Zucchini & Cheddar Frittata

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as comforting as it is healthy, this Zucchini & Cheddar Frittata has got you covered. Imagine tender zucchini, lightly sautéed until it’s just right, paired with the creamy richness of melted cheddar cheese. The best part? It all comes together in one pan with minimal effort. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this frittata is the kind of dish that makes you feel good with every bite. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can toss in any leftover veggies or proteins you have on hand, and it’ll still be delicious. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!

Why You’ll Love Zucchini & Cheddar Frittata

• Light and Fresh: With fresh zucchini, this frittata is light but satisfying. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while indulging in that comforting cheesy goodness.
• Quick and Easy: In just about 30 minutes, you can have a gorgeous frittata on your table. The perfect option for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or even a simple dinner.
• Flexible: You can easily customize this frittata by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or any veggies you need to use up. The beauty of a frittata is that it’s forgiving and adaptable.
• Make-Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep, and you can store leftovers in the fridge for a couple of days—perfect for a quick breakfast or snack throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp or mild, your choice!)
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind you prefer)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (optional – try basil, parsley, or chives)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you pop your frittata in.

Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini

1. Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced zucchini and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is softened and just starting to brown. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you want an extra burst of flavor, toss in some garlic powder and onion powder during this step.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. While the zucchini is cooking, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl until fully combined. Add the cheddar cheese (and Parmesan cheese, if using) to the mixture and stir to combine.

Step 4: Pour the Egg Mixture Over the Zucchini

1. Once the zucchini is cooked, pour the egg mixture evenly over the zucchini in the skillet. Give it a gentle swirl to make sure the eggs are distributed throughout the pan.

Step 5: Cook the Frittata

1. Let the frittata cook on the stovetop over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to set.
2. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. If you want a little extra browning, you can broil the frittata for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the frittata rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Sprinkle with fresh herbs (like basil, parsley, or chives) if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 225
• Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 220mg
• Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Calcium: 200mg
• Iron: 1.5mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Zucchini & Cheddar Frittata

• With a Side Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be a perfect pairing to balance out the richness of the frittata.
• With Toast: Serve it with warm, buttered toast for a simple but satisfying meal.
• As a Snack: Leftovers make a fantastic snack or quick lunch—just slice it up and enjoy it cold or reheated.
• With Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier meal, pair this frittata with some crispy roasted potatoes on the side.

Additional Tips

• Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies you have on hand, such as bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or onions. Just sauté them with the zucchini.
• Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, try mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta for a different flavor.
• Herb Add-ins: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano will bring an earthy, fragrant twist to this frittata.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this frittata ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can make it the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving.

Q2: Can I make this without cheese?
A2: Of course! You can skip the cheese altogether if you’re dairy-free or prefer a lighter version.

Q3: Can I use frozen zucchini?
A3: Fresh zucchini is best, but you can use frozen zucchini if that’s all you have. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the frittata.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover frittata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

Q5: Can I freeze frittata?
A5: Yes! You can freeze individual slices of frittata for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, goat cheese, feta, or any cheese you prefer. Just make sure it melts well.

Q7: Can I add meat to this frittata?
A7: Yes! You can add cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or even chicken. Just make sure to sauté it before adding the eggs.

Q8: How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
A8: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and non-dairy milk (like almond milk) to make this recipe completely dairy-free.

Q9: Can I double this recipe?
A9: Yes, you can double the ingredients, but you may need to cook the frittata in a larger skillet or bake it in two separate pans. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the pan.

Q10: Can I add more vegetables?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggie mix—just make sure to sauté them first to release any excess moisture.

Conclusion

This Zucchini & Cheddar Frittata is the perfect balance of fresh, cheesy, and savory flavors, and it’s a great dish to have in your repertoire for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s so easy to make and customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy this simple, wholesome dish that brings a smile to every bite!

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