Asparagus Frittata
Fresh, fluffy Asparagus Frittata made with tender asparagus, eggs, and herbs, an easy, family-friendly recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 8 large eggs
- 1/3 cup heavy cream, or whole milk
- 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 100 g feta or goat cheese, crumbled (optional, but lovely)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives
- Extra herbs, for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F so it is ready when the frittata needs to go in.
- Choose the right pan: Make sure you are using an oven-safe skillet or frying pan, because the frittata starts on the stove and finishes in the oven. If your pan is not oven-safe, you can transfer everything to a lightly greased baking dish before baking.
- Prepare the asparagus: Wash the asparagus and trim off the tough woody ends. Cut the spears into pieces about 4 to 5 cm long. If the spears are thick, slice them in half lengthwise first so they cook more evenly.
- Cook the asparagus: You have two easy options: Blanch it: Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside. Or sauté it: You can skip the boiling and cook the asparagus in the pan with the onions for a few extra minutes instead.
- Whisk the eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream or milk, Parmesan, chopped herbs, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper until well combined.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil and butter in your oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion or shallots and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until soft and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus: Add the asparagus to the pan and stir gently for about 1 minute so it mixes with the onion and garlic.
- Add the egg mixture: Lower the heat slightly if needed. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Gently shake the pan or use a spoon to spread the asparagus evenly. If using feta or goat cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
- Cook on the stove first: Let the frittata cook over low to medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until the edges begin to set but the middle is still a little soft.
- Finish in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the frittata from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Storage, Freezer & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Refrigerate promptly, within 2 hours of cooking. Freezer: Wrap individual slices and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality, then thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture may become slightly firmer after freezing. Reheating: Warm slices covered in the oven at 160°C (140°C fan-forced), or microwave covered in short intervals, until hot throughout. Aim for 75°C in the centre. Best texture tip: Reheat gently and only until thoroughly heated. Too much heat can make the eggs rubbery.What To Serve With It
Simple: Buttered toast or warm crusty bread. Weekend Brunch: Roasted cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and toasted sourdough. Light Dinner: A crisp green salad with lemon dressing and a few roasted baby potatoes. For entertaining: Cut into small wedges and serve alongside a spring salad, fresh bread, and a bowl of olives.Easy Variations
- Add more vegetables: Add a handful of spinach or ½ cup sliced mushrooms. Cook them with the onion until any excess moisture has evaporated.
- Change the cheese: Replace the optional feta or goat cheese with 100 g ricotta, dotted over the egg mixture before baking.
- Add a savoury touch: Stir in ½ cup chopped cooked ham or cooked bacon before adding the eggs.
- Try different herbs: Use dill for a fresh, delicate flavour, parsley for a mild finish, or chives for a gentle onion flavour.
- Choose your richness: Use the cream for a richer frittata or the same amount of whole milk for a lighter result.
Helpful Recipe Notes
- Drain the asparagus well: If blanching, let it drain thoroughly before adding it to the pan. Extra water can make the frittata watery.
- Keep the heat gentle: Once the eggs go into the skillet, use low to medium-low heat so the base cooks without becoming too dark.
- Watch the centre: Remove the frittata when the centre is just set, with no liquid egg remaining. Avoid waiting until the top is deeply browned.
- Season lightly: Parmesan and feta already add salt, so start with a small pinch in the egg mixture.
- Using a baking dish: Cook the vegetables first, then transfer them to a lightly greased baking dish and add the egg mixture and optional cheese. Skip the stovetop setting step and allow a longer baking time, checking that the centre is set.
- Rest before slicing: Let the frittata rest for 5 minutes so it holds together when cut.