Discover the perfect way to make and store a delicious frittata. This easy frittata recipe, made with fresh herbs and leftover veggies, is perfect for a make-ahead breakfast, lunch, dinner or meal prep. Learn how to freeze your vegetable frittata for best results, keeping it ready to serve on a busy day.
Frittata, derived from the Italian word “fritta,” meaning to fry, is a versatile dish similar to an omelet but with a unique twist. Unlike omelets, where the filling is folded into the egg, a frittata is a one-pan meal where the filling is mixed directly into the egg mixture before cooking. This dish, often enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or as a light lunch or dinner, resembles a crustless quiche but has a more sturdy and less creamy texture—more akin to a thick, baked omelette.
One of the key features of a frittata is the dual cooking process. You begin by cooking it on the stovetop, then finish it off in the oven, which gives it that perfect texture. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is ideal for this (but a regular skillet with an oven safe handle also works), allowing the dish to transition smoothly from stove to oven. The beauty of a frittata lies in its adaptability—whether you’re using fresh herbs, leftover veggies, or a variety of cheeses, it’s easy to customize this dish to suit your taste.
When it comes to meal prep, frittatas are a popular choice, especially on Sunday mornings or Christmas mornings when you need a make-ahead breakfast that can feed the whole family. They’re easy, quick, and extremely adaptable, making them a great option for those busy days. Plus, they can be served warm or at room temperature, making them even more convenient.
For the best results, freeze your frittata after it’s fully baked and cooled. Cut it into slices, then transfer each slice to a freezer-friendly airtight container. A frittata can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw a slice in the refrigerator, reheat it in the microwave, or place it on a lined baking sheet and warm it through in the oven. Follow these tips and tricks on how to freeze a frittata for a convenient, ready-to-eat meal anytime.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy: This easy frittata recipe is perfect for busy days. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. It's an ideal choice to minimize food waste by using leftover veggies.
- Versatile: Whether you're making a vegetable frittata or adding meat, this dish is incredibly versatile. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, lunch or even a light dinner, and can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Equipment needed: All you need is a large bowl, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, or a muffin tin if you prefer making mini frittatas. A rubber spatula and some cooking spray will also come in handy.
- Meal Prep: Frittatas are a meal prep superstar. You can make a large batch, cut it into individual slices, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for a quick and easy meal later on.
- Customizable: This frittata is completely customizable. You can swap out the peppadew for red bell peppers, add your favorite cheese like goat cheese or cheddar, and include a variety of vegetables for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
- Large Eggs: The foundation of the frittata, providing structure and protein.
- Crème Fraiche/Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the egg mixture, giving the frittata a smooth texture.
- Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adds flavor, and prevents sticking.
- Green Onions/Scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Peppadew/Red Bell Peppers: Offers a sweet and tangy taste, complementing the creaminess of the frittata.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy flavor and a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh Chopped Chives: Used as a garnish, adding a fresh, herbal note to the final dish.
How to Make This Easy Peppadew and Feta Frittata
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (370°F)
Make the Egg Mixture
- Lightly whisk the eggs and crème fraiche / heavy cream together.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
Sauté the Veggies
- Melt butter in a small ovenproof skillet (7 inch/20cm) over medium heat.
- Sauté the sliced green onions.
- Add peppadew and feta to the pan.
- Pour egg mixture over the vegetables and feta.
Start on the Stove & Finish in the Oven
- Cook the frittata over medium to low heat on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes.
- As soon as the egg starts to set at the edges, transfer the skillet to the preheated
- oven.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the eggs are just set.
(The frittata is ready when it is puffed up and the eggs are just set. The center of the frittata should still be slightly wobbly, but not runny or ‘wet’. The residual heat will carry on cooking the frittata while it cools down.)
Cool, Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the pan from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow the frittata to cool for 5 – 10 minutes, before slicing and serving.
- Garnish with chopped chives or your favorite fresh herbs and serve with a green salad, hash browns, bacon, avocado, or toasted whole grain bread.
Chef’s Tips
- Cooking Time: For best results, ensure your frittata is just set in the center after baking. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Cooking Methods: Start the frittata on the stovetop to set the edges, then transfer to the oven for an even bake.
