There’s something so satisfying about a warm, cheesy egg dish that’s packed with fresh vegetables—and this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe hits all those notes perfectly. It’s a simple, cozy meal that feels just right any time of day, and the tender broccoli paired with sharp cheddar makes it extra special.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dishes. It’s not just about ease—it’s about the balance of creamy, savory, and fresh that you don’t find every day in a simple egg bake. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Speedy and Simple: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy mornings or quick dinners.
- Veggie Packed: You get tender broccoli pieces that add a satisfying texture and a pop of green without overwhelming flavors.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melty cheddar cheese on top clouds the frittata with a golden, gooey finish that’ll make you want seconds.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite cheeses or add herbs and spices to make this your own signature dish.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When you look at these ingredients, you’ll notice they’re simple but thoughtfully combined to create layers of flavor and texture. The heavy cream makes the eggs extra fluffy, while smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the earthiness of broccoli.
- Eggs: The star of the show, providing structure and richness—make sure they’re fresh for the best texture.
- Heavy Cream: Helps keep the frittata tender and creamy, preventing the eggs from drying out.
- Garlic: Adds warmth and a subtle savory kick without overpowering the dish.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors naturally.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the broccoli; it brings a slight fruitiness that complements the other ingredients.
- Broccoli: Choose fresh, vibrant green florets. I like chopping them into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note that elevates the flavor without heat.
- Scallions: Bring a mild onion flavor and a fresh crunch that brightens the overall dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it creates a beautiful golden crust and rich taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Used as garnish, it adds a fresh, herbal pop and pretty color.
Make It Your Way
I love putting a little spin on this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe based on what’s in my fridge or the season. Don’t be shy about switching things up—you’ll find it’s quite forgiving and adapts well!
- Add-ins: I sometimes toss in diced red bell peppers or mushrooms to boost extra veggies and flavor; they cook up nicely alongside the broccoli.
- Dairy swaps: If you want a sharper or milder cheese, go for mozzarella, gouda, or swiss instead of cheddar—each gives a different vibe.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or chives are lovely additions right before baking for an herbal twist.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne gives a bit of heat if you like some kick.
- Make it vegan (sort of): Use a chickpea flour batter and plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version, just adjust cooking times as needed.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Eggs Right
Start by cracking 8 eggs into a large bowl, then add the heavy cream, minced garlic, sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and a little frothy—that’s the secret to a fluffy frittata. Set it aside while you prep the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli with Love
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped broccoli, sprinkle a touch more salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes until it’s softened but still bright green. Don’t rush this step; well-cooked broccoli adds a tender bite without being mushy.
Step 3: Season & Combine
Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika and add the finely chopped scallions. Give everything a gentle stir to meld the flavors, then pour your egg mixture evenly over the broccoli. Stir gently to combine the eggs with the veggies, allowing the eggs to seep in perfectly.
Step 4: Cheese It Up & Bake
Scatter shredded cheddar cheese liberally over the top of the mixture, then place the skillet in your preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching closely toward the end. The frittata is done when the eggs are set and the cheese has turned a beautiful golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, just cover loosely with foil.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Once out of the oven, let your frittata rest for a few minutes, then cut it into wedges. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant finish and serve warm. I love how the parsley adds a pop of freshness to each cheesy, tender bite.
Top Tip
Over time, I’ve learned that cooking this frittata just right is all about patience and timing. Here are some tried-and-true tips I count on every time to get that perfect fluffy texture and beautiful golden crust.
- Don’t skip the cream: Adding heavy cream to the eggs really makes a difference in softness—trust me, I used to overlook it and ended up with dry edges.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: It saves you from transferring the frittata, reducing the chance of spills or cracking.
- Keep an eye while baking: Oven temps can vary, so start checking at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Let it rest: A short resting time after baking allows the frittata to finish setting, making slicing cleaner and easier.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
For me, fresh parsley is a must—it brightens every bite and makes the dish look inviting. Sometimes I like to add a few thinly sliced scallions on top for a little extra crunch and mild onion flavor. A light drizzle of hot sauce can be a fun way to spice things up too.
Side Dishes
I often serve this frittata alongside a crisp mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple fruit salad for a fresh, balanced meal. Toasted sourdough bread or crusty baguette slices also pair beautifully, especially when you want something to scoop up every last cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For special brunches, I’ve made mini portions in a muffin tin for bite-sized frittata muffins—perfect for sharing. Laying some colorful roasted cherry tomatoes around the slices on the plate adds a festive vibe. I also like to top it with a dollop of herbed sour cream or Greek yogurt for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the frittata cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, which is perfect for quick meals or packed lunches during the week.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to prep ahead. After it cools, I slice the frittata into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. It freezes well up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the texture pleasant, I prefer reheating the frittata in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes instead of the microwave, which can make the eggs rubbery. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine, just cover it loosely and check every 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the frittata soggy. Fresh broccoli tends to give the best texture.
Look for eggs that are fully set and not jiggly in the center. The cheese on top should be melted and golden brown. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Absolutely! You can sauté the broccoli and mix the eggs ahead, then keep the mixture covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, pour into the skillet, sprinkle cheese, and bake.
Mozzarella, gouda, or fontina make excellent melting cheeses that work well in a frittata. You can also try a sharp parmesan for a different flavor profile or a combination of cheeses for complexity.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely enjoy making this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe because it’s a comforting dish that’s both nourishing and flexible. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something satisfying that’s easy to whip up, it never disappoints. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite egg dish!
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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
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata is a savory and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast or brunch, combining tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoned eggs baked to fluffy perfection.
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 & Seasonings
- 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.
- Mix Eggs: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet. Add chopped broccoli to the pan and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook the broccoli for 5 to 8 minutes until it becomes tender.
- Add Seasonings: Stir smoked paprika and finely chopped scallions into the cooked broccoli to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Eggs and Veggies: Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli in the skillet. Gently stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the egg and broccoli mixture.
- Bake Frittata: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the eggs are fully set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil partway through baking.
- Serve: Remove the frittata from the oven, cut into wedges, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a 12-inch oven-safe skillet to ensure even cooking and easy transfer to the oven.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter option, though the texture will be less rich.
- Covering the frittata with foil partway prevents over-browning on top while allowing the eggs to cook through.
- The frittata can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or brunch gatherings.
- For a vegetarian version, this recipe is already suitable; omit any meat additions if desired.
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: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 380 mg
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