Cheesy Vegetable Frittata Recipe
If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch winner that’s easy, vibrant, and seriously comforting, you’ve got to try my Cheesy Vegetable Frittata Recipe. This isn’t just any egg dish—it’s packed with fresh veggies and just the right amount of cheesy goodness that’ll leave you craving more, whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy weekend. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, this frittata will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flexible Ingredients: You can customize your veggies and cheese to what’s fresh, in season, or what you have on hand.
- Simple Technique: No fancy gadgets—just a good skillet and your stove and oven doing the work.
- Perfect Texture: The blend of eggs, milk, and cheese makes it fluffy without drying out, balancing creaminess with a light bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers or prep ahead for busy mornings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The combination of eggs, cheese, and a medley of vegetables creates a hearty but fresh meal that’s also colorful and appealing. Picking sharp cheddar or feta brings distinct flavors, while the veggies add texture and nutrients. When choosing your ingredients, lean towards freshness and balance—crispy sweet potato pairs so well with creamy cheese, while spinach brings a pop of vibrant greens.
- Eggs: The base of your frittata; I prefer large eggs for rich flavor and structure.
- Milk: Adds moisture and softens the eggs; whole milk gives creamier texture, but you can swap in lower-fat or even plant milk if you like.
- Cheddar or Feta Cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for a classic taste or feta for a tangy twist; both melt beautifully and complement veggies.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables; extra-virgin is best for flavor.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth; just a quick cook to avoid bitterness.
- Red Onion: Brings a mild bite; thin slicing helps it cook evenly.
- Sweet Potato: Adds sweetness and a bit of heartiness; no need to peel if you like the extra fiber.
- Zucchini: Light and moist, it cooks down nicely without overpowering.
- Red Bell Pepper: Offers crunch and vibrant color; sweet and balances well with other veggies.
- Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, Artichokes, and Prosciutto (optional): Great for a Mediterranean-inspired twist, these add freshness, acidity, and saltiness.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this Cheesy Vegetable Frittata Recipe is. You can switch up the veggies and cheeses endlessly, so feel free to make this your canvas for seasonal produce or whatever’s in your fridge. Don’t be shy with add-ins like cooked sausage or fresh herbs—I often toss in some rosemary or thyme when I’m feeling fancy.
- Vegetable Swap: I once tried adding mushrooms and asparagus in spring—big hit! Just cook them first like the sweet potatoes.
- Cheese Variations: Goat cheese or mozzarella can give interesting textures and flavors if you want to play with it.
- Meat Add-ins: For a protein boost, folded in cooked ham or chorizo pairs nicely; just be sure it’s pre-cooked to avoid watery results.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant milk and skip cheese or opt for a vegan cheese alternative—they won’t taste exactly the same but still pretty tasty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Vegetable Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisking Your Base Mixture
Start by cracking 8 large eggs into a bowl with a pour spout—it makes pouring much easier. Add half a cup of milk, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Whisk it all together until the mixture looks smooth and slightly frothy; that helps with fluffiness later. Then, stir in about three-quarters of your shredded cheese, reserving the rest to sprinkle on top at the end. I usually stand at the counter and chat or check my phone during this—no rush here.
Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables
Heat a good tablespoon of olive oil in a deep, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds—don’t let it brown, or it gets bitter. For the garden vegetable version, add thinly sliced onion and chopped sweet potato next, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add your zucchini and bell peppers, seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes. The key here is to let the veggies soften but not become mushy—they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Combine and Cook On Stove
Pour your egg and cheese mixture evenly over the cooked veggies in the pan. Let it sit, without stirring, for about 5 minutes. You want to see the edges bubble and start setting—the bottom should begin to firm up. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top before moving on to the oven. This is one of my favorite parts: that gooey cheese melting, visible just beneath the surface.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Slide your skillet carefully onto the center rack of a preheated 375°F (191°C) oven. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes until the frittata is puffed up and the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. If you want to test it, poke with a toothpick or knife: it should come out clean or with only a tiny bit of moistness. Once done, transfer to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 10 minutes—this resting time helps it set fully so slices come out clean and neat.
Step 5: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy
After resting, run a spatula around the edges and carefully cut wedges. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like that pop of green—and then dig in! I find this recipe perfect for sharing, so it often ends up as weekend brunch fare in my house with friends chatting over coffee.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Vegetable Frittata Recipe
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: I swear by my cast iron skillet—it holds heat beautifully and makes flipping easier if needed, plus it goes straight from stove to oven.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Veggies: Cook your veggies until soft but still a bit firm; too watery or undercooked veggies can make the frittata soggy.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the frittata cool fully before cutting prevents it from falling apart and improves texture.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Overbaking dries it out, so start checking at 22 minutes—you want it just set but still moist inside.
How to Serve Cheesy Vegetable Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
I love a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top—it brightens the whole dish and adds a lovely pop of color. Sometimes, if I want a bit of richness, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce works wonders, especially if you made a cheddar-forward frittata.
