Enjoy this hearty comfort food, perfect for breakfast or dinner.
You know that black dress in your closet that you reach for when you don’t know what else to wear? Basic, yes, but it’s reliable, and you can look presentable without putting too much thought or effort into it. Just like that go-to black dress, I have a couple of dishes I can always make when it’s getting close to mealtime, and I don’t have a plan. Frittata is one of them.
Recipes are good, but even without a recipe, most frittatas follow a basic plan made up of ratios. If you have eight eggs, use a half cup of dairy, one cup of shredded cheese, and approximately two to three cups of veggies. Seasonings are added at the cook’s discretion. That’s it! It’s so easy but turns out to be such a warm, comforting meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or brunch or for a cozy dinner on a chilly night, a frittata is an easy and delicious option.
You will love making this frittata because it is a straightforward recipe and uses fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s a meatless main, which is especially nice if serving breakfast or brunch to a crowd. While this particular combo of fresh spinach, bell peppers, onion, and fresh herbs is my favorite, you can mix things up and use whatever you have on hand or what you and your family like. For instance, swap out the bell peppers with two-thirds cup of sliced mushrooms or toss in some baby kale instead of the fresh spinach.
Frittata vs. omelette: What’s the difference?
It might seem like frittatas and omelettes are the same thing, but they have different origins and techniques. Omelettes are based in French cuisine and always involve flipping or folding over the cooked egg in the skillet so that the filling ingredients are enveloped by the egg. Frittatas originate from the Italian tradition, and while the word has meant different things over the years, most recently, it always means an open-face omelette that you start on the stovetop but finish in the oven—no flipping or folding required!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container; reheat them in the microwave until warm. You can also cut leftover frittata into slices and wrap each slice in a layer of plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge or in your microwave on the defrost setting.
Serving suggestions
If serving the frittata in the morning, pair it with some fresh fruit and baked goods. Try Citrus Mint Fruit Salad or Yogurt Parfaits for a delicious, fresh side. Bake up a batch of Blueberry Muffins or Sweet Bread the night before and serve with the frittata for a taste of something sweet.
If you’re enjoying the frittata for a light supper, all you need is a nice green salad and crusty loaf of bread. Try ciabatta for an authentic Italian flair, or even just a nice loaf of French bread works well, too. For the salad, consider just a Green Salad or Kale Salad to provide some crunch and additional color to your meal.
Frittata
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 4 teaspoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 1/3 cup green bell pepper chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Fresh herbs for garnish, such as chopped chives or parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Mix in about half of the cheese.
- Heat butter in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and let cook until lightly golden, then add spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top. Cook without stirring for about 5 minutes until the edges start to set.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
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