Patrick Oconnell
Frittatas are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, and cheeses. While frittatas typically include eggs, vegetables, and cheese, the type of cheese used can vary depending on personal preference and the desired flavor profile. Some popular cheese options for frittatas include goat cheese, feta, ricotta, Gruyere, Parmesan, cheddar, and Gouda. Using a combination of cheeses can also enhance the flavor and meltability of the frittata. Ultimately, the best cheese for a frittata is a matter of individual taste, and experimenting with different cheeses can lead to delicious results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese to use | Feta, Ricotta, Goat Cheese, Gruyere, Burrata, Parmesan, Aged Gouda, Dry Jack, Manchego, Smoked Gouda, Havarti, Cheddar, Cream Cheese, Jalapeño Havarti, Grand Cru, Fontina, Buttermilk Blue, Scallion Cheese |
| Other ingredients | Eggs, Vegetables, Herbs, Milk, Almond Milk, Garlic, Salt, Turkey Sausage, Olive Oil, Onion, Potatoes, Red Pepper, Spinach, Basil, Butter, Pepper, Bacon, Ground Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onions, Cubed Potatoes, Broccoli, Ham, Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Tomato, Shallots, Mushrooms, Scallions |
| Pan | Ovenproof pan, Skillet, Cast iron pan, Non-stick skillet |
| Temperature | 350° F, 400° F, 400 degrees |
| Time | 15-20 minutes, 15 minutes, 25-30 minutes, 8 minutes + 2 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Salty feta or rich ricotta
Frittatas are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, vegetables, and herbs. While some people prefer goat cheese or gruyere, others opt for salty feta or rich ricotta.
Salty feta is a popular choice for those who enjoy a savoury, tangy flavour. Feta is a brined curd cheese that can be made from sheep's milk, goat's milk, or a combination of both. It has a crumbly texture and a salty taste, which can add a nice kick to a frittata. Food writer Joe Yonan, for instance, favours feta for his spring frittata. A basic frittata recipe with feta involves whisking together eggs, almond milk, garlic, and salt, then adding vegetables like scallions, broccoli, and roasted red peppers, before sprinkling with feta and baking.
On the other hand, rich ricotta can also be a delicious option for a frittata. Ricotta is a fresh and fluffy cheese commonly used in lasagnas and on crostini. However, when it comes to frittatas, a whole-milk ricotta is preferred by some, such as chef and cookbook writer Lidia Bastianich. Ricotta salata, a salted and aged version of fresh ricotta, is another option. Made with sheep's milk, it has a crumbly, dry texture and a salty flavour, resembling Italian feta.
Ultimately, the choice between salty feta and rich ricotta for a frittata depends on personal preference. Feta provides a tangy and savoury note, while ricotta, especially the ricotta salata variety, offers a richer, creamier, and slightly saltier option. Both cheeses can be sprinkled on top of the frittata or mixed into the egg mixture before baking.
In addition to feta and ricotta, other cheeses that can be used in frittatas include parmesan, pecorino, gouda, manchego, and mozzarella. Experimenting with different cheeses and their combinations can lead to unique and tasty frittata creations.
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Goat cheese or gruyere
Goat cheese and Gruyère are both excellent choices for a frittata. Frittatas are versatile and easy to make, and the cheese you choose can be based on your personal preference or what you have on hand. Goat cheese has a mild, tangy flavour, while Gruyère is nutty and slightly sweet.
Goat cheese is a good option if you want a mild, tart kick to your frittata. It pairs well with vegetables and can be crumbled on top of the frittata or mixed in with the eggs. Goat cheese is also a good choice if you want a frittata with a strong flavour, as its tanginess will stand out.
Gruyère is a great option if you're looking for a nutty flavour in your frittata. It is a good match for hearty greens and other vegetables. Gruyère melts well and can be shredded and mixed with the eggs, or added on top of the frittata before baking.
When making a frittata, you can get creative with your vegetable and herb combinations. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite. In addition to goat cheese and Gruyère, other cheeses that work well in frittatas include cheddar, fontina, feta, parmesan, pecorino, aged Gouda, dry jack, and manchego.
