Spinach Tomato Frittata
A light, cheesy frittata loaded with fresh spinach and grape tomatoes. Quick to make, protein-packed, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 whisk
- 1 10-inch cast iron pan or oven-safe skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 3 tablespoons shallots thinly sliced
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese divided
- ½ cup grape tomatoes thinly sliced
- ½ cup baby spinach thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures the frittata cooks evenly when transferred from the stovetop to the oven. Using an oven-safe cast iron pan or skillet is important because it allows you to start cooking on the stove and finish in the oven without switching dishes, preserving both texture and flavor.
- Melt the Butter: Place 1 tablespoon of salted butter into your 10-inch cast iron pan over medium heat. Let it melt completely so it evenly coats the pan’s surface. The butter not only prevents sticking but also adds richness, enhancing the flavor of the shallots and vegetables that follow.
- Sauté the Shallots: Add 3 tablespoons of thinly sliced shallots to the melted butter. Stir continuously and cook for 1–2 minutes until the shallots become translucent and slightly tender. Avoid browning them too quickly; the goal is to release their natural sweetness to form a flavorful base for the frittata.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: While the shallots are cooking, crack 5 large eggs into a medium mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and 1/8 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until smooth and slightly frothy. This incorporates air, ensuring a light and tender frittata.
- Add Vegetables to the Pan: Stir in 1/2 cup of thinly sliced grape tomatoes and 1/2 cup of thinly sliced baby spinach. Continuously cook over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, just until the spinach begins to wilt and the tomatoes soften slightly. Stirring ensures even cooking and that flavors blend harmoniously.
- Pour in the Egg Mixture: Gently pour the prepared egg mixture over the sautéed vegetables, tilting the pan to spread evenly. Do not stir. Letting the eggs set undisturbed creates a cohesive frittata with a tender, custard-like interior while encasing the vegetables perfectly.
- Cook on the Stovetop: Allow the frittata to cook on medium heat for 3–4 minutes. The edges should start to firm while the center remains slightly soft. You can gently shake the pan to ensure nothing sticks, but avoid stirring to maintain structure and texture.
- Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/8 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the frittata. This will create a light, golden crust once baked, adding flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake in the Oven: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. This allows the eggs to set fully while remaining moist. Baking also melds the flavors of the vegetables, shallots, and cheese beautifully.
- Broil for a Golden Finish: Switch your oven to broil mode and place the frittata under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Watch carefully the top should develop a subtle golden-brown finish. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking and to preserve a tender interior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the frittata rest for a minute before slicing. Cut into wedges using a spatula and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a light salad, or whole-grain toast for a satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
Notes
- Always use fresh ingredients: ripe grape tomatoes, tender baby spinach, and freshly shredded Parmesan make a significant difference in flavor.
- Pre-slicing vegetables uniformly ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the frittata.
- Whisk the eggs thoroughly with cream to incorporate air, resulting in a lighter, fluffier frittata.
- Avoid overcooking: eggs should be set but still moist in the center to maintain tenderness.
- Use an oven-safe pan: starting on the stovetop and finishing in the oven gives the perfect texture without extra dishes.
