Ham and Cheese Frittata with Broccoli

Whether it’s at a restaurant with friends or at home with the family, brunch has always been one of my favorite meals to enjoy with others. When planning a brunch at home, it’s important to prepare a show-stopping centerpiece for the meal.

Enter: Ham and Cheese Frittata with Broccoli. This mouth-watering recipe is made with wholesome ingredients like ham, broccoli, skim milk, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. It’s insanely delicious, easy to make, and requires just 5 minutes of prep time.

Best of all? It’s super versatile, so you can serve it as the star of your next brunch or a hearty appetizer at your next dinner party. For this reason, quiches and frittatas have become some of my go-to dishes to make on the weekends.

From Turkey Quiche Muffins with Broccoli to Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Frittata, I’ve tried (and loved) a ton of different variations.

They are easy to make, delicious, and incredibly hearty. If you’re in search of a new healthy recipe with eggs for breakfast, lunch, appetizer, or even a side dish, look no further than this Ham, Cheese, and Broccoli Frittata.

This delicious recipe tastes absolutely amazing fresh out of the oven, but it is also a great option for making ahead of time. Serve it alongside a refreshing arugula salad or some breakfast potatoes for the ultimate healthy brunch. Yum!

Key Ingredients

To make this ham and cheese frittata, you will need the following key ingredients:

• Eggs. These serve as the protein-packed base of any frittata. To keep mine on the lighter side, I like to use a combination of eggs and egg whites.
• Skim milk. This combines with the eggs to form this frittatas' delicious base. I opted for skim milk because it is low in fat and calories, but you could really use any kind of milk here. For a dairy-free alternative, try using almond milk.
• Ham. While I absolutely love the rich and savory flavor ham adds to this dish, you can use any kind of protein source you like. Chicken breast, bacon, ground turkey, and sausage will all work great too.
• Broccoli. For best results, make sure to cook your broccoli before adding it to your frittata. This helps to get rid of a lot of excess moisture, so our frittata doesn’t wind up soggy.
• Parmesan cheese. I like to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for an irresistible cheesiness! You can also use cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
• Fresh herbs. While I typically opt for parsley, you can also use fresh chives, thyme, or basil.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Here are my top tips and tricks for making this delicious frittata recipe your own:

• Pre-cook your add-ins. To ensure that you don’t consume under-cooked meat or end up with a watery frittata, it’s important to cook your meat and veggies prior to adding them in.
• Don’t over-cook. For this recipe, we’re aiming for the texture of custard. If you over-bake your frittata, it will get spongy and hard, which is less than ideal. Instead, take your frittata out when it is golden in color and darker around the edges of the pan. You’ll know it’s finished when you’re able to shake the baking dish or skillet, and the frittata holds firm.
• Season first. Make sure to season your eggs with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. This will help to lock in the flavor.
• Use different veggies: Take inspiration from this Vegetable Fritatta and try this recipe with different vegetables.

How to Serve a Ham and Cheese Frittata

One of the reasons I love frittatas so much is because they are so versatile! This Ham, Cheese, and Broccoli Frittata is the perfect healthy entrée for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.

Although this dish can absolutely stand on its own, there are a few ways you can jazz it up. Depending on when you’re serving it, here are some of my favorite ways to serve frittatas:

• For breakfast. When serving this ham and cheese frittata for breakfast, I like pairing it with some whole wheat toast, biscuits, or English muffins. It also tastes great when served alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or warm hashbrowns.
• For lunch. When serving this dish for lunch, you can never go wrong with a bowl of fresh fruit. You could also try pairing it with a pasta salad — like this Easy Vegetable Pasta Salad or Greek Pasta Salad — or some Skinny Tricolor Coleslaw.
• For dinner. When serving this dish as a dinner entrée, I recommend pairing it with your favorite cooked veggies or a light salad. Personally, I love serving this dish with Slow Cooker Quinoa and White Bean Stuffed Peppers or this Grilled Lemon Asparagus with Feta.

How to Store a Frittata

If you wind up with leftovers, you’re in luck. While I am a firm believer that frittatas are best when served immediately, you can absolutely store them for later. Whether you’re making them ahead of time for meal prep or preparing dishes for a party, you can easily store your frittata(s) for later!

To store your leftovers, you will first need to let them cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight storage bag or container. Once properly stored, you can store leftover frittatas in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• In the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this healthy breakfast recipe:

Is this dish healthy?

Yes! This dish is nutrient-dense and packed with protein, making it a super healthy way to start your day. It’s also low in carbs and, because we use skim milk and egg whites, lower in fat than most traditional frittatas.

What is the difference between a quiche and a frittata?

The most noticeable difference between a quiche and a frittata is the fact that quiches feature a crust. They’re also typically made with cream, making their consistency a bit creamier than frittatas. Both dishes are commonly served for breakfast and are egg-based.

Can I use a different kind of protein?

Absolutely! While I love the richness of ham in this dish, you can easily swap it out for your favorite protein source. My top choices include chicken breast, ground turkey, and sausage. For a vegetarian option, try adding potatoes or beans instead.