Cheesy Broccoli Frittata is your answer to the ultimate feel-good breakfast, effortless brunch, or even a satisfying weeknight dinner. Packed with vibrant broccoli, pockets of melty cheddar, and a custard-like egg base, this frittata brings the flavor and comfort in every slice. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that feels both wholesome and indulgent!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off & Fuss-Free: A simple bake that skips the constant babysitting of omelets or quiches—just combine, pour, and let the oven do the magic!
- Loaded with Goodness: Each slice is bursting with crisp-tender broccoli, light oniony scallions, and creamy cheddar for balanced flavor and nutrition.
- Impressively Versatile: Enjoy warm or cold, for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—Cheesy Broccoli Frittata can shine at any meal.
- Feeds a Crowd (or Makes Amazing Leftovers!): It easily serves six, and reheats beautifully for effortless meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of humble staples come together to create the vibrant color, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness in this Cheesy Broccoli Frittata. Every ingredient adds its own personality to the dish, and it’s hard to believe something so delicious can be this simple.
- Eggs: The foundation of any frittata, eggs give it structure and classic, custardy softness.
- Heavy Cream: For luxurious richness and a silky, pillowy texture—substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter option.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a zippy, aromatic backbone that brightens every bite.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for flavor—you’ll season both the eggs and the veggies, so taste as you go!
- Olive Oil: Lends richness and prevents sticking while sautéing the broccoli.
- Broccoli: Chopped small so it cooks quickly and blends seamlessly into the frittata—this is the secret to bright green color and lots of nutrition.
- Smoked Paprika: Just a sprinkle adds warmth, subtle smokiness, and gorgeous color.
- Scallions: These add a gentle onion flavor without overpowering the frittata; be sure to slice them nice and thin.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp, and classic—use a good-quality cheddar and feel free to mix in other cheeses if you like to play!
- Fresh Parsley: Finish with chopped parsley to add a fresh pop of green and a bright, herby note.
Variations
Worried you don’t have everything on hand? Don’t be! Cheesy Broccoli Frittata loves to play dress-up. It welcomes swaps and additions depending on what you find in your fridge, dietary preferences, or how adventurous you’re feeling today.
- Meaty Add-Ins: Fold in cooked bacon, diced ham, or leftover rotisserie chicken to make it extra hearty.
- Cheese Swap: Sub in Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of feta for a different cheesy flair.
- Veggie Variety: Don’t stop at broccoli—spinach, bell peppers, asparagus, or even zucchini are all welcome additions (just sauté until tender first).
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite unsweetened plant milk and dairy-free cheese for a no-dairy version that’s still totally irresistible.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Frittata
Step 1: Whisk the Egg Mixture
Preheat your oven to 400˚F. Grab a large bowl and whisk the eggs with the heavy cream, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and a good sprinkle of black pepper. This is where you create the creamy, savory foundation for your Cheesy Broccoli Frittata—take just a minute to whisk until everything is smooth and lightly frothy.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat olive oil in a 12″ oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped broccoli straight to the pan, season with a pinch more salt and pepper, and cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring now and then, until the broccoli is tender and bright green. The key is to soften the stalks while keeping a hint of bite for contrast.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Sprinkle smoked paprika and chopped scallions over the sautéed broccoli. Give it all a good stir—the smokiness of the paprika and freshness of the scallions will infuse the veggies, setting up a tasty, aromatic base for the eggs.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Bake
Pour your egg mixture evenly over the broccoli and gently stir once or twice to combine. Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Pop the skillet right into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the eggs are just set in the center. (If the top is browning quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.)
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your Cheesy Broccoli Frittata is baked and puffed, let it cool for a couple of minutes. Run a spatula around the skillet edge, slice into wedges, and top with fresh parsley for an herby, gorgeous finish. Serve warm or at room temperature—both are equally delicious!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Broccoli Frittata
- Skillet Savvy: Use a well-seasoned, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) for an evenly cooked frittata and easy slicing.
- Tiny Broccoli, Big Flavor: Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so it cooks through quickly and blends nicely into the eggs.
- Cheese on Top: Always sprinkle the cheese on last—it melts into gooey pools up top and gives you gorgeous browned spots that are irresistible.
- Avoid Overbaking: Pull the Cheesy Broccoli Frittata from the oven the moment the center is just set; it will finish cooking with residual heat and stay irresistibly creamy inside.
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Frittata
Garnishes
Top each wedge of Cheesy Broccoli Frittata with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. If you want a restaurant-worthy finish, try adding a few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This frittata pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple fruit platter for breakfast and brunch. If you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, a slice of crusty sourdough or roasted potatoes on the side will make it a complete, hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, slice Cheesy Broccoli Frittata into slim wedges and serve on a pretty board with toothpicks for a fun, shareable appetizer. Individual ramekins offer an adorable, single-serve option—perfect for showers or potlucks. You can even cut the frittata into cubes for lunchboxes or a protein-packed snack board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Broccoli Frittata keeps beautifully—simply cool it to room temperature, wrap slices or the whole frittata tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s handy for grab-and-go breakfasts or a quick lunch, and the flavors only deepen over time.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this frittata! Let slices cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic or parchment and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently defrost in the microwave.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Cheesy Broccoli Frittata is to pop it in a 325˚F oven (covered with foil) for 10–15 minutes. For speedy mornings, the microwave works, too—heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep that creamy, tender texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen broccoli in Cheesy Broccoli Frittata?
Absolutely! Thaw the broccoli first and squeeze out excess moisture. If possible, chop into smaller pieces and sauté as you would with fresh; the texture will be a bit softer, but still tasty and full of flavor.
-
What’s the best cheese for a frittata?
Cheddar is classic in Cheesy Broccoli Frittata for its tangy melt and lovely color, but Swiss, Gruyère, mozzarella, or even pepper jack all work well. Mix and match your favorites for extra flavor depth!
-
How do I know when my frittata is set?
The center should barely jiggle when you give the skillet a gentle shake, and a knife inserted near the middle should come out mostly clean. Be careful not to overbake—your Cheesy Broccoli Frittata will keep setting as it rests.
-
Can I make Cheesy Broccoli Frittata ahead for a brunch party?
Yes—Cheesy Broccoli Frittata is one of the best dishes to prepare in advance! Make it the night before, cool completely, and cover. Next day, slice and serve cold, at room temp, or gently reheat in the oven before guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re inviting friends for brunch or treating yourself to a speedy, nourishing meal, I hope you’ll fall in love with this Cheesy Broccoli Frittata as much as I have. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and effortlessly customizable—go on, whip it up and let every cheesy, veggie-filled bite brighten your table!
PrintCheesy Broccoli Frittata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Frittata recipe is a delightful combination of fluffy eggs, tender broccoli, savory cheese, and fragrant spices, baked to perfection. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, this frittata is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Eggs:
- 8 eggs
Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed
- freshly ground black pepper
Broccoli Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 scallions, finely chopped
Cheese and Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400˚F.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Heat oil in a 12” oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in paprika and scallions.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli in the skillet. Gently stir to combine. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the frittata for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the eggs are set. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil partway through baking.
- Serve: Cut the frittata into wedges, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes
- You can add in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
- This frittata is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 290mg