Flipped Frittata With Asparagus, Spinach, Ham, and Cheese Recipe (2024)

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Flip your frittata for a quicker meal, no broiler required.

By

J. Kenji López-Alt

Flipped Frittata With Asparagus, Spinach, Ham, and Cheese Recipe (1)

J. Kenji López-Alt

Culinary Consultant

Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. He is also a New York Times food columnist and the author of The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science.

Learn about Serious Eats'Editorial Process

Updated July 13, 2023

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Flipped Frittata With Asparagus, Spinach, Ham, and Cheese Recipe (2)

Why It Works

  • Pre-seasoning the eggs with salt helps them retain moisture during cooking.
  • Cooking the vegetables in batches gives us more control over their texture.
  • Keeping the cheese in large chunks gives us oozy pockets in the frittata.
  • Flipping the frittata ensures a creamy, dense center.

The other night I was up late editing some photos and got a bit of the ol' late-night hunger pangs. After realizing I was out of pickles to wrap in slices of Swiss cheese (my standard eaten-by-the-warm-glow-of-the-refrigerator light meal), I spied the carton of eggs and rememberedDaniel's excellent tutorial on how to make a Spanish-style tortilla. I quickly pulled out my phone to check my shopping list to see if I was out of potatoes, then stopped myself because I realized I could get the answer much faster by looking at the potato bin right next to me. It was empty.

Luckily I had a fridge full of vegetable and cheese scraps. My tongue turned toward my stomach and flashed electric signals across a vast tunnel of synaptic gaps to deliver one word in three syllables:frit- ta- ta.

My stomach had only just given a genial growl to indicate its approval of the plan when my brain butted in and saidahem, we arenotgoing to be turning on the broiler tonight,daring anyone to challenge it. Cranking the oven on a hot summer evening just wasn't gonna happen.

Meanwhile, my hands had already started slicing onions and garlic, some asparagus, spinach, and a couple of shish*to peppers before my brain had even caught up to what was going on. Most of my brain decided to take a moment to regroup while my hands continued to sauté vegetables. The only part that stuck around to watch was the bit that remembered to sauté the onions separately so that the steam from the other vegetables didn't inhibit any delicious caramelization on the onion bits.

By the time my brain caught up, my hands had already sliced some ham and diced up some cheese (a much nicer way to incorporate it into frittatas and quichesthan grating it), whisked some eggs, and deposited them into the skillet.

So there I was. I suddenly found myself with a frittata cooking in the skillet and no broiler to finish it under. The solution was simple: Just flip it like a Spanish tortilla. Compared to a normal finished-in-the-oven frittata which can take on a poofy, souffléd texture, flipping produces a much creamier, denser omelette. It's a texture I actually prefer.

AsDaniel demonstrated, once you get the hang of it, the process of flipping is really simple and it allows you to put dinner on the table much faster than using the oven (and it saves you from having to heat up the kitchen during the summer). All you have to do is place an empty plate or pot lid over the pan, invert it over the sink (just in case you have any drips), then slide it back into the skillet. You end up with a nice fat omelette that's golden brown on the outside and nice and creamy in the middle.

After I finished my slice, I covered the rest and left it out for breakfast. My stomach thanked my hands, my hands gave a synaptic high five to my brain, and my eyes remembered seeing the last egg come out of that carton. My thumb flicked on my phone and when I looked down to update my shopping list, my hand decided to smack my head: Turns out I'd never put potatoes on the list anyway.

July 2016

Recipe Details

Flipped Frittata With Asparagus, Spinach, Ham, and Cheese Recipe

Serves3to 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided (60ml)

  • 4 stalks asparagus, sliced on a bias into 1-inch pieces

  • 6 shish*to peppers or one green bell pepper, diced

  • 1/2 medium red onion, sliced (about 4 ounces; 120g)

  • 3 medium cloves garlic, sliced

  • 1 cup packed spinach leaves, roughly chopped (about 2 ounces; 55g)

  • 3 ounces sliced ham, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (90g) (optional)

  • 4 ounces medium-firm cheese such as cheddar or Jack, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (120g)

Directions

  1. Lightly beat eggs with a large pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a large bowl. Set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil in a 10-inch non-stick, cast iron, or carbon steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add asparagus and peppers, season with salt and pepper, and cook, tossing and stirring frequently, until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the eggs.

    Flipped Frittata With Asparagus, Spinach, Ham, and Cheese Recipe (3)

  2. Heat 1 tablespoon (15ml) oil in the now-empty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions and cook, stirring, until starting to brown around the edges, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until onions and garlic are lightly browned, about 1 minute longer. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 1 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the eggs. Add ham (if using) and cheese to the eggs and stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined.

  3. Wipe out skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil to skillet and set over medium-high heat until shimmering. Scrape egg mixture into skillet and cook, swirling and shaking pan rapidly, until bottom and sides begin to set, about 3 minutes. Using a heatproof spatula, press the edges in to begin to form the frittata's puck shape. Continue to cook, adjusting heat to prevent bottom of frittata from burning, until beginning to set around edges, about 3 minutes longer.

    Flipped Frittata With Asparagus, Spinach, Ham, and Cheese Recipe (4)

  4. Working over a sink or garbage can, place a large overturned flat plate or lid on top of skillet, set hand on top (using a dish towel if you are sensitive to heat), and, in one very quick motion, invert frittata onto it. Carefully slide frittata back into skillet and continue to cook until second side is beginning to firm up, about 2 minutes. Use rubber spatula to again press the sides in all around to form a rounded puck shape. Continue to cook frittata until lightly browned on second side but still tender in the center when pressed with a finger, about 2 minutes longer. If desired, you can flip frittata 2 to 3 more times during these last minutes of cooking, which helps to cook the center more evenly and reinforce the shape.

