Cheese Frittata: The Perfect Pairing Ideas For Your Palate

A frittata is a versatile dish that can be served at any meal, from brunch to dinner. It is an egg-based dish, often with vegetables, herbs, and cheese. The beauty of a frittata is that you can get creative and use whatever ingredients you have on hand. For a cheese frittata, the options are endless—from Cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack to feta, goat cheese, and ricotta. You can even mix and match cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. To complement a cheese frittata, consider serving sides such as simple green salads, breakfast potatoes, hash browns, or toasted whole-grain bread.

Meat and veggies

A frittata is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some meat and veggie combinations that go well with a cheese frittata:

Meat Options:

• Bacon: A classic option that pairs well with the cheese and eggs. You can use cooked bacon from the freezer to make preparation easier.
• Sausage: This adds a savoury flavour to the frittata and complements the cheese.
• Ham: Cubed, cooked ham adds a salty flavour to the frittata.
• Chicken: Sliced or shredded chicken can be added for a lean protein option.
• Prosciutto: This salty, thin-sliced, dry-cured ham adds a savoury touch without the need for pre-cooking.

Vegetable Options:

• Broccoli: Pairs well with feta cheese and adds a crunchy texture to the frittata.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves can be roughly chopped and added to the frittata for some extra greenery.
• Peppers: Bell peppers, especially red, yellow or orange, add a pop of colour and a slight sweetness.
• Zucchini: Sliced zucchini adds a nice texture and pairs well with other vegetables.
• Artichokes: Canned, quartered artichoke hearts add a unique flavour and are convenient to use.
• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes add colour and a juicy texture.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or mixed mushrooms complement the cheese and eggs nicely.
• Onions: Red or spring onions can be used, adding a mild onion flavour without being too overpowering.
• Asparagus: This vegetable adds a delicate flavour and is a nice springtime option.
• Peas: Frozen peas are convenient and add a pop of colour and sweetness.
• Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or regular potatoes can be chopped and added for a hearty option.

These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of meat and veggies that pair well with a cheese frittata.

Herbs and spices

Basil

Basil is a classic herb that pairs well with many different types of cheese. It has a strong, sweet aroma and a slightly peppery taste. Basil is commonly used in Italian cuisine and goes well with tomatoes and other Mediterranean ingredients. It can be added fresh to a frittata or used as a garnish for a pop of colour and flavour.

Parsley

Parsley is a versatile herb with a fresh, bright flavour that can enhance the taste of a cheese frittata without overwhelming it. It has a subtle earthy taste with hints of citrus and mint. Parsley is commonly used as a garnish, adding a touch of elegance to the dish.

Chives

Chives have a delicate onion flavour and can add a mild kick to a frittata. They have a subtle taste that enhances the flavour of cheese without overpowering it. Chives also add a bright pop of colour, making the dish more visually appealing.

Tarragon

Tarragon has a unique flavour with hints of anise, vanilla, and licorice. It goes well with a variety of cheeses, especially those with a strong flavour like sharp cheddar or pecorino. Tarragon adds a sophisticated touch to a frittata and pairs well with other herbs like chives.

Oregano

Oregano is a common herb in Italian cuisine and goes well with tomato-based dishes. It has a robust, earthy flavour that can stand up to the taste of cheese. Oregano also has antioxidant properties and adds a nutritional boost to the frittata.

Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb with a slightly woody, earthy flavour. It goes well with a variety of cheeses and can enhance the taste of eggs. Thyme also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, adding potential health benefits to the dish.

Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes, or crushed red peppers, add a spicy kick to a frittata. They are commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine and go well with cheeses like parmesan or pecorino. Red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness.

Paprika

Paprika is made from ground peppers and has a sweet, slightly smoky flavour. It adds a depth of flavour to a frittata and goes well with a variety of cheeses. Smoked paprika can also be used for a more intense, smoky taste.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a classic spice that adds a sharp, pungent flavour to a frittata. It enhances the taste of cheese and other ingredients without overwhelming them. Black pepper is commonly used in egg dishes and can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a spicy chilli pepper that can add a kick to your frittata. It goes well with cheesy dishes and can be adjusted to your preferred level of heat. Cayenne pepper also has potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dairy

Firstly, milk is often added to the egg base of a frittata. Whole milk is recommended for the best texture, but low-fat or non-dairy milk can be used instead. For a creamier texture, cream or half-and-half can be used.

Cheese is also a common addition to a frittata and can be stirred directly into the egg mixture or used as a topping. Soft cheeses like goat's cheese are a good choice, as are sharp cheeses like cheddar, and salty cheeses like feta. Other options include Parmesan, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, and ricotta. For a more luxurious frittata, expensive silky cheeses like burrata can be used, although this may be considered a waste of good cheese!

When choosing a dairy product to add to your frittata, it is important to consider the other ingredients. For example, Gruyère goes well with hearty greens but can be too heavy for delicate vegetables.

Breads

A cheese frittata is a versatile dish that can be served with various types of bread. Here are some ideas for complementary bread options to serve with a cheese frittata:

Toasted Whole-Grain Bread

Toasted whole-grain bread is a healthy and tasty option to accompany a cheese frittata. The nuttiness and slight bitterness of the toasted whole grains can complement the savoury and creamy flavours of the frittata.

Banana Bread

Banana bread is a sweet and moist option that can provide a delicious contrast to the savouriness of a cheese frittata. It adds a touch of sweetness to the meal and can be a particularly good choice if you're serving the frittata as part of a larger brunch spread.

English Muffins

English muffins have a soft and fluffy texture with a slightly crispy exterior. They can be a great vessel for a frittata sandwich, as mentioned by a home cook on Allrecipes.com. The nooks and crannies of English muffins can absorb the flavours of the frittata, creating a delightful bite.

Breakfast Croissants

Breakfast croissants, especially those stuffed with ham and Gruyere, can be a decadent pairing with a cheese frittata. The flaky texture and rich flavour of the croissant can enhance the overall dining experience.

Bread Bowls

Bread bowls are another creative way to serve a cheese frittata. Hollow out a crusty bread loaf and fill it with the frittata for a unique presentation. This option is perfect for individual servings and can make the meal more interactive and enjoyable.

Salads

Kale Salad

A simple kale salad with a tangy dressing, such as a lemon vinaigrette, would go well with a cheese frittata. The slight bitterness of the kale will balance the richness of the cheese in the frittata. You could also add some toasted nuts or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds, for added crunch and texture.

Arugula Salad

Arugula leaves have a peppery flavour and a delicate texture, making them a great base for a salad to accompany a cheese frittata. You could add some shaved Parmesan cheese, sliced strawberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and savoury salad.

Green Salad

A simple green salad with a variety of leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and rocket, can be a refreshing side dish to a cheese frittata. Add some sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocado for extra texture and flavour. A light vinaigrette or a creamy ranch dressing would also work well with this salad.

Mediterranean Salad

A Mediterranean-inspired salad would pair nicely with a cheese frittata. This could include ingredients such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. You could also add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial salad.

Fruit Salad

While a cheese frittata is savoury, a fruit salad can add a refreshing touch to the meal. Include a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, apples, and bananas. You could also add some chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey for extra flavour and texture.

Frequently asked questions