Baked Frittata Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Dish for Any Occasion
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner? Look no further than the baked frittata! This versatile dish is packed with flavor and can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress.
What is a Frittata?
A frittata is essentially a baked omelet. It's similar to an omelet, but it's cooked in the oven rather than on the stovetop. This allows for even cooking and a beautiful, golden-brown crust. Unlike a quiche, a frittata doesn't typically have a pastry crust. This makes it a lighter, healthier option.
Ingredients for a Classic Baked Frittata:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your needs.
- 6 large eggs: The foundation of your frittata!
- 1/4 cup milk or cream: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture. You can also use half-and-half.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of spice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and adding flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables: Get creative! Onions, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes – the possibilities are endless. Pre-cook vegetables that need longer cooking times (like onions and peppers).
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese blend works great.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your frittata cooks evenly.
- Sauté your vegetables: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best!) over medium heat. Add your chopped vegetables and sauté until they are tender-crisp. This step can be skipped if you are using pre-cooked vegetables or are making a simple cheese frittata.
- Whisk the eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine everything: Pour the egg mixture over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The center should be just slightly jiggly.
- Cool and serve: Let the frittata cool slightly before slicing and serving. It's delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Frittata:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked frittatas can be dry and rubbery. Remove it from the oven when the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Get creative with your fillings: Experiment with different vegetables, meats, cheeses, and herbs to create your own unique frittata variations. Consider adding cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or even leftover roasted vegetables.
- Make it ahead: Frittatas are great for meal prepping. They can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: This is crucial for easy transfer from the stovetop to the oven.
Variations and Flavor Combinations:
- Mediterranean Frittata: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and spinach.
- Spicy Chorizo Frittata: Incorporate cooked chorizo sausage, onions, and peppers. Add a dash of chili flakes for extra heat.
- Veggie-Packed Frittata: Load it up with your favorite vegetables, like broccoli, asparagus, and mushrooms.
This baked frittata recipe is a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect combination. Enjoy!
