Easy & Healthy Broccoli Mozzarella Frittata: A Delicious Vegetarian Meal for Any Occasion
Imagine a culinary masterpiece that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat, perfect for any meal and any company. This **Broccoli Mozzarella Frittata** is exactly that – a wonderfully delicious, effortlessly simple, and incredibly versatile vegetarian dish that will impress your friends, nourish your family, or simply make your lunch extra special. Forget complicated recipes; this baked frittata brings together the wholesome goodness of crispy vegetables and the creamy richness of mozzarella, all bound together in a fluffy, oven-baked egg casserole.
Whether you’re planning a cozy lunch with a friend, a romantic meal with your partner, or a wholesome light dinner, this homemade frittata stands out. It’s a fantastic alternative to dining out, offering a gourmet experience from the comfort of your kitchen. And the best part? It’s designed to be foolproof, extensively tested to ensure perfect results every time. Get ready to indulge in a truly satisfying, flavor-packed dish!
Why This Broccoli Mozzarella Frittata Is Your New Go-To Recipe
This isn’t just any egg dish; it’s a baked frittata that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. By baking it in the oven, you achieve a delightful texture and depth of flavor that pan-fried eggs can’t quite match. The edges become beautifully golden and slightly firm, while the center remains tender and packed with the vibrant taste of fresh broccoli and melted mozzarella. The addition of fragrant fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary infuses every bite with an aromatic complexity.
This **top vegetarian recipe** is incredibly versatile. Serve it for a relaxed brunch, a satisfying lunch alongside a crisp arugula salad with pear, or even as a light yet wholesome dinner with a warm, crusty French baguette. Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights, yet its elegant presentation is suitable for entertaining guests. Plus, being a wholesome, **healthy broccoli frittata**, it caters to various dietary needs without compromising on taste. Our recipe has been meticulously tested to ensure it’s truly foolproof, promising delicious results for home cooks of all skill levels. It’s time to taste the goodness!
Frittata vs. Quiche: Understanding the Delicious Distinction
While often grouped together due to their egg-based nature, frittatas and quiches are distinct dishes. The primary difference lies in their structure and ingredients. A quiche typically features a savory pastry crust, which is then filled with a rich custard mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and various savory fillings like vegetables, meat, or seafood. The crust gives quiches a firm base and a classic, often elaborate, presentation.
A frittata, on the other hand, is wonderfully **crustless**. It shares similarities with an open-faced omelet or a baked egg casserole. This particular broccoli frittata is started on the stovetop and then finished in the oven, allowing it to puff up slightly and cook evenly without the need for flipping. This makes it an incredibly appealing option for those looking for **gluten-free frittata** recipes or a **low-carb frittata**. Without the added carbohydrates of a crust, it’s a lighter, yet equally satisfying, meal choice.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Broccoli Mozzarella Frittata
The beauty of this **easy frittata recipe** lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role:
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide a lovely crisp-tender texture and a dose of essential vitamins (C, K), fiber, and antioxidants, making this a truly **healthy broccoli frittata**. Don’t discard the stem! Grated, it adds extra nutrients and a subtle sweetness.
- Mozzarella: This cheese is the star for its incredible melt. Cubed mozzarella melts into gooey pockets throughout the frittata, adding creamy texture and a mild, savory flavor. Using two portions – one mixed in and one on top – ensures cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Eggs: The foundation of any frittata, eggs bind all the ingredients together, creating a fluffy and rich base. They are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic staples form the flavor base, providing depth and a savory foundation for the other ingredients. Sautéing them until translucent unlocks their full potential.
- Fresh Herbs (Thyme & Rosemary): These herbs are chosen for their distinct, aromatic profiles that perfectly complement the broccoli and mozzarella. Thyme offers a subtle earthy, floral note, while rosemary provides a more pungent, piney aroma. Using fresh herbs makes a significant difference in taste, though dried can be used in a pinch.
These ingredients, while simple, are what make this **vegetarian frittata** so incredibly delicious and satisfying. Choose the freshest produce and quality mozzarella for the best results.
Serving Suggestions: Elevating Your Frittata Experience
This **Broccoli Mozzarella Frittata** is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit any meal or occasion. It’s best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but it’s also delicious at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks. Here are some ideas to make your meal truly memorable:
- Classic Lunch Pairing: For a cozy and fulfilling lunch, a vibrant green salad is a must. A delicious arugula salad with pistachios, pear, and apple offers a wonderful contrast of peppery greens, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts. Pair it with a crispy, fresh baguette to sop up any residual flavors.
- Italian Inspired Dinner: For a more substantial light dinner, serve your frittata with warm, fluffy focaccia bread and a side of homemade garlic butter. The rich flavors will transport you straight to Italy.
