There’s something about the combination of fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and vibrant green broccoli that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe comes together seamlessly and makes a fantastic meal any time of day—whether it’s a lively brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, frittatas are one of my go-to dishes when I want something quick, wholesome, and utterly satisfying. This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe has been a favorite because it combines simple ingredients into a rich, savory dish that's surprisingly versatile.
- Effortless Preparation: You only need one skillet and under 10 minutes of hands-on time before it bakes.
- Nutrition Boost: Broccoli packs a punch with vitamins and fiber, making this more than just a cheesy indulgence.
- Deliciously Cheesy: Sharp cheddar melts into every bite creating a creamy, flavorful texture you’ll crave.
- Customizable Flavors: You can easily swap cheeses or veggies to match what you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays its part to make this frittata both flavorful and balanced. Choosing fresh broccoli with bright green florets and a nice crunch really makes a difference, and the eggs mixed with a bit of cream give it that luscious, silky texture.
- Eggs: The star of the show, providing structure and protein; fresher eggs make fluffier frittatas.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and keeps the eggs tender without weighing them down.
- Garlic: Infuses subtle savory notes that complement the broccoli, but don’t overpower.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally – season gently at first and adjust later.
- Black Pepper: Adds just enough bite and warmth.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing broccoli, it imparts a fruity depth and helps soften the vegetable.
- Broccoli: Fresh or lightly steamed gives you a perfect green pop and texture contrast.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a mild smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
- Scallions: Brighten the dish with a mild onion crunch and color.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharpness and melty texture—the cheese makes this magical.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end for freshness and presentation.
Make It Your Way
I love to switch things up based on the season or what’s hiding in my fridge. This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is a forgiving canvas that invites your creativity.
- Variation: Once, I swapped in crumbled feta and cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist that was a big hit with friends.
- Dietary Mods: You can use almond milk instead of cream or try a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, asparagus tips, or roasted peppers to mix up the texture and color.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisk It All Together
First, crack your eggs into a large bowl. Add the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This little step ensures your frittata cooks up light and airy rather than dense.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped broccoli, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes. You want the broccoli tender but still bright green and slightly firm. This step is key because it softens the broccoli just enough so it doesn't stay tough after baking.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Eggs
Stir in the smoked paprika and scallions with the broccoli to wake up the flavors. Then pour your egg mixture evenly over the veggies. Gently stir once or twice to combine without disturbing the broccoli too much.
Step 4: Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top in an even layer, then slide the skillet into your preheated oven at 400˚F. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly and golden. I keep an eye on it and cover loosely with foil if the top starts browning too fast. The cheese melting perfectly is one of my favorite moments here.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes so it firms up. Then slice into wedges and scatter fresh parsley over the top for that fresh burst of color and aroma.
Top Tip
Having made this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make all the difference when you want that perfect texture and flavor every time.
- Sauté Broccoli Properly: Don’t overcook it; you want it tender but not mushy, or it’ll lose that lovely bite inside the frittata.
- Temper Your Eggs: Whisk the eggs and cream until just combined and slightly frothy to keep things fluffy yet dreamy.
- Watch Your Oven Timing: Every oven behaves differently, so start checking around 15 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: It’s a game-changer for easy transition from stovetop to oven without mess or extra dishes.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
I love tossing on a handful of freshly chopped parsley or even some thinly sliced green onions on top. Their brightness cuts through the richness and makes the dish feel vibrant and fresh. Sometimes a small dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce adds a nice kick too.
Side Dishes
This frittata pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple fruit salad for brunch. If I’m serving it for dinner, I like adding crusty garlic bread or oven-roasted baby potatoes on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, I’ve layered wedges of this frittata with slices of avocado and a sprinkle of microgreens on a wooden serving board. It instantly makes your table look inviting and festive without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover frittata wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The key is to let it cool fully before refrigerating to avoid sogginess. Reheat gently for best texture.
Freezing
Freezing works well — I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They reheat beautifully for a quick breakfast or snack, lasting up to 2 months frozen.
Reheating
I prefer reheating in the oven at 325˚F for about 10-12 minutes covered with foil to warm through without drying out. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works but I cover it loosely to trap moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you use frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well before sautéing to prevent excess moisture from making the frittata watery.
Sharp cheddar is my favorite because of its bold flavor and great melting properties. However, cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or goat cheese also work nicely depending on your taste preference.
This recipe is already vegetarian when using dairy cheese and eggs. For a vegan version, substitute eggs with a chickpea flour batter or a vegan egg replacer and opt for plant-based cheeses and cream alternatives.
The frittata is done when the eggs are set in the center and the top is slightly golden. If you gently jiggle the pan, the center should no longer be liquid or overly jiggly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe has become a comforting ritual for me—something I can rely on when I want a wholesome, delicious meal without fuss. I hope you find the same joy in it. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure it’ll earn a spot on your regular rotation too, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Print
Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and hearty Broccoli Cheese Frittata featuring tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a hint of smoked paprika, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 scallions, finely chopped
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined. Set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli and season with additional salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender.
- Add Seasonings and Scallions: Stir in the smoked paprika and finely chopped scallions with the cooked broccoli, mixing well.
- Combine Eggs and Vegetables: Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli mixture in the skillet and gently stir to combine evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil partway through baking.
- Serve: Remove the frittata from the oven, cut into wedges, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to go directly from stovetop to oven for convenience.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the smoked paprika or omit it entirely.
- Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure all ingredients used are labeled gluten-free, especially cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a microwave or skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 350 mg

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