Fitness / June 1, 2023

The Best Frittata Recipe (Really!)

Make eggs the Italian way with this recipe for a frittata. Whether it’s as part of a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch or a nutritious dinner, this meal delivers.

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Am I the only one who thought frittatas were Mexican? Just me? OK.

They are, in fact, Italian, and closely resemble a crustless quiche or an open-faced omelet. I prefer to think of them as an egg-based casserole, but I also thought they were Mexican so what do I know.

I love making egg frittatas as part of a brunch for when I have a lot of guests coming over. It’s healthy and, because of the ingredients involved, you only have to worry about one meal. No need to balance the bacon, the eggs, the hash browns, etc.

And, like a casserole, you can have fun experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Take a look below for my suggestions.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

A frittata is a classic breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
It’s easy to make. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.
You can customize this recipe and add your favorite toppings and ingredients. For this recipe, I choose a Caprese-style add-in, which is a favorite of mine; Sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.

Is This frittata Healthy?

Frittatas are high in protein, thanks to the eggs, and perfect for a gluten-free diet. It’s rich in fiber and essential vitamins. Feel free to use plenty of vegetables for this frittata to make this dish even healthier.

INGREDIENTS

I’ve split the Ingredients list into two sections: the frittata (i.e., the eggs) and the add-ins. Decide on which add-ins you’d like to use before heading to the store.

the frittata:

6 large eggs
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup milk or heavy cream
pinch of sea salt
pinch of fresh black pepper
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

the Add-ins:

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 bunch fresh basil

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or heavy cream, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Shake

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet on MED-HIGH. Add the olive oil. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and gently shake it to distribute evenly.

Bake

Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the eggs are set.

Top

Top the cooked frittata with the cherry tomatoes and the fresh mozzarella pieces. Bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, and the cherry tomatoes are soft.

Add

Remove the skillet from the oven and top the frittata with the fresh basil leaves. Serve warm

DEVOUR!

Variations

I’ve gone with a Caprese-style frittata but you can add any number of ingredients to this dish. Some recommendations are broccoli & cheddar cheese, bacon & Parmesan cheese, and spinach & feta cheese. For the herbs, you can use cilantro, parsley, or green onions. You can substitute the olive oil with any other neutral oil.

Serving Suggestions

What to serve with a frittata and how to serve it depends on when you plan on eating it. If it’s for breakfast, you could pair it with these cottage cheese pancakes. Or, watch this video and learn how to wash down the frittata with a low-carb peanut butter smoothie. If this recipe is for lunch or dinner, this frittata would go well with a simple Mexican coleslaw or roasted russet potatoes.

FAQs

How do you know when the frittata is done?

While the frittata is baking in the oven, gently shake the skillet to see if the center is no longer jiggly and the edges are golden brown. The consistency should be like a custard.

What is the difference between a frittata and an omelet?

Omelets are only cooked in a pan on the stovetop, while a frittata starts out on the stove and is then finished in the oven. They also differ in size: Frittata is for a larger crowd, while omelets can be done for a single person.

What kind of pan Can I use for this recipe?

You can cook the frittata in a cast-iron pan or in a regular skillet. If you are using a regular skillet, make sure it’s oven-safe and non-stick. If you don’t want to use a skillet or cast-iron pan, you can also pour the egg mixture into an oiled baking dish or muffin tins.

How to Store a Frittata

Let the frittata cool completely. Split it up into smaller pieces now; it will make serving much easier later on. Place the servings into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge where they should last for up to 4 days.

You can reheat the frittata in the microwave or in the oven on LOW heat. If you do use the microwave, cover the frittata loosely with a paper towel or a microwave-friendly lid to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the frittata. Wrap each serving in plastic and then place it in an airtight container or resealable bag. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and eating.