This warm, savory low carb frittata combines baby spinach, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onions sautéed in olive oil. Whisked eggs blend with cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before being poured over the vegetables. Topped with cheddar, feta, and Parmesan, it’s baked until set and golden. Perfect for brisk mornings seeking a nutrient-rich, flavorful start with a balance of fresh vegetables and cheeses.
The kitchen was still dark when I started chopping vegetables, steam from my coffee mug fogging my glasses. Something about making a frittata on cold mornings feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. This recipe came together during one particularly frigid February when I needed something substantial but didn't want the carb coma of pancakes.
My sister stayed over last winter and literally hovered around the oven watching it turn golden. She's not usually a breakfast person but went back for seconds before even pouring coffee. That's when I knew this wasn't just another frittata recipe.
Ingredients
- Baby spinach: Wilts down beautifully and adds fresh green flavor without bitterness
- Red bell pepper: Brings natural sweetness that balances the salty cheeses
- Cherry tomatoes: They burst slightly in the oven creating little pockets of brightness
- Red onion: Finely chopped so it softens completely rather than staying crunchy
- Six large eggs: Don't skimp here or the texture turns rubbery instead of custardy
- Heavy cream: The secret ingredient that makes it feel restaurant quality
- Cheddar, feta, and Parmesan: This trio hit different when they melt together
- Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up and makes it look fancy with zero effort
Instructions
- Get your oven ready first:
- Preheat to 375°F so there's no waiting around when you need it
- Sauté your aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in that oven safe skillet and cook onion and pepper until they smell amazing
- Add the greens:
- Toss in spinach and watch it collapse then add tomatoes for just a minute
- Whisk up the eggs:
- Beat eggs with cream garlic powder salt and pepper until completely combined
- Layer it all together:
- Pour that egg mixture over the veggies then scatter all three cheeses on top
- Let the oven work its magic:
- Bake 18 to 22 minutes until it's puffed golden and barely jiggles in the center
- The patience part:
- Let it cool for a few minutes so it sets up properly then slice and serve
Now this frittata shows up at every family brunch and friends actually request it by name. There's something about cutting into that golden top and seeing all those colorful layers that makes people feel taken care of.
Making It Your Own
Swap in kale or Swiss chard when spinach feels tired. The first time I used kale I worried it'd be too tough but it turns out perfect and adds a nice earthy note.
Adding Protein
Crispy bacon or cooked sausage makes this feel more substantial if you've got hungry eaters. I usually cook the meat first and use those same drippings to sauté the vegetables for extra flavor.
Perfect Pairings
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through all that richness perfectly. And hot black coffee is non negotiable at my table.
- Prep everything the night before for even faster mornings
- Leftovers keep for three days in the fridge
- Serve with hot sauce for anyone who likes extra kick
Hope this frittata brings some warmth to your morning routine too. There's nothing quite like a hot homemade breakfast to make the day feel like it started on the right foot.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute other greens for spinach?
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Yes, kale or Swiss chard work well as substitutes, adding their own unique flavors and textures to the dish.
- → What cheese combinations enhance the flavor?
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A mix of sharp cheddar, tangy feta, and nutty Parmesan creates a rich and balanced cheesy topping.
- → Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
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Heavy cream adds richness and tenderness to the eggs, but you may use a lighter dairy alternative if preferred.
- → How can I make the dish non-vegetarian?
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Adding cooked bacon or sausage before baking will introduce a savory, meaty element for non-vegetarian preferences.
- → What is the best pan for cooking this dish?
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Using a 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet ensures even cooking and easy transfer to the oven for baking.