Description
This Spinach Bacon Frittata is a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch option that combines crispy bacon, sautéed spinach, and creamy gouda cheese with a perfectly cooked egg base. The frittata is cooked first on the stovetop and finished under the broiler for a beautifully browned top, making it both flavorful and visually appealing. Perfect for a satisfying meal that serves 4 to 4.5 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup green onion (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish)
Dairy and Eggs
- 9 eggs
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Seasonings
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat your broiler and adjust the oven rack to be about 5 inches from the heating element to ensure even browning of the frittata top.
- Cook Bacon and Onions: In an 11-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon for about 2 minutes. Add the chopped red onion and continue cooking until the bacon is crispy and onions are tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Mix Egg Mixture: While bacon cooks, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, and whole milk in a large bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Drain Bacon Grease: Remove the bacon and onions from the skillet and place them on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Carefully spoon out most of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind to cook the vegetables.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute until it begins to wilt. Then add the minced garlic and cook until the garlic is just starting to brown and the spinach is fully wilted, about another minute.
- Distribute Ingredients Evenly: Spread the wilted spinach evenly across the skillet. If necessary, turn off the heat temporarily to prepare remaining ingredients.
- Add Bacon and Onions: Sprinkle the cooked bacon and onions evenly over the spinach in the skillet.
- Top with Green Onions and Cheese: Sprinkle 1/3 cup of green onions over the bacon mixture, then evenly top with shredded gouda cheese.
- Add Egg Mixture and Cook: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over all ingredients in the skillet. Cook uncovered over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes, or until the edges begin to set.
- Broil to Finish: Using oven mitts, carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the top is browned and the frittata is almost fully set. Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet helps evenly cook the frittata and allows you to transfer it safely to the broiler.
- Be careful not to overcook under the broiler; the frittata can go from perfectly browned to burnt quickly.
- You can save leftover bacon grease for cooking other dishes to enhance flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with a lower-fat milk or a plant-based alternative.
- Feel free to customize with other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
