Cheese and Ham Frittata With Spinach (Stovetop Frittata)

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A brilliant breakfast, brunch or lunch recipe that will make you full and satisfied! A deliciously cheesy egg dish that almost tastes like a crustless Quiche Lorraine, this Stovetop Ham and Cheese Frittata will be made without turning your oven on! Simply cook this decadently cheesy dish in a cast-iron skillet or a frying pan on the stovetop!

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Why You Will Love This Ham Frittata

If you're looking for a quick but perfect breakfast, brunch, or lunch recipe that's both delicious and satisfying, then this Cheese and Ham Frittata is the perfect choice for you! Made on the stovetop with just a handful of ingredients, this frittata is not only incredibly easy to make but it's also packed with flavour and nutrition.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it warm or cold, and it makes a great meal on its own or as part of a larger spread. What is more, it only takes minutes of prep time! Whether you're cooking for one or for the whole family, this Cheese and Ham Frittata is sure to be a hit! So why not give this great recipe a try and see for yourself why this simple yet tasty recipe is so popular?

Ingredients and Substitutes

• oil: any oil, suitable for high-heat cooking will work fine. Use vegetable, avocado, sunflower or olive oil. 
• mushrooms: we used button mushrooms, but you may choose closed-cup, chestnut, baby portabello or shiitake mushrooms. 
• ham: smoked or unsmoked sliced ham or use leftover ham roast. This recipe works very well with leftover chicken or crispy bacon. 
• spinach: we like using baby spinach, as it doesn't release as much water. 
• eggs: medium eggs in the UK, large eggs in the US. 
• cheese: we love mature cheddar cheese in this recipe, but Gruyere cheese, Comte or other cheese that melts well will work too.

You may also want to top your frittata with some greenery after cooking. We love some fresh herbs, like chives, fresh parsley or sliced green onions! Some chilli flakes won't go amiss here either!

Method

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Use an ovenproof pan if you wish to place your ham frittata under the grill later to melt the cheese (which is an optional step).

Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for 2 mins until slightly softened.

Add the ham and spinach and cook for 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Season with sea salt and black pepper.

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs lightly.

Reduce the heat to low and pour egg mixture over the mushroom, ham and spinach mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 6-7 mins until the eggs are set.

Scatter the grated cheddar over the frittata and cover it with the lid until the cheese melts.

If you want to brown the top, you can place the frittata under the grill on high for 1-2 minutes.

Watch How To Make It

Recipe FAQs

What is the best pan to make this cheese frittata recipe in?

The best pan to make a frittata is a non-stick (and ideally oven-safe skillet, if you want to brown the top of the frittata under the grill). We typically use a frying pan with a diameter of 20-24 cm to make two generous portions. 

A cast iron skillet is also a good option for making a frittata because it distributes heat evenly and can be used on both the stovetop and in the oven. However, it is important to make sure that the skillet is well-seasoned to prevent sticking.

Regardless of the type of pan you use, it is important to have a lid that fits snugly onto the pan for the stovetop method. This will help the frittata cook evenly and prevent it from drying out while cooking.

Why is my frittata soggy on the bottom?

A frittata can become soggy on the bottom if it is not cooked long enough or if it is cooked at too low of a temperature. When a frittata is not cooked through completely, the eggs will not set properly, and the bottom can become soggy and unappetizing.

Another reason for a soggy frittata could be adding too much filling, or the ingredients themselves having too much moisture, such as vegetables. 

What is the difference between a frittata, Spanish Tortilla and quiche?

A frittata, Spanish tortilla, and quiche are all egg-based dishes, but they differ in their ingredients, cooking techniques, and origins. A frittata is an Italian dish made with beaten eggs and various ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, and meat. It is cooked in a skillet on the stovetop and then finished in the oven. A Spanish tortilla is a dish made with potatoes, onions, and eggs, cooked in a skillet on the stovetop until the bottom is set and then flipped to cook the other side. A quiche is a French dish made with a pastry crust, eggs, cream, and various fillings such as vegetables, cheese, and meat. It is typically baked in the oven in a pie or tart pan.

Can This Cheese and Ham Frittata Be Made With Egg Whites Only?

Yes, this easy frittata recipe can be made with egg whites only. However, it's important to note that using only egg whites will result in a frittata with a lighter texture and less richness compared to using whole eggs.

Storage & Reheating

Storing and reheating a ham and cheese frittata is a great way to enjoy leftovers and minimize food waste. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your frittata:

First, allow the leftover frittata to cool to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also store individual slices of frittata in an airtight container for an easy grab-and-go meal.

Whilst you can enjoy this frittata cold, there are a few methods to reheat your frittata. 

The easiest way to reheat a slice of the frittata is in the microwave. Place the slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 30-60 seconds, or until it's heated through. 

You can also reheat a whole frittata in the oven. Preheat the oven to 170°C Fan. Cover the frittata with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. 

Another option is to reheat the frittata in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, add the frittata, and cover it with a lid. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it's heated through.

What To Serve Ham and Cheese Frittata With?

This stove top frittata can be served for breakfast, brunch or lunch. So what we serve with it depends on the time of the day we eat it! 

If you are looking to enjoy this easy ham frittata for breakfast, some breakfast potatoes are a great option to serve alongside. 

It also makes an easy meal for lunch. If you're serving this cheese, ham and spinach frittata as a main dish, all you need is a nice green side salad, griddled bell peppers or some Pan-fried Tenderstem Broccoli to go with it. 

Other Delicious Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

Looking for another easy recipe to add to your breakfast or brunch collection? We have some great choices that are equally suitable for a quick weekday breakfast and festive holiday brunch. 

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Pancakes With Bacon 
• Breakfast Egg Bagel With Guacamole
• Eggs en Cocotte With Smoked Salmon
• Healthy Green Shakshuka

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