Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that packs flavor with every bite, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe. I’ve made this countless times, especially when I need a meal that’s both hearty and quick to pull together. The crispy bacon, tender golden potatoes, melty cheese, and bright spinach all come together beautifully—a real crowd-pleaser whether it’s brunch, lunch, or even a simple dinner. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a go-to favorite for you too.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor harmony: The crispy bacon’s salty punch perfectly complements the creamy potatoes and fresh spinach.
- Textural balance: Tender potatoes, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs create layers of satisfying bite.
- Easy one-pan magic: Everything cooks in one ovenproof skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flexible and approachable: You can customize it to be vegetarian or pick your favorite cheese without losing its soul.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe plays an important role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. Choosing good-quality potatoes and fresh spinach makes all the difference, and the combination of Gruyere and sharp cheddar cheese helps the frittata melt beautifully without overwhelming the dish.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds smoky flavor and a satisfying crispiness; if you’re going vegetarian, olive oil is a solid substitute for the rendered fat.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor hold up well in baking, providing the hearty potato base this frittata needs.
- Eggs: The binding agent that sets all the ingredients into a fluffy, satisfying dish—make sure they’re fresh for best results.
- Milk (or non-dairy milk): Just a bit to lighten the eggs and keep them tender.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that boosts the egg mixture without being overpowering.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance every element.
- Shredded Gruyere or Sharp Cheddar: Cheese that melts smoothly and delivers a rich, savory punch.
- Fresh Spinach: Provides vibrant color and a fresh note that balances the heavier ingredients.
- Green Onions: Their mild onion flavor brightens the dish; toss them in toward the end so they stay soft but fresh.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how flexible this Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with cheeses and veggies based on what I have in the fridge or what flavors I’m craving. You can easily make it your own and still get that delicious, comforting result.
- Vegetarian Variation: Skipping the bacon? I toss the potatoes in olive oil before cooking to get a nice crisp and add smoky smoked paprika for that extra depth.
- Cheese Swaps: I’ve tried mozzarella, fontina, even pepper jack, and each brings its own character—so pick what you love or have on hand.
- Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes all make great additions if you want to boost veggies.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Crisp up the bacon low and slow
Start by cooking diced thick-cut bacon in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-low heat. Patience is key here—cook it slowly while stirring occasionally to render the fat and get those perfect crispy edges without burning. It usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once crisp, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Trust me, this bacon fat is liquid gold for your potatoes, so don’t wipe the skillet just yet!
Step 2: Sauté potatoes in bacon drippings
With your bacon fat ready and waiting, toss in the diced Yukon Gold potatoes. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re fork-tender and beautifully browned. This step infuses the potatoes with smoky flavor and creates a wonderful texture contrast. Don’t rush it or you’ll miss that golden crust, but be gentle when stirring so you keep those potatoes in nice chunks.
Step 3: Whisk eggs and cheese
While the potatoes cook, whisk together your eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and uniform. Then fold in the shredded cheese. This little mix adds creaminess and a pleasant tang to the frittata, elevating it beyond a simple egg bake.
Step 4: Wilt spinach and green onions
Once your potatoes are tender, stir in the fresh spinach and finely chopped green onions. Cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until the greens wilt but still retain a vibrant color and fresh flavor. This quick sauté softens the spinach perfectly without turning it mushy—definitely a balance worth aiming for!
Step 5: Bring it all together and bake
Return your crispy bacon to the skillet with the potatoes and greens, spreading everything out evenly in a single layer. Then carefully pour the egg and cheese mixture over the top, smoothing it gently with a spatula. Pop the skillet into a 350°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the frittata is ready when the eggs are fully set but still moist and tender. No one wants rubbery eggs, so baking just until set is key!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe
- Low and slow bacon cooking: Taking your time with the bacon prevents burning and ensures crispiness with deep flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Spread potatoes evenly to get that beautiful golden sear—crowding leads to soggy spots.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens vary, so start checking the frittata around minute 15 to avoid overcooking.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: This saves you transferring the mixture to another dish and keeps those crisp edges.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped green onion or fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top right before serving—it adds a pop of freshness. A light drizzle of hot sauce also makes for a nice zing if you like a bit of heat!
Side Dishes
This frittata pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some toasted crusty bread if you want to round out the meal. Sometimes I serve it alongside roasted tomatoes or even a side of sautéed mushrooms for a fuller brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice the frittata into small wedges and serve on a charcuterie board alongside olives, nuts, and cheeses. It’s always a hit and looks super fancy without extra work! You can also bake it in mini muffin tins for individual servings that everyone loves at brunch parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover frittata covered tightly in the fridge and eat it within 2 days for best quality. It tastes great cold right out of the fridge, which makes for an easy snack or light meal the next day.
Freezing
After trying to freeze this frittata a few times, I found it freezes beautifully. Just pop leftovers into an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer a gentle oven warm-up at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the texture close to freshly baked. The microwave works in a pinch, but I recommend heating in short bursts to avoid overcooked eggs.
FAQs
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Can I make the Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bacon and cook the potatoes in olive oil instead of bacon drippings. For an extra flavor boost, try adding smoked paprika or your favorite herbs.
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What type of potatoes work best for this frittata?
I recommend Yukon Gold potatoes because their creamy texture and buttery flavor hold up well during cooking and baking. Russets can work, but they’re a bit starchier and may fall apart more easily.
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Can I use a non-ovenproof skillet?
It’s best to use an oven-safe skillet, like cast iron or stainless steel, so you can finish baking the frittata on the stovetop. If you don’t have one, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
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How do I know when the frittata is done baking?
The eggs should be fully set and no longer jiggly in the center, but still moist—not dried out. Start checking around 15 minutes and go up to 20 minutes depending on your oven.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests. I love sharing this recipe because it’s approachable, packed with flavor, and so satisfying. I really hope you give it a try and make it your own—I have a feeling it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen like it is in mine!
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Cheesy Potato Frittata with Spinach and Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Potato Frittata featuring crispy bacon, tender Yukon gold potatoes, fresh spinach, green onions, and melty cheese, all baked to perfection for a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 2 strips thick-cut bacon diced
- 8 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons nonfat milk or milk of choice
- 1/3 cup shredded gruyere, sharp cheddar, or other similar melty cheese
Vegetables
- 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes peeled and 1/2-inch diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions (about 3 medium)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the frittata.
- Cook bacon: In a large (12-inch) ovenproof skillet with high sides, cook diced bacon over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp and fat renders, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon onto a paper-towel lined plate and blot dry.
- Cook potatoes: In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add diced potatoes. Cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until potatoes are very tender and browned evenly.
- Mix eggs: While potatoes cook, whisk together eggs, Dijon mustard, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Stir in shredded cheese.
- Wilt greens: After potatoes are tender, add spinach and green onions to the skillet, stirring and cooking until greens are just wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and spread the potato, spinach, and bacon mixture evenly in a single layer.
- Add egg mixture: Carefully pour the egg and cheese mixture over the ingredients in the skillet, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake frittata: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes until eggs are set, keeping an eye to avoid overcooking based on your skillet’s heat conductivity.
- Serve: Remove from oven, slice into six portions, and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover frittata for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- TO REHEAT: Warm gently in the microwave or in a 350 degree F oven until heated through.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- TO MAKE VEGETARIAN: Omit bacon and cook potatoes in 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil instead of bacon drippings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
