How To Make a Perfect Frittata
One of the most amazing, creative, and effortless dishes where eggs are the star of the show is a frittata. You can become a pro at this with these comprehensive guidelines and tips on how to make a frittata.
If you haven’t yet made a frittata, I’m here to help you learn how make one perfectly. One that is creamy and chock full of delicious cheese and ingredients of your choice. Especially a recipe that is easy and not intimidating! Simply whisk some eggs with milk/cream, add veggies and/or meat, toss in some herbs and you’ve got a delicious meal in less than a half hour.
The options for ingredients to add to a frittata are limited only to your culinary imagination! Just add your favorite veggies and cheese to the egg mixture and you’re on your way!
Once you get the hang of it, they’re so easy to make. You’ll love preparing them so much that you’ll find yourself making them more and more. What’s nice about frittatas is that they can be enjoyed not only as a hearty, filling breakfast, but also for lunch or dinner . . . and they’re perfect for brunch. In Italy, it’s common to take a slice to work for lunch. When packed for lunch, they can be enjoyed either warmed up or not.
The Italian word frittata derives from ‘friggere’ which means ‘fried’, a term used for cooking eggs in a skillet. A frittata is not the same thing as an omelette or quiche. A quiche has a crust, whereas a frittata does not. One less thing to have to fuss about!
Traditionally, a frittata is started on the stove in an oven-safe skillet and then finished off in the oven. However, it’s fine to bake them completely in the oven, either as one whole frittata or separated into mini-frittatas baked in muffin pans.
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.A “frittata” is Italy’s distinct version of an omelette, and differs from omelettes and quiche in many ways:
- A frittata always has at least one optional ingredient included, whereas an omelette can be made with eggs only.
- Frittata and such ingredients are combined with the beaten egg mixture while the eggs are still raw rather than being laid over the mostly-cooked egg mixture before it is folded, as in a conventional omelette.
- Eggs for frittata may be beaten vigorously to incorporate more air than traditional savory omelettes, to allow a deeper filling and a fluffier result.
- The mixture is cooked over a very low heat, more slowly than an omelette, for at least 5 – 10 minutes, until the underside is set but the top is still runny.
- The partly cooked frittata is not folded to enclose its contents, like an omelette, but it is instead either turned over in full, and cooked grilled briefly or baked in a very hot oven and finished under a the oven broiler to cook the top layer for around five minutes.
Start with the Basic Frittata Recipe
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup cheese
- 2 cups total of pre-cooked vegetables and/or meat
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Ingredient Options for a Frittata
A frittata is a good vehicle to use numerous ingredients. Use your culinary creativity!
Vegetables
- Spinach, swiss chard, arugala
- Artichokes, mushrooms, zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli, carrots
- Green onions, yellow onions
- Cherry tomatoes, potatoes
Always pre-cook and season vegetables until ‘al dente’ (not too tender) before adding any eggs. This prevents a watery consistency from forming. Raw veggies can either be sautéed, steamed, or roasted. Since the oven will be on, roasting brings out a stronger flavor of the vegetables.
Cheese
- Fontina, Asiago, Parmigiano, Mozzarella
- Feta or Goat
- Cheddar
Cheese makes a HUGE difference in both the added flavor and the additional creaminess of a frittata. Use more for a garnished topping on top of the finished frittata.
Dairy
- Cream, half and half, whole milk
- Sour cream, crème fraîche, yogurt
Use full-fat dairy. Don’t omit the dairy component in a frittata since it will be less creamy and be lacking in flavor. The addition of dairy makes the texture a little more custardy.
Meat
- Sausage
- Pancetta
- Prosciutto
Herbs
- Basil
- Thyme, Sage
- Chives
Garnishes and Toppings
- Add visual interest to a frittata by finishing it off with an attractive garnish using ingredients that match what you used inside the frittata.
- Sprinkle on snipped fresh herbs such as Italian parsley, basil, chives, etc.
- Consider a dollop of sour cream, pesto, or salsa.
- Drizzling a complimentary vinaigrette or a balsamic glaze adds visual appeal and another layer of flavor.
Tips on How To Make a Perfect Frittata
- Use a well seasoned cast iron or nonstick, oven-safe skillet. If you don’t use a nonstick skillet, add a little coating of oil to the pan so the frittata doesn’t stick to the pan.
- When baking a frittata in an oven only, make sure that the baking dish or muffin tin pan is nicely coated with oil to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- For the baking stage, use an average oven temperature and place the frittata on the middle rack.