Side Dishes
Paired with crusty artisan bread or a light green salad, this frittata turns into a perfect brunch plate. In colder months, I love it with roasted potatoes or even a warm bowl of tomato soup on the side. It’s simple but satisfying combo every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I’ve served this frittata in a large skillet right on the table, letting guests help themselves to wedges. Another fun way is prepping mini frittatas in muffin tins for single servings—great for grab-and-go breakfasts, and they look adorable too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I tightly cover leftover frittata slices with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 5 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Just reheat gently so it doesn’t dry out—I usually nuke a slice for 30–45 seconds or warm it in the oven for a soft finish.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver here. After baking and cooling completely, I slice the frittata and place the pieces in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. Remember to thaw fully in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep that creamy texture.
Reheating
I prefer reheating frittata in a 350°F oven (about 177°C) covered loosely with foil for 5–10 minutes, which helps it warm evenly without drying out. Microwaving works well for quick bites, but be sure not to overdo it or the eggs can get rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I make the Cheesy Vegetable Frittata Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This frittata actually tastes great cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for prep ahead. Just bake it fully, cool it, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat slices when you’re ready or serve cold in a pinch for a lighter meal.
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Is it okay to use different vegetables than listed?
Yes! This recipe is super flexible—you can swap in whatever veggies you have available. Just make sure to sauté them ahead so they’re tender and excess water is cooked off. That keeps the frittata from becoming soggy and ensures even cooking.
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Can I use just egg whites for a lighter version?
I usually don’t recommend only egg whites because the yolks bring richness and help the frittata hold together. If you want to lighten it up, a combo of 2 whole eggs plus 6 egg whites still gives great flavor and texture without being too heavy.
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What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
You can prepare the vegetables in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a greased baking dish for the oven step. Just be careful when transferring the egg mixture so you don’t spill, and adjust the baking time as needed since the dish won’t conduct heat like a skillet.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Cheesy Vegetable Frittata Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to time and again. It’s just so comforting and forgiving, yet impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, the way the melted cheese and tender veggies come together feels like a warm hug on a plate. Next time you want something quick but memorable, give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s one of those simple wins that makes you feel like a total kitchen pro.
Print
Cheesy Vegetable Frittata Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy frittata recipe allows you to customize with your favorite add-ins, whether garden vegetables or Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, it combines eggs, cheese, and fresh produce baked to fluffy perfection in an oven-safe skillet.
Ingredients
Base Frittata Recipe
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for cooking vegetables
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for cooking vegetables
- 1 cup (100–120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese OR crumbled feta, divided
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Version #1: Garden Vegetable
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 heaping cup (about 150g) chopped sweet potato (no need to peel)
- 1 heaping cup (130g) sliced zucchini
- 1/2 cup (about 80g) chopped red bell pepper
- Optional for topping: chopped fresh parsley
Version #2: Mediterranean-Inspired
- 1 cup (30g) roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup (150g) halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 heaping cup (about 160g) canned quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- Optional: 2 ounces (56g or about 4 slices) roughly chopped prosciutto
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) to prepare for baking the frittata.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl with a pour spout, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk in about 3/4 cup of the cheese (cheddar for garden vegetable version, feta for Mediterranean-inspired), setting aside the rest for topping.
- Cook Garlic: Heat olive oil in a 2-inch deep, 10- to 12-inch diameter oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 30–60 seconds without browning.
- Garden Vegetable Version: Add red onion and sweet potato to the pan with garlic; cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until softened. Add zucchini and red bell peppers; season with salt and pepper and cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour egg-cheese mixture over the cooked vegetables and cook without stirring for 5 minutes until eggs bubble and start to set at edges. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top.
- Bake Frittata: Transfer skillet carefully to the center rack of the oven. Bake for 26 minutes or until the frittata is puffy and the center no longer wobbles or looks wet.
- Cool and Serve: Remove skillet and place on a wire rack. Let cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the frittata to set before slicing. Top with chopped parsley if desired.
- Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Fold spinach, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and prosciutto (if using) into the egg-cheese mixture. Pour this into the pan with cooked garlic, cook 5 minutes without stirring until edges set, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake and cool as directed in steps 6 and 7.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Reheat slices in microwave or bake covered in 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
- Freeze fully baked and cooled frittata cut into slices in a freezer-safe container up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
- Using whole eggs provides richness; using only egg whites will reduce flavor and texture quality.
- Whole milk is preferred for best taste and texture, but lower-fat or nondairy milk can be substituted. Heavy cream or half-and-half will make it creamier.
- You can customize add-ins with up to 2 to 3 cups total. Precook vegetables before adding the egg mixture for best results.
- Cooked meats such as diced ham, sausage, or chicken can be added either by folding into the egg mixture or browning with garlic and vegetables beforehand.
- Use an oven-safe skillet 2 inches deep and 10 to 12 inches in diameter for best cooking and baking results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 frittata)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
