There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s both comforting and fresh, which is exactly why this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple, cheesy, packed with broccoli goodness, and turns out perfectly fluffy every time. Let me show you how to make this little slice of breakfast (or anytime!) heaven.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly get excited whenever I make this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe because it hits all the right notes — cheesy, veggie-packed, and effortlessly elegant for a simple meal. Plus, it’s super versatile and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dinner.
- Fresh & Nutritious: The broccoli adds great texture and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- Cheesy Comfort: The cheddar melts beautifully, making every bite deliciously creamy.
- Easy & Quick: This frittata comes together in under an hour, with straightforward steps anyone can follow.
- Impressively Versatile: Adapt it to whatever veggies or cheeses you have on hand—you’ll never get bored.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe serves a purpose, combining to create a balance of flavors and textures. When shopping, look for fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar to maximize that signature blend of freshness and cheese intensity.
- Eggs: The foundation of the frittata, providing structure and richness.
- Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and softens the egg texture for a tender bite.
- Garlic: Brings a lovely aromatic punch that works beautifully with broccoli.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors—use sparingly at first since cheese adds salt, too.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing broccoli, adding a subtle fruity note.
- Broccoli: The star veggie, chopped to cook evenly and bring that slight crunch.
- Smoked Paprika: A hint of smokiness elevates the simple frittata to something special.
- Scallions: Fresh, mild onion flavor brightens the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it's the gooey heart of the frittata.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish and color for garnish.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you’ve got or your mood. I often swap out broccoli for asparagus in spring or add mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Variation: Adding sun-dried tomatoes gives a sweet-tart bite I adore — it brightens the whole dish.
- Dietary modifications: For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute cheddar for mozzarella for a milder melt.
- Seasonal tweaks: In winter, I sometimes add roasted red peppers or caramelized onions for extra depth.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the eggs and flavorings
Start by cracking 8 eggs into a bowl, then whisk in the heavy cream, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined and slightly frothy. This step ensures your eggs will be fluffy and well seasoned right from the start.
Step 2: Sauté the broccoli and aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet. Toss in the chopped broccoli, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the broccoli is just tender — you want a little bite, not soggy. Then add smoked paprika and scallions, stirring them through to release those fantastic flavors.
Step 3: Combine eggs and cheese, then bake
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sautéed veggies in the skillet. Give it a gentle stir to make sure it blends, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to your preheated 400˚F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the frittata is set and golden. If the top browns too fast, tent some foil over it partway through baking.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Once out of the oven, let the frittata rest for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve warm and watch your guests dig in happily!
Top Tip
From my experience making this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe multiple times, a few small tricks have helped me get perfect results every single time. These tips are the little things that can transform a good dish into a great one.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: It makes the whole cooking process easier — you go from stovetop sauté to oven bake without changing pans or losing heat.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: It should be tender but still firm, so it holds up well in the frittata without turning mushy.
- Watch your bake time: Check the frittata starting at 15 minutes; it should be just set in the middle and not overly browned on top for the best texture.
- Season in layers: Salt and pepper your broccoli and eggs separately to build a balanced, well-rounded flavor.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this frittata with fresh parsley — it adds a light herbal note that contrasts nicely with the rich, cheesy base. Sometimes I toss on a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a dusting of parmesan for an extra cheesy boost.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I often serve this with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or some crusty whole-grain bread which is perfect for soaking up any extra cheese and egg. Roasted potatoes are another favorite when I want a heartier brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I sometimes make mini versions in a muffin tin—perfect individual portions that look as cute as they taste. You can also layer thin slices of cooked potato under the broccoli for a gratin-like effect that’s bound to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover frittata stores really well. I let it cool fully, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps nicely for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Freezing
I’ve frozen slices individually wrapped in foil and placed in freezer bags. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they reheat surprisingly well — perfect if you want to prep breakfasts or lunches ahead of time.
Reheating
To keep the frittata moist when reheating, I prefer warming it in a low oven (about 325˚F) covered loosely with foil, or briefly in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top. This helps avoid rubbery eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain the broccoli thoroughly before sautéing to avoid extra moisture which can make the frittata watery.
Sharp cheddar is classic for flavor, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda all melt nicely and offer deliciously different tastes. You can even mix cheeses for complexity.
This recipe is already vegetarian, but for a vegan version, replace the eggs with a chickpea flour batter and use a plant-based cheese substitute. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ from the original.
The frittata is done when the edges are set and golden, and the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. It should have a slightly puffed, firm texture.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is one of those dishes that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite. It’s easy to make, comforting, and you can trust it to come out great even if you’re throwing it together last minute. Next time you want a simple yet satisfying meal, give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll love how that cheesy broccoli mix makes breakfast, lunch, or dinner a little bit brighter.
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Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and nutritious Broccoli Cheese Frittata featuring tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a hint of smoked paprika, baked to fluffy perfection. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 scallions, finely chopped
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F to prepare for baking the frittata.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined. Set aside this mixture.
- Sauté Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender.
- Add Seasonings and Scallions: Stir in the smoked paprika and finely chopped scallions into the skillet, mixing well with the broccoli.
- Combine Eggs and Vegetables: Pour the prepared egg mixture over the broccoli mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to evenly distribute the ingredients without breaking the broccoli too much.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil partway through baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, cut into wedges, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer the frittata to the oven without changing dishes.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the cheese used is made without animal rennet.
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.
- Covering the frittata with foil while baking prevents over-browning but still allows thorough cooking.
- Allow the frittata to rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier and cleaner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 355 mg
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