This baked frittata combines sautéed onion, garlic and wilted spinach with sweet roasted red peppers folded into an egg-and-milk custard studded with feta and shredded cheese. Start on the stovetop to soften fillings, pour in the seasoned eggs, then finish in a hot oven until set and lightly golden. Rest briefly, slice, and garnish with fresh herbs. Simple swaps include goat cheese or ricotta; ideal for brunch, meal prep, or a light dinner.
The skillet cracked the moment I set it on the burner, and honestly that was the best thing that could have happened because it forced me to use the cast iron instead, which gave this frittata a crust I never would have discovered otherwise. Roasted red peppers and spinach were just leftovers sitting in the fridge that Sunday, barely enough to seem intentional. The whole thing came together in the time it took my coffee to cool, and by the end of it I was standing at the counter eating wedges straight from the pan with a fork.
I brought this to a friends potluck brunch once and watched three people ask for the recipe before they even finished their first bite, which is the highest compliment a home cook can get.
Ingredients
- Roasted red peppers (1 cup sliced, about 2 large): Jarred works beautifully here, just drain them well and pat dry so the frittata does not get soggy.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups chopped): Rough chops prevent long stringy bits and help it fold into the eggs more evenly.
- Onion (1 small, diced): A sweet onion cooked down slowly gives the whole dish a gentle backbone of flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic only, the jarred stuff tastes flat once baked.
- Eggs (8 large): Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly with the milk and create a lighter texture.
- Whole milk (1/3 cup): This small amount keeps the frittata creamy inside without making it dense, though oat milk works in a pinch.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup crumbled): The salty tang cuts through the sweetness of the peppers in a way that plain cheese never could.
- Mozzarella or Gruyere (1/2 cup shredded): Gruyere melts into golden stretchy pockets, but mozzarella is the reliable friend that never lets you down.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Use a decent one here since you are not cooking at high heat and the flavor really comes through.
- Salt (1/2 tsp), black pepper (1/4 tsp), dried oregano (1/2 tsp), crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp optional): The oregano ties everything to the Mediterranean profile and the red pepper flakes add a quiet warmth.
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the center position so the top browns evenly without burning.
- Build the flavor base:
- Warm olive oil in a ten inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until it turns translucent and just starts to sweeten, about three to four minutes, then stir in the garlic for one minute more until you can smell it from across the kitchen.
- Wilt the greens:
- Toss in the chopped spinach and stir gently until it collapses down to almost nothing, roughly two minutes, then fold in the roasted red pepper slices and take the pan off the heat so nothing overcooks.
- Whisk the egg mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes until completely smooth, then stir in the crumbled feta and half of the shredded cheese so it is distributed throughout.
- Combine and top:
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the skillet and give it one gentle stir to settle everything, then sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top in an even layer.
- Bake until golden:
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes, watching for the center to set and the top to turn a light golden color that makes you want to cut into it immediately.
- Rest and serve:
- Let the frittata rest for five minutes in the pan before slicing so the pieces hold their shape, then serve it warm or at room temperature depending on your mood.
There is something quietly satisfying about pulling a whole skillet out of the oven, golden and puffed at the edges, and setting it directly on the table for everyone to slice into together.
What I Learned After Making This a Dozen Times
Goat cheese is an incredible substitute for feta if you want something creamier and slightly more tangy, and fresh basil torn over the top right before serving makes the whole thing taste like summer even in February.
A Note on Leftovers
This frittata holds up beautifully in the fridge for three days and tastes just as good cold straight from a container, which makes it the most reliable meal prep item I have ever accidentally stumbled into.
Serving Ideas and Final Thoughts
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside this turns it into a proper meal without any extra effort.
- A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs surprisingly well if you are serving this for dinner.
- Dont be afraid to double the recipe and use a larger skillet for a crowd.
- Always check your cheese labels for hidden gluten if cooking for someone with sensitivities.
Keep this one in your back pocket for the nights when you want something warm and satisfying without turning on every burner in the kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent a watery frittata with spinach?
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Sauté spinach until just wilted and excess moisture has evaporated. Cook a minute longer after adding to the pan to release and evaporate water, and drain any excess liquid before combining with eggs.
- → Can I use fresh or jarred roasted red peppers?
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Both work. Fresh-roasted peppers offer more charred flavor; jarred peppers are convenient—drain and pat them dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the custard.
- → What skillet should I use to bake this frittata?
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Use an ovenproof 10-inch skillet for even cooking and easy transfer from stovetop to oven. A well-seasoned cast iron or ovenproof nonstick skillet both perform well.
- → How can I make this lighter or dairy-free?
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Swap whole milk for a neutral non-dairy milk and omit or replace cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. Reduce cheese slightly for a lighter finish while keeping creaminess from the eggs.
- → How long will leftovers keep and how should I reheat them?
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Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven or in a skillet over low heat to avoid rubbery eggs; microwaving works for quick reheats but may change texture.
- → Any tips for seasoning and flavor variations?
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Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving, try oregano or smoked paprika for depth, or swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a milder, creamier profile.