Baked Frittata

A frittata is a dish that perfectly blends eggs with a variety of ingredients, making it both satisfying and incredibly versatile. While the traditional frittata is cooked in a skillet, a baked frittata takes the concept to a whole new level, offering the convenience of hands-off cooking and a wonderful, golden crust. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, meats, and cheeses.

What is a Baked Frittata?

A baked frittata is essentially a crustless quiche, where eggs are mixed with various ingredients like vegetables, cheese, and sometimes meat, and then baked in the oven until set. Unlike an omelet, a frittata is cooked slowly over low heat, allowing the ingredients to fully blend together, creating a rich, hearty dish that’s as filling as it is delicious.

Key Ingredients

1. Eggs – The base of any frittata, eggs provide the structure and richness to the dish.
2. Dairy – A splash of milk or cream makes the frittata soft and creamy. Some people prefer to use a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
3. Vegetables – You can use a variety of vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté any watery vegetables like tomatoes or mushrooms to release excess moisture before adding them to the eggs.
4. Cheese – A good melting cheese is essential for adding creaminess and flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta are all great choices.
5. Herbs and Spices – Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, parsley, or dill, along with a bit of salt and pepper, will elevate the flavor of the frittata.

How to Make a Baked Frittata

Ingredients:

• 8 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
• 1 cup of cooked vegetables (e.g., spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1/2 cup cooked meat (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare your vegetables and meat: If you’re using vegetables that release a lot of water, like mushrooms or zucchini, sauté them in a pan with a little olive oil or butter until softened and any excess moisture has evaporated. Set them aside to cool slightly. If you’re using cooked meat, such as bacon or sausage, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Whisk the eggs and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. You can also add a little grated cheese to the egg mixture for extra richness.
4. Combine the ingredients: Add your cooked vegetables, meat (if using), and cheese into the egg mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Bake the frittata: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Tips

• Don’t overcook: Overcooking will result in a dry frittata. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, and test it with a knife to check for doneness.
• Customize to your taste: Frittatas are incredibly flexible, so feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations. Add sautéed garlic, spicy peppers, or even a spoonful of pesto for an extra kick.
• Serve with sides: Frittatas are great on their own, but you can serve them with a simple salad, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread for a more complete meal.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Frittata: Load it up with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
2. Mushroom and Spinach Frittata: This combination is a classic. Sauté spinach and mushrooms until tender, then fold them into your egg mixture for a savory, earthy dish.
3. Breakfast Frittata: Make a breakfast-style frittata with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sautéed potatoes, and cheddar cheese. Top with salsa or avocado for a fun breakfast or brunch dish.
4. Cheese-Lover’s Frittata: Use multiple types of cheese like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich and cheesy experience.

Why You Should Try

Baked frittatas are one of those dishes that can be as simple or elaborate as you want, making them perfect for any occasion.