Craving a savory, protein-packed breakfast? Dive into the world of frittatas, a versatile and delicious Italian dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With a mix of eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables, this frittata recipe is easy to customize and sure to satisfy your hunger.
Ingredients List
Frittata Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- 3 tablespoons full-fat dairy (heavy cream, half-and-half, whole milk, sour cream, crème fraîche, or yogurt)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (4 ounces) grated or crumbled cheese
- 3 to 5 cups chopped vegetables or greens of choice (or up to 3 cups leftover cooked vegetables or greens)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Garnish: Chopped or torn fresh, leafy herbs (basil, parsley, cilantro, or dill)
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right kitchen tools can make preparing a frittata much easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essentials:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking together the eggs and dairy.
- Whisk: To mix the eggs and dairy until well combined.
- Non-Stick Oven-Safe Skillet: To cook the vegetables and bake the frittata.
- Spatula: For stirring the vegetables and pouring the egg mixture into the skillet.
- Grater: To grate the cheese.
These tools will help ensure a smooth cooking process and a perfectly cooked frittata.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, it’s essential to prepare all the ingredients. Follow these steps to ensure everything is ready to go:
Whisking the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 12 eggs and add the 3 tablespoons of your chosen full-fat dairy. Add ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk the mixture until the eggs and dairy are thoroughly combined and slightly frothy. This step is crucial for a fluffy and cohesive frittata.
Prepping the Vegetables and Cheese
Choose your vegetables or greens based on your preference or what’s available. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using leftover cooked vegetables, measure up to 3 cups. Grate or crumble 1 cup of cheese and set it aside. Some great options for vegetables include bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes. For cheese, cheddar, feta, and mozzarella work wonderfully.
With all ingredients prepped and ready, you’re set to start cooking your delicious frittata.
Cooking the Frittata
Now that we’ve prepped our ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked frittata:
Sautéing the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chopped vegetables or greens. Sauté them until they’re tender and lightly browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using leftover cooked vegetables, just warm them through for about 2-3 minutes.
Combining Ingredients in the Skillet
After the vegetables are cooked, spread them out evenly in the skillet. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables, ensuring it covers them evenly. Use a spatula to gently stir the mixture, allowing the eggs to begin cooking and setting around the edges. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Adding the Cheese
Once the eggs have started to set, sprinkle the grated or crumbled cheese evenly over the top. This will melt into the eggs as they cook, adding a delicious creamy texture to the frittata. Continue to cook on the stove for another 1-2 minutes until the edges are fully set but the center remains slightly runny.
With these steps complete, we are ready to finish cooking the frittata in the oven for that perfect golden top and fully cooked center.
Baking the Frittata
With the vegetables sautéed and the eggs partially set, it’s time to finish cooking the frittata in the oven. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked dish:
Moving to the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, transfer the skillet to the middle rack. Baking the frittata in the oven ensures even cooking and a golden, slightly crispy top. Allow it to bake for about 10-15 minutes.
Checking for Doneness
To check if the frittata is done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the frittata is fully cooked. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should be slightly puffed. If the center is still runny, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking every couple of minutes to avoid overcooking.
Removing from the Oven
Once the frittata is fully cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. The handle will be extremely hot, so be cautious. Let the frittata cool in the skillet for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the frittata set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.
With the baking complete, your frittata is almost ready to serve. The final step is adding a touch of freshness with some garnishes.
Serving the Frittata
Your delicious frittata is now ready to be enjoyed! Follow these final steps to serve it perfectly:
Garnishing the Frittata
To add a fresh and vibrant touch to your frittata, sprinkle some chopped or torn fresh herbs on top. Good options include basil, parsley, cilantro, or dill. These herbs not only add color but also enhance the flavor, giving your frittata a bright, aromatic finish.
Slicing and Serving
Using a sharp knife, slice the frittata into wedges. Depending on the size of your skillet, you should be able to get about 6-8 slices. Serve the frittata warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad, some crusty bread, or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the frittata cool completely before storing. Place the slices in an airtight container and refrigerate. The frittata will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the slices in a microwave or a low oven until heated through.
Conclusion
Mastering a frittata recipe opens up endless possibilities for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal. Whether you’re using fresh vegetables or leftover greens, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to your taste. With the right technique and ingredients, you can create a frittata that’s fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy your homemade frittata and the endless variations you can create with different vegetables, cheeses, and herbs!
By following this recipe, you have a hearty and delicious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!