There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy breakfast that also sneaks in some greens. This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe nails that balance perfectly—creamy eggs, bubbly cheddar, and tender broccoli all baked together into a golden, satisfying dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Whenever I make this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe, I’m reminded how versatile and quick it is. Trust me, whether it’s a weekend brunch party or a simple weeknight dinner, it always hits the spot without much fuss.
- Quick & straightforward: The whole thing comes together in under an hour with just one skillet to clean.
- Perfect veggie boost: Broccoli adds just the right crunch and nutrition without overwhelming the flavors.
- Load of cheesy goodness: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, giving every bite a rich, creamy texture.
- Great for any meal: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe often.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe blends simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. A few essentials make the magic happen: eggs provide the fluffy base, broccoli contributes natural sweetness and texture, and cheddar brings the ooey-gooey comfort factor.
- Eggs: The star protein here, they set the structure and soak up the flavors.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the eggs—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Just a bit to amp up the savory notes.
- Sea salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the broccoli—adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Broccoli: Chopped into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and evenly.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smoky undertone that elevates the dish.
- Scallions: Sprinkled in for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s the crowning glory of this frittata.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, bringing brightness and color that make it pop.
Make It Your Way
I love how flexible this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is. Feel free to swap the cheddar for your favorite cheese or toss in other veggies you have on hand. You really can’t go wrong, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers!
- Variation: Once, I added sun-dried tomatoes and swapped half the broccoli with roasted red peppers—delicious extra depth in every bite.
- For a lighter version: Use milk instead of heavy cream, and you can leave out the oil, sautéing the broccoli in a bit of broth instead.
- Make it vegan: Try chickpea flour “eggs” and vegan cheese—though I’ll warn you, it’s a different texture but still tasty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Your Egg Mixture
First things first, whisk together 8 eggs with ¼ cup of heavy cream, the minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper until smooth. This mixture should be well combined but not frothy—just enough to lighten the eggs a bit.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in your 2 cups of chopped broccoli and season with a little salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the broccoli softens but still has a nice bite. Then stir in ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika and the finely chopped scallions for that extra zing.
Step 3: Combine & Bake
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the broccoli and stir gently just to combine. Sprinkle a full cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, then pop the skillet into your preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the eggs have set completely. Keep an eye on it—if the top starts browning too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
As soon as you pull it out, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and herbaceous punch. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Top Tip
I’ve made this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe more times than I can count, and a few small tricks have really elevated my results. Sharing these with you because they’ll save you time and headache—and produce that perfect golden bake every time.
- Broccoli prep: Don’t overcook your broccoli—the goal is tender, not mushy. It should still hold a bit of crispness when the frittata is done.
- Mix but don’t whisk too hard: When combining eggs with cream and spices, gentle mixing keeps the texture from turning rubbery.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: It’s a game changer. Starting on the stove and finishing in the oven means even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Cheese timing: Adding cheese on top lets it melt and brown delicately without soaking into the eggs, which keeps flavor layers distinct.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top because they add that fresh, green pop of color and a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can bring it to life!
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, I like pairing this frittata with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted baby potatoes. Toasted crusty bread also makes a lovely accompaniment, perfect for scooping up those cheesy bits.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, I sometimes slice the frittata into mini wedges and serve it on a wooden board with bowls of fresh salsa, avocado slices, and mixed olives—turns a humble dish into a festive centerpiece everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover frittata tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it an easy grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Freezing
I’ve frozen slices of this frittata successfully by wrapping them individually in foil and then popping those into a freezer bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge and you’ll still get a good texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover frittata gently in a 350°F oven or in the toaster oven for 10-15 minutes to keep the edges nice and crisp. Microwaves work in a pinch but can make the eggs a bit watery, so I reserve that for the quickest fix.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can make your frittata soggy. You might want to sauté it a little longer to dry it out before adding the eggs.
Cheddar is my favorite for this recipe because it melts nicely and adds sharpness, but you can also swap in mozzarella for a milder, gooier texture, or even a tangy feta for a flavor twist.
Definitely! To make a dairy-free Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream, and replace cheddar with your favorite dairy-free cheese. Just keep an eye on cooking times as non-dairy alternatives may behave slightly differently.
Using a well-seasoned cast iron or non-stick oven-safe skillet is key. Also, heat the oil well before adding the broccoli, and don’t skimp on the oil. If you follow the recipe steps, your frittata should come out cleanly with no sticking issues.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s simple, nourishing, and downright delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you feel great about making again and again, especially when you want food that’s both tasty and wholesome. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new favorite brunch or quick dinner hero.
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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 savory Broccoli Cheese Frittata featuring tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a hint of smoked paprika, baked to perfection for a hearty and delicious meal.
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 and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 scallions, finely chopped
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400˚F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the frittata evenly.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, ¼ cup heavy cream, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined. Set aside.
- Cook broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet. Add the 2 cups of chopped broccoli, seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Add seasonings: Stir in ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika and the 5 finely chopped scallions into the skillet with the broccoli, mixing well to combine flavors.
- Combine with eggs: Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli and scallions in the skillet. Gently stir to distribute the ingredients evenly without overmixing.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil partway through baking.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven, cut the frittata into wedges, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer the frittata from stovetop to oven without mess.
- Covering the frittata with foil prevents over-browning while allowing the eggs to cook through.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor as a garnish but can be omitted or substituted with chives.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or a low-fat dairy alternative.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 370 mg
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