Whether you choose goat cheese, Gruyère, or a combination of cheeses, the key to a successful frittata is to cook the eggs just until they are set, and then bake the frittata until it is slightly puffed and golden brown around the edges.
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Smoked gouda and havarti
Frittatas are a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are essentially crustless egg pies filled with vegetables, herbs, and cheese. When it comes to choosing the best cheese for a frittata, there are many options to consider, and it often comes down to personal preference.
To make a frittata with Smoked Gouda and Havarti, you can start by sautéing vegetables of your choice in a cast-iron skillet. Commonly used vegetables include peppers, onions, spinach, and potatoes. You can also add meat, such as turkey sausage, for a heartier dish. Once the vegetables are softened, you can whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Then, combine the egg mixture with the vegetables in the skillet and add shredded Smoked Gouda and Havarti cheeses.
Transfer the skillet to an oven preheated to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The frittata is ready when the eggs are set, and the top is lightly golden. For extra cheesiness, you can sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of the frittata after it comes out of the oven and broil it for a minute to create crispy, brown, cheesy bits.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of vegetables, herbs, and meats to customize your frittata. You can also try using other types of cheese in addition to or instead of Smoked Gouda and Havarti. Some popular cheese options for frittatas include ricotta, goat cheese, feta, parmesan, Gruyere, and aged Gouda.
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Cheddar and cream cheese
To make a delicious cheddar frittata, preheat your oven to 425°F. Brush a 7-by-11-inch or similar 2-quart baking dish with olive oil or coat it with non-stick cooking spray. Whisk together eight large eggs, milk, salt, and ground black pepper until combined and frothy. You can also add vegetables of your choice or substitute them with cooked potatoes or pasta. Scatter most of the cheese on top, leaving a few tablespoons aside. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until puffed and not runny in the centre.
Cream cheese is another versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It has a rich, creamy texture and a mild flavour that can enhance the taste of a frittata. When using cream cheese in a frittata, it is essential to balance the proportions of the other ingredients, as too much cream cheese can make the dish overly rich and heavy.
Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for milk or other dairy products in a frittata recipe. Simply whisk it together with the eggs, salt, and pepper, and pour the mixture over your choice of vegetables. You can also add other types of cheese to complement the cream cheese, such as shredded cheddar or parmesan.
Whether you choose cheddar, cream cheese, or a combination of both, the key to a delicious frittata is creativity and experimentation. Feel free to add your favourite vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a unique and tasty dish.
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Parmesan and pecorino
Parmesan is a popular choice for a frittata, as it adds a lot of flavour. It is often used in combination with other ingredients such as zucchini, onion, and ham or bacon. Parmesan can also be substituted with other hard cheeses like pecorino or asiago, or even gouda or cheddar. This flexibility means that you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or use whatever cheese you have available.
Pecorino is another delicious option for a frittata, as it has a strong and salty flavour that can enhance the dish. It pairs well with vegetables such as shallots, tomatoes, and basil, as well as other cheeses like mozzarella. The versatility of frittatas means that you can experiment with different combinations of vegetables, herbs, and cheeses to create a unique and tasty dish.
When making a frittata, it is important to use the right type of pan, such as a cast-iron skillet, which can go directly from the stovetop to the oven. The cooking process typically involves first cooking the vegetables and then adding the eggs and cheese before baking the frittata in the oven. The fun part about making a frittata is getting creative with the ingredients and trying out different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile.
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Frequently asked questions
A frittata is an egg-based dish that usually features mix-ins, such as meats (like bacon or sausage) and veggies (like green onions, spinach, and mushrooms). It is similar to a French quiche but does not have a crust.
Some good cheeses for a frittata include ricotta, goat cheese, feta, Parmesan, pecorino, aged Gouda, dry jack, manchego, cheddar, and Gruyere.
Yes, using multiple types of cheese in a frittata can increase the overall cheesiness and improve the melt.
Cheese is typically added to a frittata just before baking.
Yes, frittatas are very versatile. You can add any vegetables, herbs, and meats you like. Some common additions include spinach, garlic, onions, potatoes, and bell peppers.
