Looking for a breakfast dish that’s packed with nutrition and flavor? This Healthy Vegetable and Bacon Frittata combines crispy bacon and a medley of vibrant veggies with the rich, creamy texture of perfectly cooked eggs. It’s the ideal choice for a quick weekend brunch or a comforting weekday meal that feeds the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the cheese to suit your taste.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, this frittata is ready in less than half an hour!
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal to kick-start your day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or family breakfasts, everyone will find something to love about this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delightful frittata requires just a handful of ingredients, each bringing their own charm to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this simple yet satisfying meal.
- Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the creamy eggs. Substitute with olive oil for a vegetarian version.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic profile.
- Vegetables: Use a mix like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini to add color and nutrition.
- Eggs: The star of the frittata, providing protein and a rich base.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making it fluffy and light.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, delicious top layer.
Variations
One of the best things about this Healthy Vegetable and Bacon Frittata is its flexibility. Don’t hesitate to experiment by tailoring it to fit your dietary preferences or simply the ingredients you have on hand.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the bacon and use olive oil. Amp up the veggie content with mushrooms or spinach for added nutrients.
- Cheese Swap: Replace Cheddar with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
How to Make Healthy Vegetable and Bacon Frittata
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Next, chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Set all of these aside as you get ready to whisk together your eggs.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Veggies
In a 10” cast iron skillet, cook the bacon along with the onion and garlic over medium heat until the bacon begins to brown. Add the vegetables, cover, and let them cook softly while you occasionally give them a stir.
Step 3: Mix the Eggs
While the vegetables are cooking, whisk the eggs in a large bowl with the milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in the cheese until it’s well combined, and then pour this mixture over the skillet contents.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Reduce the skillet heat to medium, stirring occasionally just until the edges of the eggs start setting. Then, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake at 425 degrees F for 7-10 minutes until golden brown on top.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Vegetable and Bacon Frittata
- Perfect Consistency: Avoid over-mixing the eggs to keep the frittata light and fluffy.
- Even Cook: Use a cast iron skillet to ensure even heat distribution and a crispy edge.
- Veggie Texture: Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Cheese Upgrade: For a richer taste, sprinkle extra cheese on top five minutes before it’s finished baking.
How to Serve Healthy Vegetable and Bacon Frittata
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can enhance the frittata’s flavor and give it a beautiful, vibrant look. For a kick, add a dash of hot sauce on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your frittata with a simple green salad or fresh fruit to balance its rich flavors. It also goes wonderfully with a slice of whole-grain toast for a filling breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, serve your frittata in the skillet right to the table. You can also cut it into smaller squares and present on a platter for a party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover frittata in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. It maintains its flavor and texture beautifully when stored correctly.
Freezing
Frittatas freeze well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This makes for easy grab-and-go meals that last in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frittata slices in the oven on a low temperature until warmed through, or use the microwave if you’re short on time. This will help retain the texture without drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile. Each type of cheese brings a unique taste and texture to the dish.
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Is this frittata suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the Healthy Vegetable and Bacon Frittata is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your chosen ingredients, like cheese or bacon, are not processed with gluten-containing substances.
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Can I make this frittata ahead of time for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare the frittata in advance, slice it, and store it in the fridge or freezer. It’s a convenient meal prep option, easily reheated for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
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What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to include vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus. Experimenting with seasonal vegetables can add a variety of flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up a Healthy Vegetable and Bacon Frittata is not just about mixing flavors but also about the joy of creating a meal that everyone will love. Try this recipe and enjoy the warm, inviting smells filling your kitchen, while your tastebuds get ready for a truly delightful experience. Happy cooking!
Print
Healthy Vegetable and Bacon Frittata Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nutritious and flavorful healthy frittata packed with vegetables, cheese, and optional bacon or olive oil, baked to perfection for a satisfying meal anytime.
Ingredients
Meat or Oil
4 slices bacon (or 2 tablespoons olive oil for vegetarian)
Vegetables
1/2 cup onion (diced)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 cups assorted vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, etc.)
Egg Mixture
10 eggs
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the frittata.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together all 10 eggs. Add the milk, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika, whisking until well combined. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and set aside.
- Cook Bacon and Aromatics: In a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. If using olive oil, heat the oil in the skillet instead.
- Add Vegetables and Cook: Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Then add the vegetables, cover, and cook until tender and bacon is browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Eggs and Filling: Lower the heat to medium. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, quickly stirring to evenly distribute it with the bacon and vegetables.
- Cook on Stovetop: Cook on medium for about 4-5 minutes until the edges are set and slightly puffed.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the top is lightly browned and set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool for 10 minutes to allow the frittata to deflate, then serve.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use olive oil.
- Ensure your skillet is oven-safe, preferably cast iron.
- You can customize the vegetables based on preferences or seasonality.
- The frittata puffs up during baking but will deflate as it cools.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
