Ultimate Bacon Cheese Frittata Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Breakfast or Brunch

Are you looking for a simple yet satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner option? Look no further than the bacon cheese frittata! This versatile dish is packed with flavor, easy to customize, and perfect for using up leftover ingredients. A frittata is essentially an Italian baked omelet, and its beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability. This recipe provides a foolproof guide to creating a bacon cheese frittata that will impress your family and friends.

## Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheese Frittata

* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying frittata ready in under an hour.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or meats to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Frittatas are perfect for meal prepping. Make it on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses common ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bacon, cheese, or vegetables.
* **Impressive and Delicious:** The combination of bacon, cheese, and eggs creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Bacon:** 6-8 slices, cooked and crumbled. You can use any type of bacon you prefer – regular, thick-cut, or even turkey bacon.
* **Eggs:** 8 large eggs. The eggs are the base of the frittata, so use fresh, high-quality eggs.
* **Milk or Cream:** 1/2 cup. Milk adds moisture and lightness, while cream adds richness and a velvety texture. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream.
* **Cheese:** 1 cup shredded cheese. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, diced. Onion adds a savory flavor and aroma to the frittata. You can use white, yellow, or red onion.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile of the frittata. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. Olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic, adding flavor and preventing them from sticking to the pan.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the frittata.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Chopped vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes), fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or basil), hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Oven:** Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
* **Oven-Safe Skillet:** A 10-inch or 12-inch oven-safe skillet is ideal. Cast iron skillets work perfectly, but you can also use a non-stick skillet as long as it’s oven-safe. Make sure the skillet is well-seasoned or lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
* **Mixing Bowl:** A large mixing bowl is needed to whisk the eggs and other ingredients.
* **Whisk:** To thoroughly combine the eggs, milk, and seasonings.
* **Spatula:** For stirring the vegetables and bacon.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring of the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all of our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started!

**Step 1: Prepare the Bacon**

* Cook the bacon until crispy. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven, or even in the microwave. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
* Crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* Heat the olive oil in the oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.

**Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white remaining.

**Step 4: Assemble the Frittata**

* Add the crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and any optional vegetables to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Spread the ingredients evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
* Pour the egg mixture over the bacon, cheese, and vegetables. Gently shake the skillet to ensure that the egg mixture is evenly distributed.

**Step 5: Bake the Frittata**

* Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set and the top is lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center of the frittata should come out clean.

**Step 6: Cool and Serve**

* Remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
* Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

## Tips for the Perfect Bacon Cheese Frittata

* **Use an Oven-Safe Skillet:** This is essential for baking the frittata in the oven. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.
* **Don’t Overcook the Bacon:** Overcooked bacon can become dry and brittle. Cook it until it’s crispy but still slightly pliable.
* **Sauté the Vegetables:** Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the frittata helps to soften them and release their flavors.
* **Don’t Overbake the Frittata:** Overbaking the frittata can make it dry and rubbery. Bake it until it’s just set and the top is lightly golden brown.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Letting the frittata cool for a few minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut and prevents it from falling apart.
* **Customize with Your Favorite Ingredients:** The beauty of a frittata is that you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Feel free to add different types of cheese, vegetables, or meats.
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful and delicious frittata.
* **Season Generously:** Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the frittata. Don’t be afraid to add a generous amount of salt and pepper.
* **Whisk the Eggs Thoroughly:** Whisking the eggs thoroughly ensures that they are evenly combined and that the frittata will be light and fluffy.
* **Don’t Overfill the Skillet:** If you overfill the skillet, the frittata may not cook evenly. Make sure to leave enough room for the egg mixture to expand during baking.

## Variations and Add-Ins

The bacon cheese frittata is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some variations and add-ins to inspire you:

* **Vegetarian Frittata:** Omit the bacon and add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini.
* **Mushroom and Swiss Frittata:** Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a savory and earthy flavor.
* **Spinach and Feta Frittata:** Add fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired frittata.
* **Ham and Cheese Frittata:** Replace the bacon with diced ham for a classic and comforting flavor combination.
* **Sausage and Pepper Frittata:** Add cooked sausage and diced bell peppers for a heartier and more flavorful frittata.
* **Jalapeño and Cheddar Frittata:** Add diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese for a spicy and cheesy frittata.
* **Italian Frittata:** Add sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil for an Italian-inspired frittata.
* **Mexican Frittata:** Add black beans, corn, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese for a Mexican-inspired frittata.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, basil, or oregano can add a burst of flavor to your frittata. Add them to the egg mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking.
* **Add Spices:** Spices like paprika, cumin, chili powder, or garlic powder can add depth and complexity to the flavor of your frittata.

## Serving Suggestions

The bacon cheese frittata can be served hot, warm, or cold. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **Toast or English Muffins:** For a complete breakfast or brunch.
* **Salad:** For a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
* **Fresh Fruit:** For a sweet and healthy side dish.
* **Yogurt:** For a creamy and tangy accompaniment.
* **Avocado:** For a healthy and satisfying addition.
* **Sour Cream or Salsa:** For extra flavor and richness.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover frittata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** You can reheat the frittata in the microwave, oven, or skillet.
* **Microwave:** Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the frittata for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I make this frittata ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the frittata ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It’s a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.

**Q: Can I freeze this frittata?**
A: While you can freeze frittata, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to consume it fresh for the best results. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, and mozzarella are all great options.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to this frittata?**
A: Yes, you can add any vegetables you like. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and zucchini are all popular choices. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the frittata to soften them and release their flavors.

**Q: Can I make this frittata without bacon?**
A: Yes, you can easily make this frittata without bacon. Simply omit the bacon or replace it with another protein, such as ham, sausage, or cooked chicken.

**Q: What kind of skillet should I use?**
A: An oven-safe skillet is essential for baking the frittata in the oven. Cast iron skillets work perfectly, but you can also use a non-stick skillet as long as it’s oven-safe. Make sure the skillet is well-seasoned or lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

**Q: How do I know when the frittata is done?**
A: The frittata is done when it’s set and the top is lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center of the frittata should come out clean.

**Q: My frittata is sticking to the skillet. What should I do?**
A: Make sure your skillet is well-seasoned or lightly oiled to prevent sticking. You can also try using a non-stick skillet. If the frittata is still sticking, gently loosen it from the sides of the skillet with a spatula before serving.

**Q: My frittata is dry. What did I do wrong?**
A: Overbaking the frittata can make it dry. Bake it until it’s just set and the top is lightly golden brown. You can also add more milk or cream to the egg mixture to make it more moist.

## Bacon Cheese Frittata Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 8 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk or cream
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite blend)
* 1/2 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Chopped vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes), fresh herbs (chives, parsley, basil)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk/cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Add crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and optional vegetables to the skillet. Spread evenly.
6. Pour egg mixture over the ingredients in the skillet. Gently shake to distribute evenly.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until set and lightly golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

## Enjoy Your Delicious Bacon Cheese Frittata!

This bacon cheese frittata is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, its savory flavors and easy preparation will make it a regular on your menu. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature frittata. Happy cooking!