Name: Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 eggs; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed; freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups chopped broccoli; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 5 scallions, finely chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; fresh parsley for garnish

There’s something so satisfying about a warm, cheesy, vegetable-packed egg dish that feels both comforting and fresh. This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic come together to create a perfect weekend breakfast or light dinner.

A triangular slice of golden yellow baked dish sits on a plain white plate, showing a slightly browned top layer with melted cheese and green herbs scattered across. The dish is thick with visible small green vegetable pieces inside, creating a textured and moist look. Behind the plate, a round black cast iron pan holds the rest of the dish, with one large piece already taken out, revealing the inside layers similar to the slice on the plate. The pan rests atop a soft blue and white checked cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe quickly became my go-to for lazy mornings and last-minute dinners. It’s one of those dishes that’s forgiving yet rewarding, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll come out feeling like a pro—and your kitchen smelling amazing!

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of tender broccoli with smoky paprika and sharp cheddar blends beautifully without overpowering.
Quick and Easy to Make: You only need one skillet and less than an hour from start to finish, ideal for busy days.
Customizable to Your Taste: You can swap cheeses or add herbs to suit what you have on hand or your cravings.
Great for Any Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even brunch—the versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser anytime.

The image shows a round casserole or frittata in a dark cast iron pan. The dish has a golden yellow top layer made of melted cheese mixed with small green broccoli pieces spread evenly throughout. The edges are slightly browned and crispy, giving a textured crust look. Bright green bits of fresh herbs are sprinkled all over the top, adding color contrast. The pan is placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This frittata uses simple, fresh ingredients that create a wonderfully creamy texture and robust flavor. Picking quality broccoli and good cheddar really makes a difference here, so I usually grab fresh florets and a nice sharp cheddar from the deli.

Flat lay of bright green chopped broccoli florets, vibrant white and purple scallions sliced thin, a handful of fresh green parsley sprigs, golden shredded cheddar cheese piled loosely, two garlic cloves whole and unpeeled, smooth light yellow whole eggs, a small glass jar of creamy heavy cream, and a sprinkling of reddish smoked paprika powder, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Eggs: The backbone of any frittata, providing fluffy texture and richness—you want large, fresh eggs for best results.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps the eggs bake up moist without drying out.
Garlic: Gives a subtle aromatic kick that enhances the broccoli and cheese without being too pungent.
Sea salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors in the eggs and veggies—add a bit more if needed.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a little heat and depth.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the broccoli, it adds a fruity richness and prevents sticking.
Broccoli: The star vegetable here; tender but still with a bite—chopping it finely lets it cook evenly.
Smoked paprika: A small pinch gives a subtle smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
Scallions: Bright and mild onion flavor that adds freshness and texture.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar tops the frittata perfectly—feel free to experiment with other cheeses too.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and herbaceous brightness as a garnish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap in different cheeses or toss in whatever veggies I have lying around. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it—experimenting is part of the fun!

Vegetable Variations: I’ve loved adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers in place of broccoli when I’m in the mood for something different.
Dairy-Free Option: For a lighter version, try using almond milk instead of cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute—you’ll still get that satisfying texture.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme or basil can gently shift the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Make It Heartier: Cooked sausage or bacon bits stirred in before baking add a smoky, meaty note for dinner-serving frittatas.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe

Step 1: Whisk and Prep

First, crack the eggs into a big bowl and whisk them with heavy cream, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until everything’s combined and slightly frothy. This mix sets the foundation for a fluffy frittata, so give it a nice brisk whisk.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped broccoli and sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper to taste. I like to cook it for about 5 to 8 minutes until the florets are tender but still have a little bite—that texture contrast is key.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Stir in the smoked paprika and scallions, mixing everything together. That paprika adds a beautiful smoky hint and the scallions give some gentle crunch and freshness.

Step 4: Pour and Combine

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the broccoli and gently stir just to combine the ingredients a bit—don’t overmix or you’ll lose those lovely layers.

Step 5: Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then place your skillet in a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, checking around 12 minutes—if the top starts browning too fast, just cover loosely with foil. The frittata is done when it’s puffed up, golden, and the eggs are completely set.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let it cool a few minutes, then cut into wedges and garnish with fresh parsley. This little touch adds a fresh pop of green and herbal flavor that brightens up each bite.

Top Tip

Over the years, making this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe taught me a few small tricks that really elevate the outcome, especially if you’re aiming for that perfect texture and flavor balance.

Pre-cook Broccoli Properly: Don’t rush sautéing the broccoli; tender is good, but mushy is not. This keeps each bite pleasantly textured.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: I always use a cast iron skillet to transfer easily from stovetop to oven and get those lovely edges browned.
Watch the Baking Time: Check your frittata a few minutes early to avoid an overcooked, dry center—removing it when just set keeps it moist and tender.
Cover if Needed: If the cheese or top is browning too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning while the eggs finish cooking.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe

Broccoli Cheese Frittata - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to finish this frittata with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—its mild bitterness cuts through the richness—and sometimes a quick dusting of extra smoked paprika for color and zing. A few thin slices of ripe avocado on the side are also wonderful if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or lightly dressed arugula for a fresh contrast. For brunch vibes, some crusty toasted bread or roasted cherry tomatoes make this meal shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a gathering, I like to bake this frittata in a large cast-iron skillet and bring the whole thing to the table, letting guests cut their own wedges. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top always gives it a little wow factor for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover any leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge—they stay good for about 3 to 4 days and reheat well for quick lunches.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual frittata slices wrapped in parchment and foil—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. While fresh is always best, freezing is handy for meal prep and still tastes great.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until warmed through—this helps keep the edges crispy and prevents sogginess you get from microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli in this Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture that can make the frittata watery. Sauté it until most of the water evaporates before adding the eggs.

What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is preferred for its flavor and meltability, but you can substitute with Gruyère, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even feta for a different twist. Just choose a cheese that melts well and has good flavor.

Can I make this frittata gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it’s made with eggs and vegetables. Just double-check your spices and cheese to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.

How do I know when the frittata is done baking?

The frittata is done when the eggs are fully set and the surface is firm to the touch. It should have a slight golden color on top, and if you gently shake the pan, the center shouldn't wiggle anymore.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheese Frittata Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s both comforting and fresh—a combo that hits the spot anytime. It’s accessible enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests, so I can’t recommend it enough. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be one you return to again and again—let me know how your version turns out!