There’s something about that golden, cheesy top and fluffy, tender broccoli tucked inside that makes this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe an absolute winner in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that fills the room with a comforting aroma and makes everyone want a slice (or two!)—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is one of those effortless dishes I keep coming back to because it’s quick, hearty, and wonderfully adaptable. Whether you’re making a weekday breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch, it brings a little slice of joy to the table.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of staples, and it comes together quickly.
- Balanced Flavors: The mild bitterness of broccoli contrasts perfectly with the gooey cheddar cheese.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup because everything cooks right in one oven-safe skillet.
- Versatile Meal: Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—and easy to customize.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe plays a special role in delivering flavor and texture. Here’s why I love these choices and some handy tips for picking the best versions at the store.
- Eggs: The star of the show, providing the fluffy structure that holds everything together.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps keep the frittata tender, so it’s not dry or rubbery.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a subtle punch that wakes up the flavors.
- Sea Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors naturally—go easy, you can always add more.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a little bite and depth.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the broccoli with a lovely touch of fruitiness.
- Broccoli: Use fresh, firm florets that you can chop up easily; they soften nicely without becoming mushy.
- Smoked Paprika: This tiny pinch gives a warming, smoky undertone that makes the dish extra special.
- Scallions: Bright and mild, they add freshness that balances the richness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it creates that irresistible cheese crust we all crave.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish, lending a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe depending on what’s in season or what I have in the fridge. It’s super forgiving and fun to personalize, so don’t hesitate to play around with it.
- Variation: I sometimes swap broccoli for asparagus tips or kale, which makes it feel fresh and different.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of cheese for a vegan twist.
- Spice Boost: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a little kick without overpowering the dish.
- Extra Protein: Toss in some cooked, diced ham or smoked sausage to make it heartier for dinner.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Base
Start by cracking 8 eggs into a bowl and whisking them with ¼ cup of heavy cream. I add minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the mix now so the flavors start melding early on. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and a little frothy—that lightness is a good sign for a fluffy frittata later.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli and Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped broccoli and season with a bit more salt and pepper. Cook it until the broccoli is tender but still bright green—usually about 5 to 8 minutes. Then stir in smoked paprika and scallions for that subtle smoky sweetness and fresh bite.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sautéed veggies, giving it a gentle stir to bring it all together without losing the air you whisked in. Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Slide the skillet into a 400˚F preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if the top starts browning too fast, cover loosely with foil so it doesn’t burn. The frittata is done when it’s set in the center and a little golden on top.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your frittata rest for a few minutes. Then slice into wedges and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and an herbal lift. I always find this makes it look like you’ve just stepped up your brunch game.
Top Tip
After making this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks to get the texture just right and the flavors perfectly balanced.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Sauté it until tender but still vibrant green so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and won’t have that waxy texture you sometimes get with pre-shredded.
- Let It Rest: Waiting a few minutes before slicing lets the eggs set fully and makes cutting cleaner slices.
- Watch the Oven Temperature: If your top browns too quickly, don’t hesitate to cover the pan with foil part way through baking.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh parsley on mine because it adds that pretty green pop and brightens the cheesy richness just enough. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce works wonders too, especially if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, I’ll often serve this frittata alongside a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or even roasted potatoes for a cozy brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I baked this frittata in a muffin tin for a brunch party. Mini frittatas are not only cute but also perfect for grab-and-go snacking. You can also swap the cheddar for a pepper jack or gruyere to surprise guests with a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover frittata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps really well, which is great when you want breakfast ready to go or a quick snack after work.
Freezing
This frittata also freezes nicely—just cut it into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop in the freezer. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
I usually reheat slices in a 350˚F oven for about 10–15 minutes to keep them from getting rubbery. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the eggs tougher, so the oven is my go-to.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture which can make the frittata watery. Sauté it longer to evaporate extra water before adding the eggs.
The frittata is done when the eggs are set in the center and the top has a slight golden color. It shouldn’t wiggle much when you gently shake the pan. Using a toothpick test can help — if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini — just make sure to sauté them well to remove excess moisture before adding the eggs.
If you don’t have cheddar, try using gouda, mozzarella, fontina, or gruyere. These cheeses melt beautifully and add delicious flavors while keeping the frittata creamy and rich.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe holds a soft spot in my heart because it’s such a comforting, no-fuss meal that somehow manages to feel special every time. It’s perfect for when you want to eat something hearty but homey, healthy but indulgent. Give it a try—once you do, I think you’ll find it becoming a regular in your recipe rotation too.
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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: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious and hearty Broccoli Cheese Frittata featuring tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of smoked paprika. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast or a light meal any time of the day.
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 Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 scallions, finely chopped
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of 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: Sprinkle the smoked paprika and add the chopped scallions to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir to evenly combine these ingredients.
- Combine Eggs and Vegetables: Pour the prepared egg mixture over the sautéed broccoli and scallions in the skillet. Gently stir to combine without disrupting the vegetables too much.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the egg and vegetable mixture.
- Bake Frittata: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400˚F and bake for 20 minutes or until the eggs are completely set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the baking process.
- Serve: Remove the frittata from the oven, cut into wedges, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron for best results and easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Covering the frittata with foil during baking prevents over-browning on the top.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice visual and flavor garnish, but you can substitute with chives or basil if desired.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 370 mg
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