There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy egg dish that hits the spot any time of day. This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe never fails to impress at my breakfast table — it’s packed with vibrant broccoli and melty cheddar, all nestled in fluffy, tender eggs. Trust me, it’s well worth making for a simple yet satisfying meal that feels homemade and hearty.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is one of those dishes I always go back to when I want something quick, wholesome, and totally delicious. The combination of tender broccoli and sharp cheddar gives it a lovely balance of flavors that feels fresh but also comforting.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need on hand, making it super convenient to whip up.
- One-Pan Wonder: It all cooks in one skillet — easy clean up means more time enjoying your meal.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner — this frittata shines any time you serve it.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or swap veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a special role in this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe. The eggs create a fluffy base, while the cream adds richness and tenderness. Fresh broccoli brings a nice bite and bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. I always recommend grabbing fresh scallions and garlic for that extra layer of savory goodness.
- Eggs: The star of your frittata — they bind everything together and give that fluffy texture.
- Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and keeps the eggs tender, so your frittata doesn't dry out.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives just the right warm, aromatic kick.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing the broccoli without overpowering its freshness.
- Broccoli: Provides texture, color, and a subtle sweetness when cooked to tender-crisp.
- Smoked Paprika: A little smoky depth that makes the frittata extra interesting.
- Scallions: Bright and mild, they add freshness and a bit of crunch.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s the cheesy goodness that pulls it all together.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish — it adds a pop of green and a fresh herbal note.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is how flexible it is. I often swap the cheddar for mozzarella or feta if I want a milder or tangier twist. Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggie variety — you’ll find it easy to make this your own.
- Variation: I once added sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, and it turned out wonderfully vibrant — totally worth trying if you like an Italian spin.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cream and vegan cheese, and you can still enjoy all that flavor without dairy.
- Make It Heartier: Add cooked sausage or bacon bits before baking for a meatier version that’s still quick and delicious.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Egg Mixture with Care
Start by whisking together the eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a big bowl. I like to whisk until it’s all smooth and a little frothy—that extra air makes the frittata light and fluffy. Set the mixture aside while you start cooking the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli Until Tender
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli, and season with a bit more salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green — not mushy. This part is key because it brings out the natural sweetness and keeps the texture just right.
Step 3: Add Flavor with Smoked Paprika and Scallions
Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the broccoli and stir in the chopped scallions. These two ingredients add a smoky warmth and a fresh bite that makes the whole frittata pop with flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the Egg Mixture and Top with Cheese
Slowly pour your egg mixture over the broccoli and gently stir everything once or twice to combine without disturbing the veggies too much. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top – you want that cheese everywhere for melty pockets of goodness.
Step 5: Bake Until Set and Golden
Pop the skillet into your preheated 400˚F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it — if the top starts to brown too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are no longer jiggly and the surface is firm.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Up
Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into wedges. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright color boost and a subtle herbal note. Serve warm and enjoy!
Top Tip
After making this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe many times, I’ve found that paying attention to your broccoli texture and baking time really makes a difference. A few simple tweaks can elevate this from everyday to fabulous.
- Broccoli Texture: Don’t overcook your broccoli in the skillet — tender but slightly crisp is the goal, so it keeps that fresh bite.
- Gentle Stirring: When you add the eggs, stir just enough to distribute evenly but not so much that your broccoli gets mushy on the bottom.
- Oven-Safe Skillet: Using a good-quality cast iron or any oven-safe pan lets you sauté and bake in the same dish, which saves cleanup and keeps the flavors concentrated.
- Watch the Bake Time: If the edges brown too fast, tent with foil—this keeps the frittata moist without burning the top.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving — it adds freshness and a beautiful pop of color. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up, especially if you want a little contrast to the cheese.
Side Dishes
This frittata pairs beautifully with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, crusty bread for sopping up every last bite, or roasted baby potatoes if you want a heartier spread. On weekends, I sometimes serve it with fresh fruit for a balanced brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, I slice the frittata into small squares and arrange them on a wooden board with colorful veggies, olives, and breadsticks. It’s a showstopper that looks lovely and invites guests to graze and chat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover frittata in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts or light lunches when I don’t have time to cook from scratch.
Freezing
Freezing frittata pieces works surprisingly well. I wrap individual wedges tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, just defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 325˚F for about 10 minutes — this keeps the frittata from drying out and keeps the cheese melty. The microwave works if you’re in a rush, but I recommend covering it loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Frozen broccoli works just fine — just thaw it and pat it dry to avoid extra water in the frittata. Sauté it gently so it doesn’t become mushy.
Cheddar is classic, but you can also use mozzarella for a mild melt, feta for a tangy punch, or gouda for something smoky and rich. Just pick one that melts well and suits your taste!
The recipe is naturally vegetarian if you leave out any meat additions. For vegan, swap eggs with a chickpea flour batter and use vegan cheese and dairy-free cream alternative — the texture will be different but still tasty.
The frittata is done when the eggs are fully set and no longer jiggly in the center. The edges should be slightly golden, and if using a toothpick, it should come out clean without wet egg.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the perfect mix of easy, nourishing, and flavorful. It’s the kind of dish I come back to on busy mornings or relaxed weekends alike. Give it a try—I bet you’ll find it’s one of those recipes you want to keep in your rotation, just like I do.
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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 nutritious Broccoli Cheese Frittata featuring tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and fragrant scallions baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
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 to taste
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
- Prepare the egg mixture: 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.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups of chopped broccoli to the pan, season with additional salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Add seasoning and scallions: Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika and 5 finely chopped scallions into the skillet with the broccoli. Stir to combine evenly.
- Combine eggs and vegetables: Pour the prepared egg mixture over the broccoli and scallion mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to distribute the vegetables evenly.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the egg mixture. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400˚F. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the eggs are completely set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the skillet loosely with foil partway through baking.
- Serve: Remove from oven, cut into wedges, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) for best results when transferring from stovetop to oven.
- Substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a lighter option.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, chives or basil can be used as garnishes.
- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or bell peppers along with the broccoli.
- Make sure the eggs are fully set before removing from the oven to avoid a runny center.
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: 375 mg
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