Easy Broccoli Frittata: A Quick and Delicious Meal

Are you looking for a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Look no further than this easy broccoli frittata! A frittata is essentially an Italian omelet, cooked in a skillet and finished in the oven (or sometimes entirely on the stovetop). It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables, cheese, and meats, and it comes together in a snap. This broccoli frittata recipe is a particularly good choice because it’s packed with nutrients, incredibly flavorful, and adaptable to your preferences. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian or vegan.

## Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Frittata

* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this frittata takes less than 30 minutes to make.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eggs provide protein and essential amino acids.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Frittatas are great for meal prepping! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it cold or reheated throughout the week.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Broccoli and eggs are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a wallet-friendly meal.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy this frittata, especially if you let them help with the preparation.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **6 large eggs:** These form the base of the frittata. Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor and texture.
* **1 cup broccoli florets:** Fresh or frozen broccoli works well. If using frozen, thaw it slightly and pat it dry.
* **1/2 cup milk (or cream):** Milk adds moisture and helps create a creamy texture. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even cream for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
* **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor. You can substitute with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast.
* **1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Cheddar cheese adds a creamy, melty texture. You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyere.
* **1/4 cup chopped onion:** Onion adds a subtle sweetness and savory flavor. You can use yellow onion, white onion, or red onion.
* **1 clove garlic, minced:** Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and greasing the skillet. You can substitute with other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season the frittata to your liking.
* **Optional add-ins:** Cooked bacon or ham, chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Oven:** To bake the frittata.
* **Oven-safe skillet:** A 9- or 10-inch oven-safe skillet is ideal. Cast iron skillets work particularly well. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the frittata to a baking dish before baking.
* **Mixing bowl:** To whisk the eggs and milk together.
* **Whisk:** To whisk the eggs and milk together.
* **Cutting board:** To chop the vegetables.
* **Knife:** To chop the vegetables.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** To measure the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your broccoli frittata:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the center position.

**Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli**

If using fresh broccoli, wash it thoroughly and cut it into small florets. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it slightly and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the frittata from becoming soggy.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

Heat the olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using any other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, add them to the skillet along with the broccoli.

**Step 4: Whisk the Eggs**

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white remaining. The mixture should be light and airy.

**Step 5: Assemble the Frittata**

Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the skillet. Use a spatula to gently distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the egg mixture. If you’re using any cooked bacon or ham, sprinkle it over the top of the frittata.

**Step 6: Bake the Frittata**

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the frittata is set and the top is lightly golden brown. The center of the frittata should be firm to the touch. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the skillet with foil.

**Step 7: Cool and Serve**

Remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool slightly in the skillet for a few minutes. This will help it set up and make it easier to slice. Run a knife around the edge of the frittata to loosen it from the skillet. You can serve the frittata warm, at room temperature, or cold.

To serve, slice the frittata into wedges and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired. Serve it on its own as a light meal, or pair it with a side salad or some toast for a more substantial meal.

## Tips and Variations

* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and lose its bright green color. Cook it just until it’s slightly tender.
* **Use High-Quality Eggs:** High-quality eggs will result in a richer, more flavorful frittata.
* **Don’t Overbake the Frittata:** Overbaking the frittata will make it dry and rubbery. Bake it just until it’s set in the center.
* **Add Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your frittata, such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them before adding them to the egg mixture.
* **Add Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Gruyere, goat cheese, or feta cheese. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
* **Add Meat:** Add cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or chorizo to your frittata for a heartier meal.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little heat.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free milk and cheese substitutes to make this frittata dairy-free.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use a plant-based egg substitute and dairy-free cheese substitute to make this frittata vegan. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, basil, or oregano will add a burst of flavor to your frittata. Add them to the egg mixture or sprinkle them over the top before baking.
* **Make it in a Baking Dish:** If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the frittata to a baking dish before baking. Grease the baking dish well to prevent the frittata from sticking.
* **Use Leftovers:** This frittata is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, cheese, and meats.

## Serving Suggestions

This broccoli frittata is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect accompaniment to the frittata.
* **Serve with Toast:** Toast some crusty bread and spread it with butter or avocado for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
* **Serve with Soup:** A warm bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or vegetable soup, is a comforting pairing with the frittata.
* **Serve with Fruit:** Fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, adds a refreshing sweetness to the meal.
* **Pack it for Lunch:** Frittata is a great lunch option because it’s easy to pack and eat on the go.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover frittata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or skillet. To reheat in the microwave, heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. To reheat in the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. To reheat in the skillet, heat over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frittata can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the frittata to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above.

## Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Per serving (1/6 of the frittata):

* Calories: Approximately 250-300
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
* Fiber: 2-3g

This broccoli frittata is a healthy and delicious meal option that’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and it’s perfect for any time of day.

## Broccoli Frittata Recipe Card

Here is a printable recipe card for your convenience:

[Recipe Card Placeholder – Replace with actual recipe card]

Enjoy your easy and delicious broccoli frittata! It’s a meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version.