- Don’t overcook your frittata. It will turn out dry. Keep your eyes on it to occasionally check to see how it is coming along and not burning. Bake it until it is puffy with a little bit of jiggle in the middle. The frittata continues to bake while it rests, just like any baked foods do.
- I like a slightly golden color on the top of a frittata. To do this, just place the frittata at the end of the baking period under a hot oven broiler for no more than 5 minutes. Remember, you must keep a diligent watch on it if you choose to do this to prevent any burning.
- Frittata can be started ahead of time when using the baking in the oven only method. Blend all of the ingredients together, cover with foil and keep in the refrigerator until it’s time to bake. I wouldn’t let it set more than 1 day in the refrigerator though.
- If the frittata sticks to the pan, let it set for 5 minutes and then take a flat, thin metal spatula (the kind that works great flipping burgers) and gently go under the frittata to slowly release the frittata. If it’s messed up, than serve it top-side instead of flipping it over onto a pan.
- Serve a side dish such as hash browns or roasted potatoes and crusty, artisan toast for breakfust. For lunch, brunch, or dinner, serve a frittata with a leafy green salad, assorted fruits, and a popover or muffin.
- Store leftover frittatas in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered with foil or plastic wrap for up to 4 days.
- Serve leftover frittatas chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed in a microwave or toaster oven.

Frittata with Italian Sausage and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Additional Time: 0 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Eggs
Ingredients
- 6 jumbo eggs
- 1 pound mild (sweet) ground Italian sausage
- 3 – 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup 6-cheese Italian blend of finely grated cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 Tbsp. fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the sausage in small, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until browned, constantly breaking up the sausage into small pieces, such as in a ‘sloppy joe’ sandwich.
- Add the chopped onions to the sausage and cook a little longer.
- Drain off any hot fatty grease.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, chopped Italian parsley, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over cooked sausage and onions.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese on top, gently blending into the egg/sausage mixture.
- COVER and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, keeping an eye on the bottom (lift up with a spatula) to make sure that it is not burning.
- Broil the frittata on the lower shelf of your oven until gold brown – – keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let the frittata sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly picked Italian parsley while it is setting.
- Cut into wedges and serve with Italian artisan bread.
- Salt and pepper to taste upon serving.
Can a leavening agent like cream of tarter be used in WHOLE eggs for airy frittata’s?
Hi Dana,
Great question!
Cream of tartar is known for creating lofty meringues and whipped cream, so there’s no reason it can’t do the same for eggs. You don’t need much . . . no more than 1/8th of a teaspoon for every two eggs that you use in your frittata!
Thanks for stopping by!
Ciao,
Roz
Hello, just wondering I used large eggs, what size is jumbo? Thank you
Hi Elle,
Oh yes, it is perfectly alright to use large eggs. I just like a little larger egg and that’s all the there is in the difference. So, yes, go right ahead and use large eggs!
Thanks for a great question, Elle!
Ciao,
Roz
Hi Ellen,
I used the Italian blend shredded cheese (sometimes it is 5-blend, other times its 7-blend) — as long as it’s a blend of Italian cheese, you can’t go wrong. This usally includes Mozzarella, Parmigiana, Asiago, maybe Fontina, etc. It’s wise to read the label in the event that you make it. and then y9u or one of your guests doesn’t like one of the cheeses, You can’t take one out of the blend. This cheese is available in the dairy section of the store.
Just wondering which cheese you used in the photo above, and which you prefer.
Hi Ellen,
I refer any of the following cheeses:
Fontina
Asiago
Pepper Jack
Parmsan
Thanks for asking such a great question!
Roz
One of my favorite dishes.
One of my favorites too, Jovina. And a frittata is so easy to make!
Ciao,
Roz
Another one proving simple is the best ! Grazie milla !
The simplest recipes are always the best recipes!
Happy New Year,
Ciao,
Roz
Love the way you describe the method in detail and include different ingredients. Thanks for the tips!
My pleasure to share with you Kathryn! I’m glad that you found the method so helpful. That means alot ot me!
Ciao,
Roz
I’m going to make a frittata tonight for dinner! We love them and yours looks absolutely inviting.
Hi Susan,
I’d love to make frittata for dinner, but my husband isn’t in to eggs like I am, so I fix these for breakfast, lunch and to take to work.
