There’s something so comforting about a warm slice of this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe. It’s amazing how simple ingredients come together to make a dish that's both satisfying and fresh—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner any day of the week.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe—it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. There’s something about the way the broccoli stays tender yet crisp and the cheese melts perfectly that makes it feel both wholesome and indulgent.
- Fresh, Easy Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients hiding in your fridge or pantry, making this recipe super accessible.
- One-Skillet Wonder: It’s baked all in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze—something we can all appreciate!
- Flexible and Customizable: This frittata is forgiving, so you can easily add your favorite herbs, veggies, or swap cheeses.
- Perfect Anytime Dish: Whether it’s a quick weekday meal or a weekend brunch showstopper, this frittata fits right in.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each component in this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe plays a role—balancing textures and flavors so the dish feels just right. Using fresh broccoli adds a subtle crunch and vibrant green color, while the cheddar cheese brings just the right amount of melty, sharp goodness.
- Eggs: The base of any frittata, they give structure and richness.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps keep the eggs tender instead of rubbery.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic lifts the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Sea salt: Essential for seasoning, and a little goes a long way to enhance all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle spicy kick that balances the richness nicely.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the broccoli and infusing a gentle fruity flavor.
- Broccoli: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, it brings a tender-crisp texture and fresh, green notes.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a delicate smoky warmth and depth to the veggies.
- Scallions: Their mild onion flavor adds brightness and color.
- Cheddar cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor and great meltability.
- Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Make It Your Way
While I stick with broccoli and cheddar because it's such a fantastic combo, this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is super adaptable. Don't hesitate to switch up your veggies, use a different cheese, or add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs to make it totally your own.
- Variation: I once swapped broccoli for asparagus and used feta cheese instead—resulting in a tangy and bright version that was just as delicious.
- Dietary tweak: If you're dairy-free, try using a plant-based cream and cheese alternative—they work surprisingly well here.
- Extra protein: Adding cooked bacon or sausage elevates this into a heartier meal if you want.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisk up the egg mixture
Start by cracking 8 eggs into a bowl and whisking them with ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and a good grind of black pepper. The cream is key here—it envelopes the eggs with richness, keeping the frittata silky and tender.
Step 2: Sauté the broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in 2 cups chopped broccoli, seasoning it with a pinch more salt and pepper. Cook it for about 5 to 8 minutes until it’s tender but still holds a little crunch—the texture contrast makes a big difference.
Step 3: Add scallions and smoked paprika
Once the broccoli is just right, stir in ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika and 5 finely chopped scallions. The paprika adds a smoky warmth that’s subtle but noticeable in the finished dish.
Step 4: Pour in eggs and add cheese
Pour the egg mixture over the veggies in the skillet and gently stir once or twice to distribute everything evenly. Then, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. The cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, adding gooey, savory bites in every forkful.
Step 5: Bake until set
Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end; if the top browns too quickly, tent a piece of foil over the skillet. You want the eggs fully set but still moist—take it out when the center no longer jiggles.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice into wedges. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright finish that complements the smoky paprika and sharp cheddar.
Top Tip
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is pretty forgiving, but a few small tweaks can take it from good to great—especially when it comes to texture and seasoning.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Sauté it just until tender-crisp to avoid a mushy texture in the baked frittata.
- Season in stages: Adding salt and pepper to the broccoli and also to the egg mix builds layers of flavor throughout the dish.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: It makes transitioning from stove to oven seamless, plus it keeps the frittata cooking evenly.
- Rest before slicing: Let the frittata sit a few minutes once out of the oven to finish setting and make cutting easier.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a spoonful of tangy sour cream for a little extra decadence.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this frittata are lightly dressed mixed greens or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. If you want something heartier, crispy roasted potatoes or grilled tomatoes pair beautifully, adding warmth and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch with friends, I like serving this frittata sliced on a wooden board surrounded by fresh fruit and crusty bread. It makes for a cozy, colorful spread that invites everyone to dig in. You can also turn it into mini portions baked in muffin tins for easy individual servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it even tastier when reheated the next day.
Freezing
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe freezes well, too. I slice it into individual portions and wrap each in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, I reheat slices in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes. It helps keep the edges crisp and the center warm without drying out, unlike the microwave which can make eggs rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the broccoli well before cooking to avoid excess water making the eggs soggy. Sauté it like fresh to remove moisture.
Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp, melty goodness. But Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses work great, depending on your flavor preferences.
Yes, you can cook the broccoli in any skillet, then transfer the egg mixture and veggies to a baking dish before baking. Just make sure your baking dish is well greased to prevent sticking.
The frittata is done when the eggs are set and don’t jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. The edges will be slightly golden, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it's simple, reliable, and so delicious. It’s the kind of dish I happily cook on a busy morning or a lazy weekend, always feeling a little proud when it comes out just right. I can’t wait for you to try it—grab those eggs and start whisking!
Print
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
Description
A delicious and hearty Broccoli Cheese Frittata made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of smoked paprika. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner and can be prepared quickly using an oven-safe skillet.
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 ensure it's at the right temperature for baking the frittata.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet. Add the chopped broccoli to the pan, seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the broccoli is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the smoked paprika and finely chopped scallions into the broccoli mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Combine Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg mixture over the sautéed broccoli in the skillet. Gently stir to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the pan.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the egg and broccoli mixture.
- Bake the Frittata: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the skillet loosely with foil partway through baking to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the frittata from the oven, let it cool slightly, then cut into wedges. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor or swap with mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Covering with foil halfway through baking helps prevent over-browning of the cheese.
- Fresh parsley adds a fresh, vibrant garnish but can be omitted or replaced with chives or basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 375 mg
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