This easy frittata recipe with ham, cheddar cheese and broccoli is a perfect (and fast) low carb breakfast or brunch option. Great for serving a crowd!
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Easy Breakfast in a Skillet
I love making breakfast pie, mini egg frittatas or egg white muffins for my breakfast almost weekly, but sometimes it’s nice to make a big version for the whole family to enjoy. It’s perfect for using up any leftover meat and veggies laying around in the fridge. And super easy, too!
This frittata recipe would be great for breakfast, dinner, brunch, Easter, Christmas or Mother’s Day, to name a few. Frittatas are such an easy, cheap and fast way to serve a crowd. No slaving in the kitchen making 7 omelettes, and no waiting an hour for a casserole to bake.
You can add whichever veggie/meat combo you’d like, but I am particularly fond of this ham-broccoli-cheese version. Instead of shredding the cheese, cut it into chunks so you get little pockets of oozy goodness. Yes please!
Difference Between Omelettes and Frittatas
Although frittatas and omelettes are pretty similar, the main difference between the two is how the eggs are finished off. They both start with an egg, meat and veggie filling and are typically cooked on the stove top.
An omelette is typically made for 1 person and is flipped and finished off on the stove. A frittata is made for a crowd and is first cooked on the stove top, then finished off in the oven. You do not flip frittatas…you let them cook all the way through in the oven.
Ingredients
Below are the simple ingredients used in this frittata recipe. Feel free to adjust based on preference and what you have on hand!
Find the full recipe with specific measurements below.
- Eggs: You need a lot of eggs to make a whole frittata. This recipe calls for 9 whole eggs (both the yolks and whites).
- Ham: I always make this recipe around the holidays whenever we have leftover baked ham or crockpot spiral ham. It’s the perfect way to use it up!
- Cheese: The secret to an amazing frittata is to use cubed cheese so you get pockets of oozy cheesy goodness. We love sharp cheddar.
- Onion: I love adding in a small diced onion for extra flavor. You can also add in some minced garlic here if you’d like.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is my favorite veggie to add. It has tons of fiber and holds up well after being baked in with the eggs. Feel free to swap with different vegetables. Cherry tomatoes would also be delicious sprinkled on top.
- Milk: We use whole milk, but you can use 2% with a dash of heavy cream if you’d like.
- Olive oil: You need a small amount of oil to saute the onions.
- Spices: I used a mix of cayenne, salt and black pepper to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Frittata Variations
This recipe is so versatile, feel free to mix and match different combinations for a perfect breakfast!
- Cheese: Goat cheese, mozzarella, feta, Parmesan, or any variety of cheddar works.
- Veggies: Asparagus, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, jalapeños, really anything works!
- Greens: Hearty leafy greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, beet greens, or endive.
- Protein: Bacon or Canadian bacon would be delicious.
- Fresh herbs: You could sprinkle some fresh basil, parsley, dill or chives on top as well.
How to Make a Frittata
- SAUTE. Cook the onions over medium-high heat in a large cast iron pan (make sure it’s oven-safe) until translucent.
- COMBINE. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and spices.
- COOK. Once onions are cooked, add in the broccoli, ham and cheese. Make sure there are even amounts of each spread throughout the pan. Then pour the egg mixture on top (don’t stir) and cook until the edges begin to set, about 7-9 minutes.
- BROIL. Finish the dish off in the broiler until the top is brown and the eggs are set. This usually takes about 2 to 5 minutes, but be sure to check every minute so it doesn’t burn.
Sides to Serve Alongside
We love serving this broccoli frittata with any of theses breakfast sides:
Recipe FAQ
The main difference between the two is how the eggs are cooked. They both start with an egg, meat and veggie filling and are typically cooked on the stove top. An omelet is cooked on the stove and frittatas are usually baked.
By using a whole milk it will make the egg mixture nice and fluffy. Make sure to whisk the eggs nicely too.
A cast iron skillet in the best pan to cook it in so that you can start it on the stove and move it to the oven.
Storing + Freezing
This ham frittata will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to store the leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, either place in the microwave, oven or toaster oven and warm back up for a few minutes.
To freeze, I would recommend cutting the frittata into 4 pieces and then wrapping each piece individually with foil. Once wrapped, place all pieces in a freezer bag and store in freezer. It will last in the freezer for a couple of months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat the next day in the microwave or oven until warm.
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Frittata Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion , chopped (or half a large onion)
- 9 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ ground black pepper , or to taste
- 2 cups broccoli florets , cooked
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham , chopped (I used a ham steak)
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese , cut into chunks
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler. Move the oven rack to about 5 inches from the broiler.
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook 5 to 8 minutes, or until translucent.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- When the onions are cooked, spread the broccoli in the pan. Top with the chopped ham. Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
- Pour the egg mixture over the top. Don’t stir. Cook 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are starting to set.
- Transfer the pan to the broiler. Broil 2 to 5 minutes. Don’t walk away! Check it every 1 minute. The frittata is done when the top is brown and the eggs are set (not wiggly).
Video
Notes
- Veggies: mushrooms, bell peppers, asparagus, spinach
- Meats: bacon, shredded chicken, sausage
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe contributed by Karen from The Food Charlaton for I Heart Naptime.
Thank you for your delicious frittata recipe! It was my first time making one and came out perfectly. Will definitely make it again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Paula!
Wonderful frittata!!
This dish looks SO deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right now!
How do you serve it? Do you flip the pan to turn it out?
I served it from the pan and just cut slices.
I made this tonight for dinner – it was great!
So delicious! Perfect for breakfast or dinner!!
Thank you! :)
This looks amazing! Great tip about freezing it into portion sizes so I can enjoy this while still keeping my mornings easier!
I LOVE FRITTATAS. Such an underrated egg and breakfast dish. I just love how light and fluffy the eggs get while baking in the oven. This recipe looks amazing!
These are my favorite go-to when feeding a crowd! They are packed with flavor & I love that you can add whatever you like in it! This is delicious!
Can i make this without a cast iron skillet?
You can cook in regular skillet and then transfer to a pie or glass dish before baking if preferred.