinach with crumbled feta: This is a classic combination that balances the saltiness of ham with the freshness of spinach and the tang of feta.
- Sausage Crumbles with onion, shredded potatoes and shredded Mexican cheese blend: Hearty and flavorful- reminiscent of a breakfast burrito. I add freeze-dried diced red pepper when I have it available.
- Ham with Mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and shredded Italian Cheese blend: Savory and satisfying. When I make these for brunch on a weekend, I like to add a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Shrimp, Tomato and shredded Gruyere: I used freeze-dried cooked salad shrimp, but imitation crab or lobster meat would work as well.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing these versatile Egg Bites as much as I do. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot or steaming them on the stove top, this recipe is designed to be simple, delicious, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors. Happy Cooking!