Ciao,
Roz
Have a wonderful and blessed Easter Roz!
And I hope that you enjoyed a blessed Easter too!
Hugs,
Roz
oh my we love Frittata! LOve that you added 6 blended Italian cheeses! YUM!
The cheese is the secret ingredient in any recipe for the ultimate in deliciousness, don’t you think?
Hope you had a lovely Easter my friends,
Roz
Roz this frittata is perfect to welcoming spring,wish you and yours a Blessed and Happy Easter, a warm hug from Trieste, un abbraccio !
Grazie mille, Chiara! I hope that you also had a Buona Pasqua!
Ciao,
Roz
It’s really perfect… and you can prepare a frittata always different.
I wish you a great Easter!
I agree Ilaria, a frittata is so versatile to be creative!
Ciao,
Roz
An delicious frittaa! We are big Italian sausage fans, so this is going to make a fabulous Easter Sunday Brunch. Thanks Roz!
Thank you MJ! I hope that you had a lovely Easter!
Hugs,
Roz
Frittata is a perfect go-to meal when you’ve got eggs in the house. It’s the perfect foil for so many other ingredients, and in this case, the sausage and the cheese are a match made in heaven. As always, lovely photographs.
You describe frittata so perfectly Linda: an easy-go-to meal that so many things can be added in. I think that’s one of the main reasons why I love them so much!
Hugs,
Roz
Looks amazing..I cook for The Lions Gate Inn B&B in Oregon. I always enjoy seeing breakfast ideas.
Susan,
This frittata and any of those recipes for frittata posted on this blog would be awesome served for breakfast at a B & B!
Ciao,
Roz
Looks great and yummy!!!! I will definitely make it!
i make frittata one day yes and one day no! It’s one of my favorite fast solutions for lunch yesterday I posted my favorite in season frittata with leeks!
Perfection, Roz! A frittata is one of my favorite things. Thanks.
Thanks Roz, it’s nearly midnight and I’m craving this! [drooling] Your dishes are always fabulous. I am going to try this one very soon.
I would eat a frittata at your place anytime. I like the way you piled on that cheese:)
Love frittata for dinner, this one looks great, especially the sausage part!
Your food photographs are amazing it all looks so real.
Oh MY! I so need to make this-perhaps this weekend! since the hubs is so much better at cooking than i, maybe we can tackle together….thanks love!
Hi! It’s been a while since I left you note, but I’ve been wondering who makes your beautiful buttons? Everyone I’ve seen is gorgeous!
I’ll be back tomorrow to link up something. Not sure yet what. Maybe a book review?
Tina “The Book Lady”
I love eggs and frittatas. This looks absolutely delicious.
This is what breakfast is all about. 🙂
mmm,yummy I just love fritattas and this looks delish!!
anne
http://www.anniebakes.net
A frittata is my go-to meal when I am scrambled for time! This looks so welcoming and reminds me that I still have a few more days to cook with the herbs…
Sigh…I wish I had time for a leisurely breakfast this morning. This would be so welcome Roz.
Good and easy, I used non vegetarian sausage and it was good.
Ciao! Wow! This looks sooo good! It’s making me hungry. I invite you to hop over to my blog & join me for Thursday Blog Hop. 🙂
I love eating eggs all times of the day and fritattas are one of my faves. Yours looks great!
oh lovely breakfast thanks for the kind comment on the design 🙂
Now that looks Nummy! You have an award over on my Holiday Traditions blog. Come and get it! http://holidaygiftsandmore.blogspot.com
Tina
I love Fritatas for breakfast!
it doesnt get any better than this!
It looks beautiful and sounds delicious!
Oh how gorgeous, the cheese on top is just wonderfully browned
Thank you so much Jennifurla! Your words made me smile even more today!
Ciao,
Roz
This frittata looks so good, I’m drooling!
– The Tablescaper
Thank you SO much for your kind words! I really appreciate them during your visit to my blog!
Ciao,
Roz
That looks sooooo delicious!
Thank you Julia! A frittata is so good and super easy to make!
Ciao,
Roz
OMG, another winner 4 sure… Your photos and recipes are superb!.
Ah, thank you so much! Your kind words are greatly appreciated!
Ciao,
Roz
The prettiest firtata I’ve ever seen !
Grazie mille Elra! I appreciate your kind compliment!
Ciao,
Roz
This is defnitely a top of the pile frittata.
Thanks Larry! It’s my favorite frittata!