Jalapeno Popper Egg Cups

Jalapeno poppers are a spicy, cheesy game day classic. Now you can enjoy the flavors of jalapeno poppers transformed into a protein-packed breakfast with these genius jalapeno popper egg cups! Picture an egg baked up in a muffin tin along with all the deliciousness of cream cheese, cheddar, bacon and jalapenos. Keep reading to learn how to make this easy breakfast recipe at home.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make 12 jalapeno popper egg cups:

For the Egg Cups:

- 12 eggs

- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

- 1/4 cup milk

- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped

- 1/4 cup chopped jalapenos

- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper

For Serving:

- Salsa, sour cream

- Chopped fresh cilantro

- Hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Here's how simple these skillet egg bites come together:

1. Preheat Oven and Grease Muffin Tin

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Mix Eggs and Cream Cheese

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, cream cheese, milk, salt and pepper until blended.

3. Stir in Remaining Ingredients

Add cheddar cheese, bacon bits and jalapenos to egg mixture. Mix until fully combined.

4. Pour Batter into Muffin Cups

Evenly divide egg mixture between the 12 muffin cups.

5. Bake

Bake 25-30 minutes until eggs are set.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow to cool 5 minutes before removing egg cups from pan. Top with desired garnishes.

Customizing Your Egg Cups

Switch up these savory egg muffins to suit your tastes:

Cheeses:

- Pepper jack, monterey jack, queso fresco

- Parmesan, gruyere

- Feta, bleu cheese

Veggies:

- Onion, bell pepper, spinach, kale

- Tomato, zucchini, broccoli

- Mushrooms, olives

Meats:

- Chorizo, ham, turkey sausage

- Chicken, shrimp

- Crispy prosciutto

Seasonings:

- Chili powder, cumin, paprika

- Italian seasoning, smoked paprika

- Everything bagel seasoning

Serving Suggestions

Jalapeno popper egg cups are versatile for any meal of the day. Enjoy them:

- For Breakfast

Alongside fresh fruit, bacon, toast or breakfast potatoes

- For Brunch

As part of a buffet spread or tailgating menu

- For Lunch

Paired with a salad or soup for an easy work lunch

- For Dinner

As an appetizer or light meal with a side salad

- For Snacks

Enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge

Storage and Reheating

Here are some tips for storing leftover egg cups:

- Refrigerator:

Store covered up to 4-5 days

- Freezer:

Allow to cool completely then freeze for up to 3 months

- Reheating:

Microwave individual egg cups until warmed through

- Texture:

The eggs may become rubbery when reheated. Run under broiler to crisp them back up.

Recipe Variations

Switch up the flavors with these easy swaps:

- Use hot Italian sausage instead of bacon

- Replace jalapenos with roasted red peppers

- Use pepper jack cheese rather than cheddar

- Add some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes

- Stir in caramelized onions

- Season with taco seasoning and top with salsa

- Make a Greek version with feta, olives, and oregano

Troubleshooting

Having issues getting the perfect jalapeno popper egg cups? Here are some tips:

- Eggs Runny:

Cook a minute or two longer until fully set.

- Eggs Rubbery:

Don't overcook. Take them out when just set but still a little jiggly.

- Bland:

Add more salt, pepper, hot sauce or other seasonings as desired.

- Dry and Crumbly:

Increase milk or cream cheese for more moisture and tenderness.

- Falls Apart When Removed:

Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before taking out of pan.

FAQs

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, they can be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking.

How long will they last in the fridge?

They will last covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Can I prepare them in a standard muffin tin?

Absolutely! Just adjust bake time as needed based on muffin tin size.

Do I need to use cream cheese?

No, you can leave it out. The eggs will just be a little less rich and tender.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and add veggies instead.

Conclusion

Jalapeno popper egg cups are the perfect way to start your morning off spicy, cheesy and full of protein. Made in convenient muffin tins, they contain all the flavors of indulgent bacon jalapeno poppers folded into fluffy egg bites. Endlessly adaptable, customize them to your tastes with mix-ins like different veggies, meats and cheese. Enjoy them for breakfasts, snacks and even light dinners along with fresh fruit and yogurt. Prepare ahead for grab-and-go convenience or meal prep several batches at once to freeze. No matter how you eat them, jalapeno popper egg cups are sure to satisfy!