Frittata Recipe by Alton Brown That’s Fluffy and Easy

Unleash the magic of frittatas, the shape-shifting superstar of morning meals that turns humble eggs into a culinary masterpiece.

This Italian-inspired dish dances between simplicity and sophistication with effortless charm.

Eggs transform into a canvas where flavors collide and ingredients sing.

You can craft a frittata that speaks volumes about your kitchen creativity, blending textures and tastes in one spectacular pan.

From tender vegetables to robust cheeses, every ingredient finds its perfect harmony in this versatile dish.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that will awaken your taste buds and spark joy at the breakfast table.

Let this recipe be your gateway to a morning meal that celebrates deliciousness in every golden, perfectly cooked slice.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Frittata

• Eggs: Choose fresh, large eggs with vibrant yellow yolks for rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select high-quality, aged Parmesan with a sharp, nutty profile for maximum taste.
• Black Pepper: Opt for whole peppercorns and grind fresh for intense, aromatic seasoning.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and balanced flavor enhancement.

• Ham, Asparagus: Select tender, lean ham and crisp, bright green asparagus spears at peak freshness.

• Butter: Choose unsalted, creamy butter for smooth sautéing and rich undertones.
• Parsley: Pick bright green, fragrant parsley leaves for a vibrant, fresh garnish.

How to Serve Alton Brown’s Frittata

• Brunch Brilliance: Pair this delightful frittata with a crisp mixed green salad and toasted sourdough bread for a complete weekend morning feast.
• Wine and Dine: Complement the rich egg dish with a light, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco for an elegant touch.
• Fresh and Bright: Top each slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley to add a tangy, fresh dimension.
• Side Kick Magic: Serve alongside roasted cherry tomatoes or a quick cucumber salad to balance the hearty protein and create a well-rounded meal.

Storage Tips for Alton Brown’s Frittata Leftovers

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook this frittata ahead of time and store in airtight containers for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week. Portions stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen frittata portions will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual slices in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes to maintain the eggs' creamy texture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery consistency.
• Smart Serving Tips: Complement leftover frittata with fresh mixed greens or a light side salad. Cold or room temperature slices work perfectly for picnics, work lunches, or quick grab-and-go meals.

Tools and Pans for Cooking Alton Brown’s Frittata

• Oven Broiler: High-heat setting for golden finishing touch.
• Medium-sized Bowl: Perfect for whisking eggs and seasonings.
• Fork: Ideal for mixing eggs and cheese thoroughly.
• 12-inch Nonstick Oven-Safe Pan: Essential for sautéing and baking frittata.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps gently stir eggs and spread ingredients evenly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping ham, asparagus, and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for dicing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate salt and pepper measurements.
• Cheese Grater: To freshly grate Parmesan cheese.
• Serving Plate: For presenting and slicing the frittata.

Step-by-Step Guide for Alton Brown’s Frittata

• Fire Up the Broiler

Crank your oven’s broiler to high, preparing for a delicious finale that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Whip the Egg Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and blend eggs with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, adding a twist of black pepper and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything plays nice together.

• Sizzle the Ingredients

Get a hefty oven-safe skillet hot and drop in a pat of butter. Toss in diced ham and chopped asparagus, letting them sizzle and soften for a quick couple of minutes.

• Merge and Cook

Pour the egg concoction over the sautéed goodies, gently stirring to create a beautiful, even blanket. Let it cook until the bottom sets and the top looks almost ready.

• Broil and Blast

Slide the skillet under the broiler, letting the heat transform the top into a golden, puffy masterpiece. Watch closely to avoid burning – this is where magic happens.

• Finish and Feast

Sprinkle fresh parsley across the top for a pop of color and freshness. Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately, enjoying the warm, fluffy goodness straight from the oven.

Cooking Tips for a Perfect Frittata

Simple ways to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Replace ham with crispy bacon, spicy chorizo, or tender shredded chicken for an instant flavor transformation.

Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or smoky gruyère to add unexpected depth and richness.

Expand vegetable options by incorporating roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or wilted spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Prepare the frittata in advance and reheat gently in the oven, making it perfect for meal prep or weekend brunch gatherings.

Fluffy Alton Brown Frittata Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s frittata showcases Italian-inspired egg mastery with simple, fresh ingredients. Skillful techniques and precise cooking create a delightful breakfast dish you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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• 6 eggs, beaten
• 1 oz (28 g) Parmesan, grated
• ½ cup (120 ml) chopped country ham
• ½ cup (120 ml) chopped roasted asparagus
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped parsley leaves
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp (5 ml) butter
• Pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Activate the broiler at high heat, positioning the rack approximately 6 inches from the heating element.
2. Egg Mixture: Whisk whole eggs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and kosher salt together in a medium bowl until thoroughly integrated.
3. Skillet Preparation: In a 12-inch nonstick oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat, creating a uniform coating across the surface.
4. Vegetable and Protein Sauté: Introduce diced ham and asparagus to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften and ham edges caramelize.
5. Egg Integration: Cascade the egg mixture over the ham and asparagus, gently folding with a rubber spatula to ensure even distribution.
6. Cooking Process: Allow the frittata to simmer undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, observing as the bottom solidifies and edges firm while the top remains slightly liquid.
7. Broiling Finish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler, cooking 3-4 minutes until the surface transforms to a light golden-brown, appearing puffy and completely set.
8. Garnish and Rest: Sprinkle fresh parsley across the surface, then allow the frittata to rest for 1 minute to stabilize its structure.
9. Serving: Slice into 6 equal wedges with a sharp knife and serve immediately while piping hot and delightfully fluffy.

Notes

• Precise Pan Selection: Use a 12-inch nonstick, oven-safe skillet to ensure even cooking and easy release of the frittata.
• Temperature Control: Keep medium-high heat consistent when sautéing ingredients to prevent burning and achieve golden edges.
• Broiler Positioning: Place oven rack exactly 6 inches from heating element for perfect golden-brown top without overcooking.
• Resting Technique: Allow frittata to rest 1 minute after broiling to help set the structure and make slicing cleaner and more precise.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 540 mg