A frittata is the Italian standard for quick, simple nutrition and a great way to clean out the refrigerator.

The word frittata comes from Italian 'friggere', which roughly translates to mean fried. It's a simple word that encompasses all of what a frittata can be - it's a simple dish that allows for a ton of variety. As long as you have a cast iron skillet set, eggs, and some extra ingredients to toss in you can have an easy meal on the breakfast, lunch, or dinner table in 30 min. 

Healthy frittata recipes typically include lots of green veggies and lean proteins in addition to the heart-healthy egg, which has been called a 'perfect protein' as it contains all 9 essential amino acids needed by our bodies.

Learn more about how to make this perfect frittata recipe! Oven-baked frittata is sure to be a hit with even the pickiest of eaters!

Traditional Frittata Recipe: Oven-Baked in 30 Min!

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Servings

6

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz. of bacon, chopped (approx. 8 slices)
• 3 oz. of fresh spinach, roughly chopped ( approx. 3 packed cups)
• 8 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of half and half cream or milk alternative
• 1/2 tsp of onion powder
• 1/4 tsp of garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup of grape tomatoes, halved
• 2/3 cup (2.8 oz) of swiss cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Butter or oil a 9 - 10-inch casserole dish. Set aside for now. (You can skip this step if you have a cast iron skillet that can be transferred from stovetop to oven. It's a great way to cut down on dishes afterward!)
3. Place bacon in a 12-inch non-stick skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning frequently, until browned and crisp, about 6 - 10 min.
4. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with several layers of paper towels to drain excess grease. Leave 1 tbsp of rendered bacon fat in the skillet and drain. Reserve or discard excess fat.
5. Return skillet to medium-high heat. Add spinach and saute just briefly until it has wilted, about 15 - 30 seconds.
6. Remove from heat and transfer spinach to the plate with bacon.
7. In a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs, half and half/milk alternative, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add cooked bacon, tomatoes, spinach, and swiss cheese. Toss the mixture to distribute ingredients evenly. Pour into your prepared casserole dish or a cast iron skillet.
9. Bake in the preheated oven until just set, about 30 min.
10. Cut into wedges and serve warm.

Frittata in Oven FAQs

What is the difference between an omelet and a frittata?

Omelets and frittatas are certainly similar dishes - they're both packed full of eggs and a few other optional ingredients.

Despite the similarities, there are some central differences to the dishes:

• Frittata ingredients are mixed directly into the egg mixture and cooked through. In an omelet, the ingredients are placed in the center of the egg after it has partially cooked, and the egg gets folded around the fillings. They stay fairly separated from the egg this way.
• Frittata is more of a custard than an omelet. While milk is often mixed into the eggs in an omelet, it's more of an optional addition than a crucial element to the dish. In a frittata, the eggs are whipped vigorously and an ample amount of cream (preferably) is added to soften and fluff up the texture of the dish.
• Frittatas are cooked over low, slow heat. Omelets are usually cooked on the stovetop quickly, over medium-high heat, whereas a baked frittata is cooked in a casserole dish or cast iron skillet inside the oven at a low temperature for a longer period of time. Frittatas are one of those easy oven recipes that don't require making a mess on the stovetop and can be cleaned up easily.
• Omelets get flipped and frittatas don't. Omelets need to be flipped halfway through the cooking process, whereas a frittata stays in the skillet, undisturbed until the top is barely set. The frittata continues to cook in the skillet after it is removed from the heat, so you don't want to cook it until it "looks done" like you would an omelet.
• Frittatas can be served hot or at room temperature. Omelets are only served hot, straight from the stovetop.

How can I change up my frittata?

Try this baked frittata with other mix-ins to switch up the flavor! 

Here are a few great options to add to your egg frittata:

• Baked potato
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Asparagus
• Fresh herbs, like parsley, basil, or thyme
• Bell pepper
• Canned artichokes
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Ham
• Smoked salmon
• Cooked sausage
• Feta, cheddar, mozzarella or provolone cheese
• Goat cheese

Playing around with these ingredients is a good way to keep cooking eggs in the oven from getting stale.

Can I use a regular pan?

If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you should try using a casserole dish instead. You cannot use another pan unless it's made of a material that is safe for the oven. If you want to make mini frittatas, you could try using a muffin pan. You will want to adjust the cooking time to about 15 min, as the smaller sized frittatas will require a shorter cook time.

Should I precook my add-ins?

Yes, especially when it comes to meats as you'll want to ensure they get fully cooked for food safety. Even veggies should be pre-cooked, as they release a lot of water as they cook and may make your frittata become soggy. Conversely, the veggies might come out undercooked if you don't pre-cook.

How do I know when my frittata is done?

You want to cook your frittata until the top is barely set. The frittata will keep cooking after you take it out of the oven. Eggs are fragile, and if you cook the top until it is golden, it will be dry, firm, and overcooked on the inside and bottom.

What can I serve with a frittata?

Try serving with a green salad or fried hash browns. You can even place a slice of frittata in between 2 pieces of toast for a delicious breakfast sandwich.

What temp should frittata be cooked to?

If you bake at 350° for 20-30 minutes, your frittata will be cooked to an ideal temperature for safety and texture.

Final Word

We hope that this baked frittata becomes an easy go-to recipe for when you're short on time and ingredients!

Enjoyed this recipe? Check out our article on more cast iron skillet recipes, for example this breakfast skillet recipe!