Incorporate the delightful taste and texture of everyone’s favorite spear in this Asparagus Frittata–an Italian egg dish that will start your day off right.
I don’t use asparagus enough in my recipes. Whenever I do, I take one bite of the resulting dish and then grill myself (pun intended), demanding reasons why I don’t use it enough. Today we’re going to start rectifying this oversight. And we’re going to start with the first meal of the day: brunch. (Yes, I am assuming we’re rectifying this oversight on a weekend when I get to sleep in and then get to spend more time in the kitchen).
If you’re not familiar with a frittata, it’s an Italian egg dish that is kind of a cross between a crustless quiche and an omelet. It starts in a frying pan (“frittata” means “fried” in Italian), then is finished off in the oven. I’ve shared quite a few frittata recipes, but today’s version features everyone’s favorite spear: the asparagus.
Is This Asparagus Frittata Healthy?
Asparagus frittata is a mostly healthy dish, thanks to its nutrient-rich main ingredients. Eggs provide high-quality protein, along with essential vitamins like B12, D, and choline, while asparagus is packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and fiber. The dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for low-carb or keto diets, and it’s vegetarian-friendly. The butter and Parmesan cheese do add saturated fat and sodium, however, which could be a consideration for those monitoring their intake. With these factors in mind, asparagus frittata is a nutritious choice that can be easily adjusted to suit dietary preferences and needs.
How Is A Frittata Different From A Quiche Or Omelet?
There are a number of ways all these dishes differ from one another. For starters, a frittata doesn’t have a crust, so it’s not like a quiche. It is also made in a pan and assumes its shape, whereas an omelet is typically done on a griddle, which gives it a certain freestylin’ quality. Last, and perhaps the biggest difference, is that the frittata is done on the stove, then moved inside the oven to be baked. Omelets are usually just done on the stove in a pan, while the quiche is typically baked in the oven. So a frittata enjoys the best of both worlds!
How To Make Ahead And Store
Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze your frittata for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in the oven on low. The texture may not be quite as you remember it, but it will still be enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
If you want to eat the frittata and nothing but the frittata, that’s your prerogative; it’s got a lot going on. Or you can supplement it with some brunch faves. Let’s start with the beverage. This Watermelon Smoothie will bring a serving or two of fruit to the feast, which is never a bad thing. Fruit is fun! And, to go along with your fluffy frittata? Fluffy Pancakes made without baking powder! Brunch is always better with bacon, like this Million-Dollar Bacon or Baked Brown Sugar-Bacon. If bacon isn’t your jam, try serving a hefty helping of Breakfast Sausage, done quickly and easily in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1/2 pound asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 7 tablespoons milk
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Preheat an oven-safe 9-inch skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the asparagus and cook until it's tender but still crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Blend in the grated Parmesan cheese and milk, then season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cooked asparagus in the skillet. Allow it to cook without stirring until the edges begin to set and the center is still slightly runny, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake until the frittata is puffed, golden, and fully set in the center, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the frittata rest for 5 minutes. Carefully slide it onto a serving plate or serve directly from the skillet.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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