- Pre-Cook Vegetables: Always sauté vegetables like onions and peppers before adding them to the egg mixture. This enhances flavor and prevents excess moisture or under cooked veggies.
- Milk: If you prefer a lighter frittata, you can substitute the crème fraiche with milk, but note the texture will be less creamy.
- Last Night’s Dinner: Frittata is a great way to use up leftover vegetables from last night’s dinner, reducing food waste.
- Mini Frittatas: For a portable breakfast or snack, divide the egg mixture into a muffin tin to create mini frittatas, perfect for meal prep.
- Cooking Spray: Use cooking spray in your muffin tin or baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
What is Peppadew
- Peppadew is the trademark name for sweet piquanté peppers that are pickled and bottled by South African company Peppadew International Ltd. These peppers have a sweet flavor with a mild spice level and are sold in jars.
- Other names: Sweet piquante pepper, Juanita pepper
- Where to Buy Peppadews: Jarred peppadews can be purchased at well-stocked supermarkets, specialty food stores, and cheese shops alongside items like olives and artichoke hearts. They may also be found in bulk at the olive bar in markets with a prepared food section. You can also purchase them from many online retailers, here’s a link.
Variations
- Cheese: Consider using goat cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, feta, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, ricotta, fontina, mozzarella, provolone, Manchego, or cheddar cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Variety of Vegetables: Add artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, butternut squash, cauliflower, green onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, peas, potatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, shallots, spinach, sweet potato, tomatoes, zucchini, or any leftover veggies you have on hand.
- Meat: Incorporate bacon, salami, chorizo, or ham for a heartier frittata.
- Seafood: For a seafood twist, try adding smoked salmon, shrimp, or crab.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor with parsley, basil, cilantro, chives, or chili flakes.
- Garnish: Top your frittata with fresh herbs, a dollop of pesto, or a spoonful of salsa for added freshness and flavor.
Feel free to get creative and combine your favorite ingredients to make this frittata uniquely yours!
What to Serve With Frittata
- Salad: A fresh green salad with your favorite veggies is a light and refreshing side.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add a satisfying crunch and make the meal heartier.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado provides a creamy, healthy addition to balance the dish.
- Bacon: Add some crispy bacon on the side for extra protein and flavor.
- Toasted Whole Grain Bread: A slice of toasted whole grain bread adds fiber and texture.
- Toasted English Muffin: Serve with a toasted English muffin for a classic breakfast pairing.
- Crusty Bread: A piece of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover frittata juices. Try our easy No Knead Bread recipe.
Storage Instructions
Fridge
- Leftover frittata – cool completely, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for 2-3 days. You can serve it chilled, at room temperature, or warm individual slices in the microwave or oven.
Freezer
- Best way - Cool completely to prevent ice crystals and cut into slices before freezing. Flash-freeze the slices on a baking sheet and transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months. When freezing individual portions, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Be careful freezing frittatas containing zucchini, red peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes, as their high water content can cause crystallization, leading to a soft and soggy texture when frozen and defrosted.
- Also note that the texture of a frozen frittata will not be as fluffy as when freshly baked.
Defrost
- Defrost the frittata in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat
- Important - Ensure the frittata is thoroughly heated.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: This method is best for reheating large or whole frittatas. Place the frittata in an oven-safe pan and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. (This is our preferred method.)
- Microwave: Place frittata slice on a microwave-safe plate and reheat on HIGH for 1-2 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 300°F and reheat the frittata in the basket for 3-5 minutes.
- Stove Top: Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat in a skillet. Place the frittata in the pan and reheat for 2-3 minutes per side. If it's not hot enough, repeat.
Our Recommendation
- We recommend not freezing the frittata as it can become watery and rubbery when defrosted. Instead, prepare in advance by whisking the egg mixture and storing it in an airtight container. You can also prepare the vegetables and cheese separately, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days before combining and baking.
FAQ's
A : The best pan for making frittata is a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or an oven-safe nonstick skillet. These pans allow you to start cooking on the stovetop and finish baking in the oven.
A : Yes, it is safe to freeze a frittata. However, keep in mind that the texture will change slightly, becoming less fluffy and a bit watery upon reheating.
A : The best way to reheat a frozen frittata is in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This method helps to retain the texture and avoid any sogginess.
Frittatas are a versatile and convenient dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you're making it fresh or reheating leftovers, it's a great recipe to have in your repertoire.
Try experimenting with different ingredients and storage methods to find what works best for you. Ready to make your own frittata? Get started with our easy frittata recipe and enjoy the delicious results!
Happy Cooking!
PrintEasy Peppadew and Feta Frittata (+ Storage Tips and Tricks)
- Total Time: 25 - 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 - 3
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the perfect way to make and store a delicious frittata. This easy frittata recipe, made with fresh herbs and leftover veggies, is perfect for a make-ahead breakfast, lunch, dinner or meal prep. Learn how to freeze your vegetable frittata for best results, keeping it ready to serve on a busy day.
Ingredients
4 Large Eggs
125 ml (½ cup) Crème Fraiche / Heavy Cream
8 g (1 tbsp) Butter
3 Green Onions / Scallions, finely sliced, white and green parts
125 g (4.4 oz) Peppadew, drained and quartered (marinated red bell peppers can be used instead of Peppadew)
125 g (4.4 oz) Feta Cheese, cut into small blocks
Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Finely Chopped Chives, to garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
-
Preheat the oven to 190°C (370°F).
Make the Egg Mixture
-
Lightly whisk the eggs and crème fraiche / heavy cream together.
-
Season with salt and black pepper.
Sauté the Veggies
-
Melt butter in a small ovenproof skillet (7 inch/20cm) over medium heat.
-
Sauté the sliced green onions.
-
Add peppadew and feta to the pan.
-
Pour egg mixture over the vegetables and feta.
Start on the Stove & Finish in the Oven
-
Cook the frittata over medium to low heat on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes.
-
As soon as the egg starts to set at the edges, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
-
Bake in the middle of the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the eggs are just set. (The frittata is ready when it is puffed up and the eggs are just set. The center of the frittata should still be slightly wobbly, but not runny or ‘wet’. The residual heat will carry on cooking the frittata while it cools down.)
Cool, Serve and Enjoy!
-
Remove the pan from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow the frittata to cool for 5 – 10 minutes, before slicing and serving.
-
Garnish with chopped chives or your favorite fresh herbs and serve with a green salad, hash browns, bacon, avocado, or toasted whole grain bread.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Leftover frittata – cool completely, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for 2-3 days. You can serve it chilled, at room temperature, or warm individual slices in the microwave or oven.
Freezer: Best way - Cool completely to prevent ice crystals and cut into slices before freezing. Flash-freeze the slices on a baking sheet and transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months. When freezing individual portions, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. (Be careful freezing frittatas containing zucchini, red peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes, as their high water content can cause crystallization, leading to a soft and soggy texture when frozen and defrosted. Also note that the texture of a frozen frittata will not be as fluffy as when freshly baked.)
Defrost: Defrost the frittata in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: It’s important to ensure the frittata is thoroughly heated. Oven/Toaster Oven: This method is best for reheating large or whole frittatas. Place the frittata in an oven-safe pan and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. (This is our preferred method.) Microwave: Place frittata slice on a microwave-safe plate and reheat on HIGH for 1-2 minutes. Air Fryer: Preheat to 300°F and reheat the frittata in the basket for 3-5 minutes. Stove Top: Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat in a skillet. Place the frittata in the pan and reheat for 2-3 minutes per side. If it's not hot enough, repeat.
Our Recommendation - We recommend not freezing the frittata as it can become watery and rubbery when defrosted. Instead, prepare in advance by whisking the egg mixture and storing it in an airtight container. You can also prepare the vegetables and cheese separately, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days before combining and baking.
- Prep Time: 5 - 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 - 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 394
- Sugar: 5.4 g
- Sodium: 1280.5 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.5 g
- Protein: 16.2 g
- Cholesterol: 347.2 mg
The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.
Cecile says
Definitely going to try this out. Looks delicious! Rian and Cecile Joubert xx