Delicious Ham, Asparagus & Potato Frittata: Your Go-To Quick Meal
Imagine a dish that’s effortlessly elegant yet incredibly simple to make, packed with creamy eggs, tender asparagus, savory ham, and hearty potatoes, all brought together with melted cheese. That’s exactly what you get with this Ham, Asparagus, and Potato Frittata! What might sound like a gourmet creation is actually born from the humble act of using up “odds and ends” in the fridge. And that, my friends, is the true magic of the frittata: it transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, family-friendly meal in less than 30 minutes.
The Versatility of a Frittata: Beyond Breakfast
While often labeled a “breakfast dish” – and it certainly excels at that – a frittata is so much more. In my home, it’s a superhero for those frantic weeknights when I’ve completely forgotten to grocery shop. It’s my trusty “whoops, I need dinner on the table NOW” meal. Its simplicity and adaptability make it perfect for any time of day: a leisurely brunch, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Tips for Making the Best Frittatas
Crafting the perfect frittata is an art, but an incredibly forgiving one. Here are some essential tips to ensure your frittata turns out beautifully creamy and delicious every time.
Invest in an Oven-Safe Skillet (Ideally Cast Iron!)
A traditional baked frittata requires an oven-safe skillet. Think of a frittata as an open-faced, oven-baked omelette, where the fillings are usually pre-cooked to perfection before the eggs are poured in. For me, a cast iron skillet is non-negotiable for frittatas. Why? Because a single-dish meal means less cleanup, and who doesn’t love that? Cast iron provides excellent, even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly cooked frittata with a beautifully browned bottom crust.
If you don’t already own a cast iron skillet, I wholeheartedly recommend investing in one. They are surprisingly affordable, often available for under $40 on Amazon, and with proper care, they will genuinely last you a lifetime. They’re a kitchen workhorse for everything from searing steaks to baking cornbread, and of course, perfect frittatas!
However, if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, don’t let that stop you! You can easily adapt. Simply cook your filling ingredients in any skillet, then transfer them to an 8×8 or 9×9 oven-safe baking pan before pouring in the egg mixture and baking. Another fantastic option is to bake mini frittatas in a muffin tin – perfect for meal prep or individual servings! The beauty of a frittata is its flexibility.
Choosing and Preparing Your Asparagus
You have the option of using either fresh or frozen asparagus in this frittata recipe. If using fresh asparagus, remember to snap off the woody ends – they’ll naturally break at the tender spot. For more detailed guidance on selecting and preparing fresh asparagus, you can check here for tips on buying and preparing fresh asparagus. If you opt for frozen asparagus, simply thaw it completely, pat it dry to remove excess moisture, chop it into desired lengths, and add it to the skillet at the same stage you would the fresh variety. Both yield delicious results, making this frittata accessible year-round.
Customizing Your Frittata: Endless Possibilities
Beyond the ham, asparagus, and potato, the frittata is a canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other ingredients you have on hand:
- Proteins: Leftover cooked chicken, sausage, bacon, crumbled turkey, or even smoked salmon can be excellent additions.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or sweet potatoes all work wonderfully. Just make sure to pre-cook any harder vegetables (like onions or bell peppers) to soften them before adding the eggs. Leafy greens like spinach can be wilted directly in the hot skillet.
- Cheeses: While Colby Jack is fantastic, try cheddar, Gruyere, feta, goat cheese, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
- Herbs & Spices: Fresh chives, parsley, dill, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors. A dash of hot sauce on top is always welcome!
This adaptability is what makes frittatas such a beloved dish – they truly are a “clean out the fridge” meal that always feels gourmet.
Serving Your Perfect Frittata
A frittata is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast. Crusty bread or buttered toast is perfect for soaking up any creamy goodness. Fresh fruit or a glass of orange juice completes the meal, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of soup. The ham, asparagus, and potato frittata is also excellent served at room temperature, making it a great option for picnics or potlucks.
Storing and Reheating Frittata Leftovers
Should you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), frittatas store beautifully. Simply cover the cooled frittata tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or for a crispier exterior, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Leftover frittata also makes a delicious cold lunch!
Asparagus, Ham, and Potato Frittata
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium potato (such as Yukon Gold, thinly sliced or diced)
- 2 cups chopped asparagus (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 cup chopped deli ham (or leftover cooked ham)
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/3 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 6 large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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In a 10-inch cast iron or other oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced potatoes and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and lightly brown on one side (about 5-7 minutes). Flip the potatoes, then add the chopped asparagus and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Stir in the chopped ham and generously season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
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While the vegetables are cooking, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined and slightly frothy. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the cooked potato, asparagus, and ham mixture in the skillet. Carefully pour the whisked egg and milk mixture over the fillings, making sure it distributes evenly throughout the pan and coats all the ingredients.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set in the center and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy frittata!
Nutrition
Pin it for later!
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Pin it to your favorite breakfast or dinner boards so you can easily find it whenever you need a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal idea. It’s perfect for meal planning or those busy days when inspiration strikes.
Breakfast for dinner? You bet! Here are a few more recipes that can do double duty: