Caprese Frittata: A Fresh Twist on Classic Breakfast
Bright garden flavors and creamy cheese unite in a satisfying one-pan morning dish.
The Caprese frittata marries the iconic flavors of the traditional Italian Caprese salad—ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil—with the hearty base of golden eggs. This recipe offers a vibrant, filling breakfast or brunch that celebrates both simplicity and freshness, making good use of garden produce and classic Mediterranean ingredients. Explore the steps, variations, serving suggestions, and the inspiration behind this satisfying dish.
Why Caprese in a Frittata?
Named after the island of Capri, the Caprese salad is celebrated worldwide for its harmonious blend of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The frittata, a classic Italian egg-based dish, serves as a perfect vessel for these flavors, transforming a light salad into a satiating meal. This Caprese frittata preserves the essence of summer with each bite—lightly roasted cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and ribbons of basil, all bound together by fluffy eggs. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s preference for seasonal, simple ingredients, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make year-round.
Ingredients: Simple, Fresh, and Flavorful
- Eggs: 12 large eggs, room temperature for best texture.
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup, provides moisture and tenderness.
- Kosher salt: 3/4 teaspoon, to season the eggs evenly.
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, for a gentle kick.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing and flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint, preferably firm and ripe.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped to infuse aromatic flavor.
- Mozzarella pearls: 8 ounces, drained and evenly distributed.
- Prepared pesto: for a vibrant, herbaceous drizzle.
- Fresh basil: Optional for garnish, intensifying the Caprese touch.
The Art of Making Caprese Frittata: Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the frittata bakes evenly and puffs up lightly.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes, cooking and stirring for about 7 minutes until most are burst and softened. This step concentrates their sweet flavor and prevents a watery frittata.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute; careful not to brown, so the garlic stays aromatic rather than bitter.
- Combine Eggs and Mozzarella: Pour the egg mixture into the skillet over the tomatoes and garlic. Sprinkle in mozzarella pearls, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
- Initial Set on Stovetop: Reduce heat to medium-low. Without stirring, allow the frittata to set just around the edges, about 2 minutes.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake 10 minutes until frittata is golden, set in the center, but still tender—a knife or toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes. Drizzle generously with pesto and scatter fresh basil leaves if using. Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Frittata
- Choose a Quality Skillet: An ovenproof, nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet ensures easy release and even cooking.
- Don’t Over-whisk Eggs: Over-mixing can make the frittata tough. Whisk just until evenly combined.
- Let Ingredients Cool Slightly: Before adding cheese or eggs to hot fillings, let vegetables cool to prevent scrambling.
- Use Whole Milk: Adds richness and produces a more tender texture than water or skim milk.
- Add-Ins: Try sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers for variation, but keep the balance to avoid overpowering the Caprese flavors.
- Finish with Pesto: Pesto brings an intense basil flavor that enhances all other ingredients.
Baking and Serving Suggestions
- Temperature Control: Baking at 400°F creates a lightly golden top without toughening the eggs.
- Size and Yield: This recipe yields 8-10 servings, perfect for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers for quick weekday breakfasts.
- Presentation: Serve directly from the skillet, or invert onto a plate and slice into wedges for a pretty presentation.
- Serve Hot, Room Temp, or Cold: Frittata remains moist and flavorful, making it ideal for brunch spreads or meal prep.
Pairings and Menu Ideas
- Side Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad brightens the meal.
- Toasted Bread: Rustic sourdough or baguette slices—from oven or grill—offer delicious texture alongside the tender eggs.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a bowl of summer berries or melon for a refreshing counterpoint.
- Breakfest Casserole: Enjoy alongside a sausage breakfast casserole, for heartier fare.
- Muffin Tin Frittatas: For individual servings, distribute the same mixture into greased muffin tins and bake for 10–12 minutes at 375°F.
Caprese Frittata Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Swap: Substitute fresh burrata, goat cheese, or feta for mozzarella pearls for richer or tangier notes.
- Tomato Choices: Use heirloom baby tomatoes or sliced Roma tomatoes for more color and flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the milk or use unsweetened non-dairy alternatives. The texture will be slightly firmer.
- Herbs: Add chopped chives, parsley, or oregano with basil for depth.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Wilted spinach, sautéed zucchini, or roasted peppers blend beautifully for added nutrition.
What others are reading
Nutrition and Health Benefits
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~225 | Balanced energy for breakfast or brunch |
| Protein | 13 g | Supports muscle, satiety |
| Fat | 16 g | Healthy fats for energy |
| Carbs | 6 g | Low carb for balanced meals |
| Vitamin C/Antioxidants | High from tomatoes | Supports immune function |
Please note: Values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Seasonal Inspiration and Caprese-Style Creativity
Caprese flavors inspire countless creative recipes during summer, when tomatoes are ripe and basil is plentiful. The Pioneer Woman celebrates many Caprese-inspired dishes, from grilled pizza and pasta salad to chicken dinners and even hand-held appetizers like Caprese skewers and pastry bites. Let your creativity shine and try transforming Caprese into breakfast or serve it as chilled pasta salad for warm weather occasions.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make in Advance: Frittata is perfect for prepping the night before. Simply bake, cool, slice, and refrigerate.
- Storage: Airtight containers keep slices fresh up to 3 days. Serve cold, at room temperature, or gently reheat in the oven.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap wedges in parchment and plastic; freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat gently to restore texture.
Caprese Frittata FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a frittata and a quiche?
A: A frittata skips the crust and uses mostly eggs and fillings, while quiche contains a pastry shell and custard-like filling.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?
A: Yes, feel free to substitute with burrata, feta, ricotta, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make a Caprese frittata without oven access?
A: Yes, cook the mixture on the stove over low heat, covered, until just set; or use muffin tins for toaster oven baking.
Q: Is Caprese frittata suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. This frittata keeps well, is delicious cold, and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Q: How do I prevent my frittata from getting tough or rubbery?
A: Avoid over-baking and whisk eggs gently. Pull it from the oven when just set in the center and let rest before slicing.
Related Breakfast Recipes from The Pioneer Woman
- Make-Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole – hearty and perfect for busy mornings.
- Easy Cinnamon Roll Peach Cobbler – a sweet treat combining breakfast and dessert.
- Fruit Salad Recipes – simple, fresh, and colorful additions to your breakfast spread.
- Peach Smoothie – cool and refreshing, perfect for summer mornings.
- Kid-Friendly Breakfasts – quick, easy ideas for busy families.
Final Thoughts
This Caprese frittata showcases the timeless charm of Italian flavors in a modern breakfast format. With a handful of fresh ingredients and a few simple techniques, you’ll bring sunshine and satisfaction to your morning table. Whether using peak-season tomatoes or making do with year-round staples, this recipe remains accessible, adaptable, and deeply delicious. Gather your eggs, cheese, and herbs, and create a dish that’s as vibrant and memorable as the Mediterranean coast itself.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60154636/caprese-frittata-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11356/sunday-frittata/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g60992216/caprese-inspired-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g61004271/cherry-tomato-recipes/
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