    Flipped Frittata With Asparagus, Spinach, Ham, and Cheese Recipe (5)

  5. Carefully slide frittata out of skillet onto a clean plate, and serve.

Special Equipment

Nonstick, carbon steel, or cast iron skillet

Read More

  • Frittata With Bacon, Corn, and Gruyère
  • Spinach and Feta Frittata
  • Chorizo and Potato Frittata
  • Kale, Onion, and Cheddar Frittata
  • Spring Ramp and Asparagus Frittata
  • Stovetop Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Omelettes
  • Ham
  • Asparagus
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
374Calories
30g Fat
9g Carbs
18g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3to 4
Amount per serving
Calories374
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 30g39%
Saturated Fat 10g48%
Cholesterol 307mg102%
Sodium 516mg22%
Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
Dietary Fiber 2g6%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 18g
Vitamin C 26mg130%
Calcium 281mg22%
Iron 2mg13%
Potassium 337mg7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Flipped Frittata With Asparagus, Spinach, Ham, and Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should you flip a frittata? ›

Pre-seasoning the eggs with salt helps them retain moisture during cooking. Cooking the vegetables in batches gives us more control over their texture. Keeping the cheese in large chunks gives us oozy pockets in the frittata. Flipping the frittata ensures a creamy, dense center.

How do you keep frittata moist? ›

Adding a bit of dairy, whether it's cream or thick yogurt, is essential for getting the moisture and creaminess of the frittata just right. For every dozen eggs, use a half cup of dairy.

How do you make a frittata not soggy? ›

One reason your frittata is soggy, is that an ingredient you used had water or other liquid that was released when cooking the frittata. One solution, is to drain all ingredients first before mixing, or to reheat the ingredients seperately, until the liquid is removed.

What's healthier frittata or omelette? ›

But unlike omelets, egg frittatas can serve a family fast. And unlike most egg recipes, a four-serving frittata cooks all at once without any flipping or fuss. Plus, since there's no crust (like quiches), it makes it a healthier breakfast option.

How do you flip a frittata? ›

Hold the plate against the top of the frittata, then flip so that the plate is on the bottom and the skillet is on the top. Use a spatula to slide the now upside down fritatta onto a different plate or board for serving.

How do I know when my frittata is done? ›

The eggs should be cooked through, not runny and a knife should come out clean when inserted into the centre. You can also give the skillet a gentle shake to determine if it is done; a runny frittata will jiggle when you shake the skillet.

What kind of cheese is best for frittata? ›

Go for high moisture cheeses

According to Cheese Science, high moisture cheeses like mozzarella and smoked Gouda are great melting cheeses that give frittatas their desired texture. Meanwhile, a low moisture cheese like Parmesan won't melt in the oven, especially when it's surrounded by a mixture of eggs.

What is the best pan for frittata? ›

Use a cast-iron skillet.

I like to use an enameled cast iron skillet, which does not require any pre-seasoning. If you don't have a skillet, go make this breakfast casserole recipe instead.

When making a frittata which ingredient should be pre cooked prior to adding it to the egg mixture? ›

This also holds true for aromatics, like onions, and sturdy veggies, like raw potatoes. "They won't get much more tender once you add the beaten eggs," says Perry, "So cook them fully before combining everything." Don't be afraid of getting a little color on the vegetables: That's what makes them so delicious!

Why is my frittata bland? ›

Here, we'll discuss these mistakes and how to fix them. You don't season the frittata. If you don't add seasoning to your frittata, it will end up tasting bland.

How jiggly should a frittata be? ›

Embrace the jiggle

Then keep an eye on it when it's in the oven, and take it out when it's still a touch jiggly—not quite creme brulee-level jiggly, but when the top is a still a tiny bit shaky, get that frittata out of the oven and serve it warm.

What is a fun fact about frittata? ›

History of Frittata

The frittata originates from the Mediterranean region, and a very similar dish with eggs, cheese, and vegetables was known in ancient Rome. All the efforts of tracing this dish to a particular Italian region defies attempts, as it is popular all over Italy.

Is eating omelet everyday good for you? ›

Eggs are also a great source of heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, folate and B vitamins. Some research suggests that up to two eggs per day actually improves heart health. As with anything, moderation is important, especially if you enjoy eggs daily.

What is the healthiest cheese for an omelette? ›

Try cotija cheese, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or goat cheese. I don't recommend adding fat-free cheese because it doesn't melt well. Garnish With Toppings: For an extra garnish, add sauteed red peppers, green peppers, or fresh herbs on top of the finished omelet.

Why is my frittata runny on top? ›

According to Bon Appétit, many common frittata ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini have a high moisture content, and that means they seep water when cooked. Therefore, if you add them to the mixture raw, you'll end up with a watery frittata with undercooked vegetables.

Why is my frittata not fluffy? ›

Forgetting to add milk or cream.

Dairy, like milk or cream, is a crucial component of frittatas. This is the ingredient that gives frittatas their signature creamy, fluffy texture.

How do you keep frittata from going flat? ›

When dealing with serving frittatas at room temperature or chilled, make sure that you let it cool slowly -- you need to make sure that the proteins get a chance to set up before the air bubbles shrink significantly.

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