This baked vegetable and potato frittata is a delightful dish that’s both hearty and healthy. Combining tender potatoes, vibrant broccoli, and peppers with eggs and cheese, this recipe makes a satisfying meal any time of the day. It’s a great way to use up vegetables in your fridge, and it’s easy to customize to your taste. The combination of garlic, lemon, thyme, and a hint of red pepper gives the dish a fragrant, zesty flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this baked frittata is simple to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 8 Small Potatoes (1 kg)
- 2 Medium Broccoli Heads
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for the broccoli)
- 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1/2 Lemon
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 3 Bell Peppers (any color, chopped)
- Olive Oil (for frying the vegetables)
- 4 Eggs
- 1 tsp Salt (for the eggs)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Thyme
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for spice)
- 100g Cheese (grated, about 1 cup)
- Mayonnaise and Ketchup (for serving)
- Chives (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Broccoli
- Boil the potatoes: Begin by boiling 8 small potatoes (about 1 kg) in salted water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the potatoes, and cook until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Blanch the broccoli: In the same pot or a separate one, bring another pot of water to a boil. Cut 2 medium broccoli heads into florets and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Peppers
- Sauté the onions: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of butter and a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the peppers: Add 3 chopped bell peppers (any color) to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should be soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic and Lemon Mixture
- Mix the garlic and lemon: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, the juice of 1/2 a lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, and some freshly chopped parsley. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Toss the broccoli: Add the blanched broccoli to the garlic and lemon mixture, tossing until the broccoli is evenly coated. Set aside for later assembly.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Beat the eggs: In a medium bowl, crack 4 eggs and beat them lightly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Mix well until the seasonings are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Assemble the Frittata
- Layer the potatoes: Slice the boiled potatoes into rounds and place them in a lightly greased baking dish. You can overlap them slightly to cover the base of the dish.
- Add the sautéed vegetables: Spread the cooked onions and peppers evenly over the potato layer.
- Add the broccoli: Arrange the seasoned broccoli florets over the top of the vegetables.
- Pour the egg mixture: Pour the beaten egg mixture evenly over the vegetables in the baking dish, ensuring everything is well coated.
Step 6: Bake the Frittata
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake: Place the frittata in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Final Bake
- Add the cheese: After the frittata has baked for 20-25 minutes, remove it from the oven and sprinkle 100g of grated cheese over the top. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer.
- Bake again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once the frittata is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and a drizzle of mayonnaise or ketchup, if desired.
- Serve: Slice the frittata into portions and serve warm. This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and portions used.
FAQs
1. Can I use different vegetables?
Yes! This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add or substitute vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just be mindful of the moisture content of the vegetables, as it can affect the texture of the frittata.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the frittata in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cheese option or skip the cheese altogether.
4. Can I freeze the frittata?
Yes, you can freeze the frittata. After it has cooled completely, cut it into individual portions and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Tips for Making the Perfect Baked Frittata
- Cook the vegetables ahead of time: To ensure the frittata doesn’t become watery, always cook the vegetables beforehand to release their moisture.
- Don’t overcook the eggs: Keep an eye on the frittata as it bakes. Overcooked eggs can become dry and rubbery, so take it out of the oven once the eggs are just set.
- Use a good-quality cheese: The cheese adds a rich flavor to the frittata, so opt for a high-quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella.
- Serve with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives add a burst of freshness to the dish. Don’t skip this step for the perfect finishing touch.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze portions of the frittata by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the frittata in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes. If you’re using the microwave, heat it on medium power to avoid overcooking the eggs.
Conclusion
This baked vegetable and potato frittata with cheese is an excellent dish for any meal of the day. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables and protein, and the addition of cheese adds a rich, indulgent touch. Whether you’re preparing it for a family breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a quick dinner, this frittata is versatile, easy to customize, and always satisfying. With its mix of tender potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy eggs, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!