The Ultimate Frittata: A Classic Italian Dish with a Twist

Ingredients

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cooked ham, diced

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Spread the vegetables evenly in the skillet.
  5. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the skillet. Sprinkle the cheese and ham evenly over the top.
  6. Cook the frittata on the stove over medium-low heat until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the skillet, about 5 minutes.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the top of the frittata is set and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A 10-inch ovenproof skillet is needed to cook the frittata on the stovetop and in the oven.
  • Whisk - A whisk is required to thoroughly combine the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to finely chop the onion, dice the bell pepper, mince the garlic, and roughly chop the spinach.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping the vegetables and preparing the ingredients.
  • Oven - A preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) is needed to bake the frittata.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Experiment with different vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Try different types of cheese like feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese.
  • Add cooked bacon, sausage, or chorizo for a meaty twist.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding extra vegetables or a meat substitute.
  • Serve the frittata with a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill to enhance the flavor.
  • Create a crust by lining the skillet with hash browns or thinly sliced potatoes before adding the egg mixture.

Recipe overview

This Frittata recipe is a delightful dish perfect for any meal of the day - breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It's packed with nutritious ingredients like eggs, spinach, bell pepper, and onions, and made deliciously rich with the addition of heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and ham. Expect to create a hearty, one-skillet meal that's as flavorful as it is versatile. This recipe begins with sautéing vegetables until they're tender, then adding a creamy, whisked egg mixture to the skillet. A sprinkle of cheese and ham adds savory depth, and a quick bake in the oven yields a golden, fluffy, and satisfying frittata. It's a simple process with a delectable outcome. Whether you're serving this at a casual family breakfast or an elegant brunch gathering, this Frittata recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy it warm, right out of the oven, or even at room temperature - it's delicious either way!

Common questions

  1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream if desired. However, keep in mind that heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the frittata.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or Swiss.
  3. Can I use different vegetables? Certainly! You can customize the frittata with your preferred vegetables. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed for different vegetables.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the frittata ahead of time and reheat it later. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through.
  5. Can I freeze leftover frittata? Yes, you can freeze leftover frittata. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A 10-inch ovenproof skillet is needed to cook the frittata on the stovetop and transfer it to the oven.
  • Whisk - Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Knife - A knife will be necessary to finely chop the onion, dice the bell pepper, mince the garlic, and roughly chop the spinach.
  • Cutting board - Use a cutting board to chop and prep the vegetables and ham.
  • Oven - An oven is required to bake the frittata until it is set and golden brown on top.
  • Spatula - A spatula will come in handy for transferring the cooked frittata from the skillet to a serving plate.
  • Cheese grater - If the cheddar cheese is not already shredded, a cheese grater will be needed to grate it.

Origin stories

Frittata, a beloved dish that hails from Italy, has a humble origin story. The name itself is derived from the Italian verb "friggere," which means "to fry." Historically, frittatas were made to utilize leftovers from the previous night's dinner, as the dish provides a perfect canvas for incorporating a variety of ingredients, from cheese and vegetables to cooked meats. Essentially, anything that pairs well with eggs can be found in a frittata. The concept is quite similar to the French omelette, but there is a key difference: while an omelette is cooked on one side before folding, a frittata is gently cooked on a stovetop, then finished in an oven. This versatile and resourceful dish, born out of necessity, is a testament to the creativity of Italian cuisine - it's a reminder that the most delightful meals can come from the simplest ingredients.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.