- Comforting Soup Companion: Another excellent option for a light dinner or a hearty lunch is to pair the frittata with a delicious bowl of rich tomato soup. The acidity of the tomato perfectly cuts through the richness of the frittata, creating a balanced and comforting meal.
- Brunch Favorite: Alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a mimosa, this frittata makes an outstanding centerpiece for any brunch spread. Its vibrant colors and savory taste are sure to be a hit.
- Simple Side Dish: Cut into smaller wedges, the frittata can also serve as a delightful side dish to grilled chicken or fish, adding a vegetarian touch to your main course.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite sides! The simplicity of the frittata allows it to complement a wide range of flavors.
Meal Prepping & Storing Leftovers: Enjoying Your Frittata All Week
One of the many advantages of this **Broccoli Mozzarella Frittata** is how well it stores, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. You certainly don’t need to throw away any leftovers – in fact, it often tastes even better the next day! You can enjoy it reheated or cold, straight from the fridge.
For optimal storage and food safety, always ensure you cool your frittata leftovers quickly. Once it has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or sealable bag. This prevents contamination and keeps it fresh longer.
- Refrigerator Storage: Your frittata will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply warm it gently in the microwave or oven, or enjoy it cold as a quick snack or light meal.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze leftover frittata for up to 2 months. To do this, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven (around 320°F or 160°C for about 10 minutes) or microwave until warmed through. This makes it perfect for preparing ahead for future lunches or dinners.
Pro Tip for Versatile Leftovers: If you’re not keen on eating the same frittata twice in a row, get creative! Chop the leftover frittata finely and mix it with some mayonnaise (and a pinch of curry powder for an extra kick). This transforms it into a delicious, savory egg salad, perfect for spreading on sandwiches, crackers, or serving in lettuce cups. It’s a fantastic way to reinvent your meal!
How to Prepare This Broccoli Mozzarella Frittata: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this frittata is surprisingly straightforward. Below, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure your frittata comes out perfectly every time. The full printable recipe card with exact measurements is at the bottom of this blog post.
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📖 Recipe
VIDEO
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli, florets sliced, stem grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 4½ oz. mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, needles, finely chopped
- 5 eggs, size M
- salt and pepper, at taste
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 ℉ (175 °C). Grease a small oven dish (6 x 10 inches).
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Cook broccoli florets in boiling water for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain well.1 pound broccoli
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Heat oil in a frying pan. Fry onion for 3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic for the last minute, stirring constantly.1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 onion, 1 clove garlic
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Stir in the cooked broccoli florets, grated broccoli stem, fresh thyme, rosemary, and half of the mozzarella cubes. Mix well to combine.4½ oz. mozzarella, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
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Break the eggs into the mixture, stir gently to combine everything thoroughly, and season generously with salt and pepper.5 eggs, salt and pepper
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Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining mozzarella cubes. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the frittata is golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
Notes
Feel free to get creative with your vegetables! You can easily replace the broccoli with cauliflower or finely chopped white cabbage for a different flavor profile. For an even richer vegetable frittata, consider adding small cubes of carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these extra veggies along with the onion and garlic for maximum flavor before adding the eggs.
2. Mozzarella & Cheese Options
While buffalo mozzarella offers a superior creamy texture and flavor, regular cow’s milk mozzarella works perfectly well if buffalo is unavailable. If you prefer a stronger, sharper cheese taste, you can replace all or part of the mozzarella with grated cheddar cheese, Gruyère, or even a tangy feta for a Mediterranean twist.
3. Making it Lactose-Free
To make this frittata entirely lactose-free, simply replace the traditional mozzarella with a high-quality vegan mozzarella alternative. Many supermarkets now offer excellent plant-based cheese options that melt beautifully.
4. Adjusting Baking Dish Size
This recipe uses a 6 x 10-inch baking dish. Don’t worry if your dish is slightly larger or smaller! If using a larger baking dish, your frittata will be a bit thinner, so reduce the oven time by a few minutes (check for doneness around 25 minutes). If your baking dish is smaller, you might want to use only four eggs to prevent overflow, and the baking time should remain similar, as it will be thicker. Alternatively, use the convenient “adjust servings” feature at the top of this recipe card to scale the ingredients to your specific needs.
5. Optimal Storage for Meal Prep
Frittata leftovers are a treasure! You can easily store them and enjoy them reheated or cold. The key is to cool the frittata quickly after baking and then immediately transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly.
- Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the frittata for up to 2 months. For best results, cut into individual portions before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven (approximately 10 minutes at 320°F / 160°C) or microwave. This makes it perfect for preparing in advance for quick meals.
- Tip: Don’t feel like eating a piece of frittata? Chop it into small pieces and mix with mayonnaise (and a hint of curry powder) for a fantastic homemade egg salad, ideal for sandwiches or crackers!
Nutrition
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