How to Make Frittatas (Stovetop or Baked)

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Have you ever had an amazing frittata? The perfect frittata is creamy, custardy, and full of veggies. It is not dry, sponge-like or bland.

Frittatas are the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge weeknight dinner or weekend brunch recipe. Frittatas also transport well, so you can bring slices to picnics or pack them up for work lunches.

You can get creative with leftover frittata—use a slice as a sandwich filling, or break it up for easy breakfast tacos.

Frittatas can be intimidating at first, but they’re very easy to make if you know what you’re doing. So today, I’m sharing a comprehensive guide to making a perfect frittata, every time.

I’ve been disappointed by traditional frittatas before, so I went back to the basics. I pitted America’s Test Kitchen’s frittata guidelines against Bon Appetit and Epicurious, and came up with my own go-to methods.

Traditional Frittatas vs. Baked Frittatas

In my recipe, you’ll learn how to make traditional frittatas using the stovetop-to-oven skillet method. I made sure to use a reasonable oven temperature (not the broiler) and suggest cooking the frittata on the middle rack, so you can watch it while it cooks. Life’s too short for burnt frittatas!

I’ve also provided instructions on how to make baked frittatas (in a casserole dish or muffin tin), which are more hands-off. The baked options are particularly great if you need a make-ahead option or when your stovetop is otherwise occupied.

Which version is my favorite? They all turn out equally well. The only real deciding factor is which method works best for you.

Basic Frittata Formula

• 12 eggs, whisked just until the egg yolks and whites are blended
• 3 tablespoons full-fat dairy
• 3 cups cooked and seasoned vegetables or other add-ins
• 1 cup (4 ounces) grated or crumbled cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Recommended Frittata Flavor Combinations

• Spinach, artichoke and feta cheese
• Broccoli, cheddar and green onion
• Cremini mushrooms, arugula and goat cheese
• Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, mozzarella and basil
• Shown here: yellow onion, carrot, bell pepper, goat cheese and chives

General Frittata Tips

Dairy options

Use full-fat dairy. I’ve had great results with heavy cream, half-and-half and whole milk. Sour cream, crème fraîche and yogurt will work as well. However, two percent and skim milk are too watery. Omitting the dairy altogether results in a frittata that is, unsurprisingly, more eggy in flavor and less creamy.

Testing notes: America’s Test Kitchen recommends just three tablespoons of dairy and Bon Appetit recommends 1/2 cup. I tried both and slightly preferred the America’s Test Kitchen version, so I opted for the lower amount.

Pre-cook your vegetables, and use a lot of them

Vegetables should be tender, seasoned and cooked before adding the eggs. Raw vegetables release too much water and won’t be fully cooked by the time the eggs are done. Pre-cook your vegetables by sautéing, roasting, or steaming them to bring out their best qualities.

A large frittata made with one dozen eggs can accommodate up to three cups cooked vegetables, so that means you’ll need even more than three cups of raw vegetables!

Cheese is a good idea

Cheese offers extra flavor and up the creamy factor. I love to use soft cheeses like goat cheese. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are delicious as well.

You can stir up to one cup of grated or crumbled cheese directly into the egg mixture, or reserve some for topping the frittata. While I live for golden, bubbling cheese on pizza and lasagna, don’t aim for a golden top when it comes to frittatas. Which brings me to my next point.

Don’t overcook your frittata

Keep an eye on your frittata while it’s in the oven. Bake until the eggs are puffed and opaque, and the center of the frittata jiggles just a bit when you give it a gentle shimmy.

The frittata will continue cooking once you remove it from the oven due to residual heat. Overcooked eggs smell like sulphur and have a dry, spongey texture—not good!

Frittata Notes

How to scale this recipe

My recipes calls for twelve eggs. You can halve this recipe and use a smaller skillet (say, 8″) or baking dish. Smaller frittatas will finish baking earlier, so adjust accordingly and keep an eye on them.

I don’t recommend trying to cut the recipe by more than one-half, since frittatas are inherently a large-batch item. How about egg sandwiches or toasts instead?

Recommended frittata pans

For the stovetop-to-oven method, use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet (affiliate link) or an oven-safe, non-stick skillet.

If you’re opting for a baked method, use a well-oiled baking dish or muffin tin (I actually didn’t have to oil this muffin tin, but my other “non-stick” muffin tin caused problems. Oil your pan to be safe).

What to serve with frittatas

Frittatas make a great main dish for any meal of the day. Or, you can treat a frittata as a side dish in a larger breakfast spread (especially mini frittatas).

Sides that complement frittatas include simple green salads, breakfast potatoes or hash browns, and toasted whole-grain bread.

Frittata garnishes and toppings

Frittatas don’t always win the beauty contest. For extra visual appeal, finish your frittata off with a sprinkle of fresh, leafy herbs (such as basil, parsley or cilantro) or snipped fresh chives.

For an extra-luxurious frittata, top individual slices with a dollop of pesto or your favorite herbed condiment. Another option? Finish them with a very light drizzle of thick balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze. Working with a Mexican-ish frittata? Try hot sauce or gently warmed salsa.

Watch How to Make Frittatas