Simple, Delicious Frittatas for Every Taste Bud
Preparing a Cheesy Frittata: A Simple Guide to Cooking Delicious Frittatas
Who doesn't love a dish that's easy, versatile, and oh-so-satisfying? Let's take a journey through a variety of frittata recipes that will make your taste buds dance! From classic to reinvented, there's a frittata for every occasion, and you'll never make the same one twice, if you don't want to.
The Magic of Beaten Eggs
What do an omelette, a quiche, and a frittata have in common? All are beaten egg dishes, offering endless opportunities to unleash your creativity based on seasonal ingredients and pantry staples. Among them all, the frittata, inspired by Italy's beloved breakfast casserole, shines brightest; it's less fussy than a rolled omelette and comes together much faster than a quiche (iest thing about it? No frickin' crust!)
To make a delectable cheese frittata, here's a no-nonsense, no-measurement recipe that's perfect for those lazy weeknights or your next camping trip. Adapt it, modify it, and make it your own-just remember to always keep it fresh!
What You'll Need for a Cheese Frittata:
- One onion, thinly sliced (optional, but highly recced)
- A handful of whichever fresh herbs catch your fancy: parsley, basil, cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
- One clove of garlic (optional)
- The green part of two scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
- A dozen eggs
- Three generous handfuls of shredded cheese (pick your favorite)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Oil (any kind)
Easy Peasy Frittata Steps:
- Preheat the broiler and place the rack in the middle of the oven. If you've got a broiler-drawer-under-the-oven type, go ahead and use the oven instead, set at 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Crack the eggs into a bowl, throw in two handfuls of cheese, a generous helping of salt, pepper, and herbs (if using). Stir until everything's well blended. Add about 10 dashes of hot sauce, ifusing.
- Heat the oven-safe frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat on the stove, coat the bottom with oil. Add onions and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until soft and golden.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan, turn the heat down to medium-low, and cook for 10-15 minutes, undisturbed. You want the outer edges to be set and slightly browned, but not the middle.
- Sprinkle the reserved third handful of cheese on top.
- Pop the frittata in the oven, and if you're using the broiler, cook for 3-5 minutes. If you're using the oven, cook for 5-10 minutes. When it's finished, the center will no longer jiggle if shaken, the cheese will have slightly browned on top, and the frittata will have puffed up a bit.
Follow these steps, and you'll wind up with a frittata that's deliciously custardy in the interior, and delightfully golden around the edges. And for those ready to elevate their frittata game, here are a few mouthwatering variations that'll take your skills to the next level.
More Scrumptious Recipes
Feel free to follow these recipes to the letter or use them as templates to create your dazzling concoctions.
1. Dungeness Crab, Fromage Blanc, and Potato Frittata
This elegant, seafood-infused frittata is perfect for brunches or dinners and goes great with crisp white wine. It serves fewer guests, using only 5 eggs and a 10-inch skillet, but you can easily scale it up if needed. [Dungeness Crab, Fromage Blanc, and Potato Frittata recipe]
2. Frittata Lorraine
Enjoy Canadian bacon, gooey Gruyère cheese, and savory shallots in this delectable take on the traditional quiche Lorraine. [Frittata Lorraine recipe]
3. Bell Pepper and Potato Frittata
A hearty dish that pairs well with bacon for breakfast, sits nicely between slices of toasted bread for lunch, and goes great with a big green salad for dinner. [Bell Pepper and Potato Frittata recipe]
4. Asparagus Frittata with Horseradish Sour Cream
Make this asparagus-centric frittata when asparagus is in abundance, featuring tangy horseradish cream for a mouthwatering pairing. [Asparagus Frittata with Horseradish Sour Cream recipe]
5. Onion, Mushroom, and Goat Cheese Mini Frittatas
Make a dozen of these individually-sized frittatas for a hosted brunch or a dinner party appetizer. Don't tell anyone these gorgeous bites are easier to make than any fancy hors d'oeuvre. [Onion, Mushroom, and Goat Cheese Mini Frittatas recipe]
6. Kale and Roasted Red Pepper Frittata
This vibrant, veggie-packed dish makes for a healthy breakfast or dinner choice, guaranteed to fill you up without weighing you down. [Kale and Roasted Red Pepper Frittata recipe]
7. Egg-White Frittata With Shrimp, Tomato, and Spinach
If you're looking for a clean, protein-rich meal, this cheeseless, egg-white-only seafood stunner will do the trick. [Egg-White Frittata With Shrimp, Tomato, and Spinach recipe]
8. Zucchini Blossom Frittata
At the height of summer, when zucchini is flourishing, make this flavorful dish that combines sliced zucchini rounds, their delicate orange blossoms, and rich Manchego cheese. [Zucchini Blossom Frittata recipe]
Don't be shy - experiment, enjoy, and create your own frittata recipes. Just remember, your only limit is your creativity!
Leftover cheese frittatas can be a delightful highlight anytime, especially when reheated for a quick and satisfying meal. Parsley and other fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to your frittata, making it even more delicious. If you have leftover vegetables, like bell peppers or asparagus, consider reinventing them in a frittata for a new twist on your favorite dishes.
