Vegetable Frittata

Veggie frittatas are one of our favorite meals to make. They're incredibly delicious, and they're also an excellent way to use up leftover veggies or produce that's about to spoil. This version is made with mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, tomatoes, and green onions, but you can use any veggies you like.

To make it, you'll create the egg mixture, cook the veggies, then combine everything in a pan and bake in the oven. It's that easy! Serve it on its own for a nutritious breakfast or with some potatoes, soup, or sweeter brunch sides like muffins.

For more frittata inspiration, check out our kale frittata, cheesy spinach frittata, and Italian broccoli and cheese frittata.

What Is A Frittata?

A frittata is an Italian-style omelet that is typically filled with an assortment of veggies, cheese, and meat. Unlike traditional omelets that are folded over, frittatas are cooked open-faced and finished in the oven. Frittatas are sometimes called crustless quiche.

This vegetable frittata recipe is packed to the brim with assorted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and tomatoes, making it a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It turns out light and fluffy from the eggs, yet hearty and filling.

What is the difference between quiche and frittata?

Quiche and frittata are both egg-based recipes that are baked in the oven, but they have some key differences. Here is a breakdown:

Quiche

• Usually, it has a pastry crust and is baked in a pie dish.
• Custard is made from eggs, cream, and cheese.
• Typically includes meat like bacon or ham.
• Richer and more decadent in comparison to frittata.

Frittata

• Is crustless! No pastry crust included.
• It's cooked in a skillet and then finished in the oven.
• Contains egg, milk or cream, and cheese.
• Includes veggies like onions, bell peppers, spinach, and sometimes meat or seafood.
• Firmer and less rich and decadent compared to quiche.

Frittatas are usually a quicker, easier, and more economical option for everyday meals. On the other hand, quiches are more indulgent and better suited for special occasions.

What do you need to make a Vegetable Frittata?

To make this vegetable frittata, you'll need the following key ingredients:

• Eggs: Eggs are the base of any frittata, and they provide protein and structure to the dish. Use egg whites if you are trying to limit your intake of saturated fat.
• Skim milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the egg mixture. You can substitute skim milk with whole milk or non-dairy milk like soy.
• Cheese: Use whatever cheese you have on hand! Some of our favorites include mozzarella, cheddar, crumbled goat cheese, or feta.
• Olive oil: This is used to cook veggies and add flavor. Our go-to is olive oil, but any neutral vegetable oil will work here.
• Vegetables: We love the combination of mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and green onions, but you can mix and match your favorite veggies.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan on top for a pop of intensely savory, cheesy flavors. Alternatively, use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or more feta cheese.

4 Steps to Making a Frittata with Vegetables

Follow these four simple steps to make this veggie frittata:

1. Prepare The Egg Mixture

We always recommend taking the time to whisk your eggs. This introduces air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy vegetable frittata. When they look nice and airy, add the milk, cheese, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook The Veggies

When you're preparing a vegetable frittata, it's essential to cook the vegetables in order from sturdiest to most delicate. For example, start cooking vegetables like mushrooms, onions, broccoli, asparagus, and carrots before adding vegetables like zucchini, spinach, kale, and tomatoes.

This way, they all become tender at the same time, and you avoid over or undercooking some of the mix-ins.

3. Add The Eggs

Once the vegetables are done, spread them out evenly in a skillet (cast-iron skillet or nonstick skillet) before adding the egg mixture. You don't want to agitate the eggs much once they are in the pan, so it's best to move the vegetables around beforehand.

4. Bake The Frittata

Before transferring the skillet to the oven, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the top. Remember to use oven mitts or a tea towel to move the skillet around, especially if you are using cast iron! Bake your vegetable frittata until the center is just set.

What should I do if my frittata is still wet in the middle?

If your vegetable frittata is still wet in the middle after baking it for the full 22 minutes, continue baking it for an additional 5 minutes. You can cover the top with foil if it's starting to brown.

If your frittata is sticking to the pan, there's a good chance you didn't use a nonstick pan, or you didn't grease it properly with cooking spray or oil. Don't forget this step!

Ten Delicious Veggie Frittata Variations

The combinations of vegetables and cheese are endless, but here are some of our favorites:

• Fresh herbs (basil, chives, dill, oregano) + goat cheese + roasted garlic + sundried tomatoes + spinach
• Red bell pepper + green bell pepper + onions + cheddar cheese
• Sweet potatoes + spinach + red bell peppers + feta cheese
• Broccoli + cauliflower + pepper jack cheese
• Sundried tomatoes + artichokes + arugula + feta cheese
• Tomatoes + mushrooms + mozzarella cheese +Italian seasoning
• Mushrooms + shallots + Swiss cheese + fresh herbs
• Leftover roasted vegetables + garlic + Parmesan cheese
• Hash brown potatoes + peppers + onions + sharp cheddar cheese
• Asparagus + thinly sliced potatoes + fresh herbs + goat cheese

The Best Way to Serve a Vegetable Frittata

You can serve almost anything with frittatas, but these are the ones we serve the most.

• Salads: Salads are the perfect side dish for quiche, in my opinion. Serve your veggie frittata with a tasty beet salad, lentil salad, spinach salad, or cucumber salad.
• Potatoes: Make some roasted potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or even roasted fingerling potatoes.
• Soup: Serve your quiche with some cozy slow cooker French onion soup, roasted tomato basil soup, or Italian vegetable and bean soup.
• Brunch sides: If you are serving this for brunch, make some Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins, Greek Yogurt Pancakes, or baked oatmeal.