There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy egg dish fresh from the oven, and this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe hits that exact spot every time. It’s packed with vibrant broccoli, melty cheddar, and just the right hint of garlic and smoked paprika, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a simple dinner.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I keep coming back to this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe because it’s just so easy yet feels special. It’s that kind of recipe that invites you to personalize but still delivers reliably every time.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your fridge or pantry, making it easy to whip up with minimal fuss.
- Versatile meal: It works great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it’s just as good warm or at room temperature.
- Colorful and tasty: The mix of broccoli, scallions, and cheddar makes every bite inviting and packed with flavor.
- Hands-off cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you can relax, knowing dinner or brunch is practically done.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is in how these simple ingredients come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Each one adds a layer of texture and flavor, balanced perfectly for an easy yet nourishing dish.
- Eggs: The star of the show, providing the structure and fluffy base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and makes the frittata extra tender—don’t skip this if you want silky eggs.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh, they add just enough punch without overpowering the dish.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning; I like to add them gradually and taste-test as I go to get it just right.
- Olive oil: Great for sautéing the broccoli—its fruity notes amplify the veggies’ natural sweetness.
- Broccoli: The green star adds crunch, freshness, and color. I chop it small so it cooks evenly and fits nicely in every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky warmth that makes this recipe stand out from your typical frittata.
- Scallions: Their mild onion flavor brightens things up—plus, they add extra texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it brings the gooey, cheesy comfort we all crave here.
- Fresh parsley: Perfect for a fresh, herbal garnish that lifts the richness at the end.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe depending on the mood or season. It's so flexible, you can swap in whatever veggies or cheeses you have—trust me, it’s hard to go wrong!
- Variation: I once added sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist, which was a hit with friends at brunch.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream and skip the cheddar or substitute with a nut-based cheese to keep it dairy-free and still tasty.
- Extra Protein: Toss in cooked sausage or smoked salmon before baking for a more hearty meal.
- Herbs: Feel free to swap parsley for dill, chives, or even a sprinkle of thyme for different flavor notes.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisk It Up
Start by whisking together the eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I like to whisk until the mixture is smooth and a bit frothy—this helps make the frittata nice and fluffy. Set this aside while you prep the broccoli.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli, seasoning it again lightly with salt and pepper. Cooking for about 5 to 8 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green is key—you want that perfect bite, not mush.
Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters
Stir in the smoked paprika and scallions right after the broccoli softens. This is where the flavors really come together. Then pour in your egg mixture evenly over the broccoli. Give it a gentle stir just to combine everything, but don’t overmix or the eggs could get tough.
Step 4: Top & Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven set to 400˚F and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Check around 12 minutes—if the top’s browning too fast, tent with foil to avoid burning. The frittata is done when the eggs are fully set and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Let it cool a couple of minutes, slice into wedges, and serve warm. You’re going to love how the cheddar and broccoli pair so well together with that smoky hint!
Top Tip
Through making this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe countless times, I’ve figured out a few tricks that really make the difference between a good and a stellar frittata.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: It continues to cook in the oven, so just get it tender during sautéing but not mushy.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: It makes transferring from stove to oven seamless and avoids extra dishes.
- Whisk eggs thoroughly: Incorporating air while mixing ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- Cover if browning quickly: Tent with foil halfway through baking to prevent the cheese from burning before the eggs set.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about fresh parsley here—it adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh, slightly peppery kick that balances the richness. If I’m feeling fancy, a light sprinkle of chili flakes or a few slices of ripe avocado on top really take it up a notch.
Side Dishes
I usually serve this frittata with a crisp side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted potatoes for a bit of heartiness. During brunch, some crusty bread and a fruit salad make the meal complete without competing with those bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake the frittata in individual ramekins so everyone gets a personal serving. Garnishing with microgreens and a drizzle of basil pesto adds an elegant touch. It’s surprisingly easy to impress with this simple dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the leftovers cool completely, then cover the skillet or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 3 days without losing much of its flavor or texture.
Freezing
Freezing works surprisingly well for this frittata. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the frittata from drying out, I reheat slices gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 30–60 seconds. This helps it stay moist and cheesy without getting rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen broccoli before sautéing to avoid a soggy frittata. Cooking times might be a bit shorter since the broccoli will be more tender.
Cheddar is my favorite for this recipe because it melts beautifully and adds a nice sharp flavor, but you can also use mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack to switch things up.
To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with a chickpea flour batter or a tofu scramble base, use plant-based cream alternatives, and skip the cheese or replace it with vegan cheese. The texture and flavor will be different, but you can still enjoy a delicious dish inspired by this recipe.
You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center is no longer jiggly when you gently shake the pan. The top should look mostly firm and the cheese is lightly browned. Using a fork or toothpick, you can test the center; it should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is one of my all-time favorite go-tos—not just because it’s full of flavor, but because it’s genuinely easy to make and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it with the people you care about as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, this will be the frittata you keep coming back to!
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
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious and easy Broccoli Cheese Frittata featuring tender broccoli, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of smoked paprika, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
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
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
- Preheat and Prepare Egg Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400˚F. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli to the pan and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender.
- Add Seasonings and Combine: Stir in the smoked paprika and finely chopped scallions into the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and gently stir to evenly combine the ingredients.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake the frittata in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the eggs are fully set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil partway through baking.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the frittata from the oven, cut into wedges, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron for best results.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or a plant-based alternative.
- If you like a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red chili flakes along with the smoked paprika.
- The frittata can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to swap cheddar with other cheese varieties such as mozzarella or feta for different flavors.
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: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 320 mg
Leave a Reply