Basic Frittata Recipe With Whatever You Have on Hand (2024)

FAQs

What is the frittata formula? ›

The Frittata Formula

Frittatas are incredibly simple. For every six large eggs, you'll want to mix in ¼ cup of milk or cream, ¼ cup of cheese, and about 3 cups of meat or vegetables. The small amount of milk and cheese keeps the eggs soft and creamy and the meat and vegetables give you endless options.

Forgetting to add milk or cream.

This is the ingredient that gives frittatas their signature creamy, fluffy texture. Without this important addition, frittatas cook up flatter and a bit more dense.

This also holds true for aromatics, like onions, and sturdy veggies, like raw potatoes. "They won't get much more tender once you add the beaten eggs," says Perry, "So cook them fully before combining everything." Don't be afraid of getting a little color on the vegetables: That's what makes them so delicious!

Replace cover on the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until the egg is lightly browned on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully flip the frittata and cook until the bottom is again lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes more.

Do you add water or milk to a frittata? Let's just say that full-fat milk or heavy cream is the best way to go. Water will work, but you won't get the density and rich texture you'll get when you use a full-fat liquid. Sour cream, crème fraîche or yogurt can be substituted for the heavy cream in this recipe.

The egg to dairy ratio: If you are making a smaller frittata use 6 eggs and 1/4 cup of dairy, and if you are making a larger frittata use 12 eggs and 1/2 cup of dairy. You can use milk, sour cream, yogurt, milk kefir, or any other form of dairy you have on hand - just make sure it is full fat.

Go for high moisture cheeses

According to Cheese Science, high moisture cheeses like mozzarella and smoked Gouda are great melting cheeses that give frittatas their desired texture. Meanwhile, a low moisture cheese like Parmesan won't melt in the oven, especially when it's surrounded by a mixture of eggs.

The green-gray color (and the whiff of sulfur smell that often accompanies it) comes from the reaction of iron in the egg yolk and sulfur in the egg white. When heated, the two can combine to make green-gray ferrous sulfide and hydrogen sulfide gas.

Use a cast-iron skillet.

The best choice for making frittatas, cast iron skillets can safely go from stovetop to oven, and they conduct heat well and evenly. Seasoning a cast-iron pan gives it a non-stick quality, so a well-seasoned skillet will result in the easiest slicing & serving.

You don't want it to overcook, or you'll ruin the texture you were seeking. About five minutes before your quiche should be done, give the pan a slight jostle. If the center is still liquid, you've got to cook longer. If it's almost set, cook the frittata a few more minutes, then remove it.

How do you keep frittata from getting watery? ›

Too much liquid will prevent your frittata from setting and, in some cases, make it kind of watery. For that reason, he warns against adding milk, and he recommends draining any vegetables that create a lot of water. If you're using a fresh tomato, chop it and drain the juice before you add it to your eggs.

Working over a sink or garbage can, place a large overturned flat plate or lid on top of skillet, set hand on top (using a dish towel if you are sensitive to heat), and, in one very quick motion, invert frittata onto it.

When you pour in your eggs, let the frittata set for a couple of minutes on the stovetop. Then keep an eye on it when it's in the oven, and take it out when it's still a touch jiggly—not quite creme brulee-level jiggly, but when the top is a still a tiny bit shaky, get that frittata out of the oven and serve it warm.

Classic sides for a frittata include a fresh green salad, fruit salad, crispy potatoes and/or some fresh bread, scones or toast. Bacon, ham or sausage are also popular side dishes.

what is a frittata? Some call a frittata a crustless quiche (although, I call a quiche a crust-full frittata). It's an egg-bake filled with yummy vegetables, herbs, and a bit of cheese. If you're not a savory breakfast person, it's a quick weeknight dinner option.

And, unlike omelets, frittata fillings are mixed in with the eggs in the pan rather than folded in the center. To make a frittata, well-beaten eggs are cooked on the stove in a hot skillet, along with the fillings, for a few minutes until the outer edges are set.

A frittata is often called an Italian open-faced omelet. Frittatas are cooked on the stovetop with vegetables on the bottom and finished in the broiler. An omelet is a French dish cooked on the stovetop with vegetables added on top.

Prep and cook:

Mix egg with breast milk or formula and whisk until well combined. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add egg mixture. Cook, stirring often with a spatula, until eggs are scrambled and completely cooked through. Chop into tiny bits and serve to your baby.