Description
This Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Frittata is a delicious, protein-packed breakfast or brunch option featuring tender broccoli florets, savory ham, and sharp cheddar cheese. Cooked gently on the stovetop and finished under the broiler for a golden top, this frittata offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in a quick 25-minute meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped (or half a large onion)
- 1 crown fresh broccoli, florets separated
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 & 1/2 cups cooked ham, chopped (about one ham steak)
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into chunks
- 9 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Pantry Items & Spices
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (for frittata)
- 2 teaspoons salt (for boiling water)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Add 5 cups of water to a small pot and season with 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in an 11-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5-8 minutes. Turn off heat if finished early.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the boiling water. Cover immediately and set timer for 3 minutes. Drain broccoli without rinsing to retain flavor and texture.
- Mix Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, 3/4 teaspoon salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until combined.
- Preheat Broiler: Set your oven broiler on and position the rack about 5 inches from the flame for optimal browning later.
- Assemble Frittata Base: Spread the blanched broccoli evenly over the cooked onions in the skillet. Top with chopped ham and then scatter chunks of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Heat Pan: If the burner was turned off, turn back on to medium heat and ensure the pan is hot before adding eggs.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the skillet without stirring. Cook undisturbed for 7-9 minutes until the edges begin to set.
- Broil to Finish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler. Broil for 2-5 minutes, checking every minute. The frittata is done when the top is browned and eggs are fully set with no wobble.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe pan to transfer from stovetop to broiler easily.
- Do not overcook broccoli in boiling water; 3 minutes keeps it tender-crisp and flavorful.
- Keep a close eye during broiling as the frittata can brown quickly and burn if left unattended.
- Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% milk or half-and-half for richer texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference or omit if sensitive to spice.
