Easy & Irresistible Alton Brown Frittata Recipe: Breakfast Magic

Frittatas represent the ultimate culinary chameleon in breakfast cuisine.

Italian-inspired egg dishes like this transform simple ingredients into spectacular meals.

A frittata offers incredible versatility with its adaptable nature and straightforward preparation method.

Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate these one-pan wonders for their remarkable flexibility.

Rich, creamy textures merge with crisp exterior edges, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Creative ingredient combinations can elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Professional techniques ensure a perfectly balanced, restaurant-quality result that impresses even discerning palates: prepare to master this elegant meal.

Why Alton Brown Frittata is a Brunch Favorite

• Whip Up a Quick Gourmet Meal: This frittata transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving something delicious and elegant.
• Enjoy Protein-Packed Perfection: Packed with eggs, ham, and Parmesan, this frittata delivers a satisfying protein punch that keeps you full and energized throughout the morning or afternoon.
• Master Effortless Cooking Technique: The one-pan method combines stovetop and broiler cooking, creating a beautifully fluffy and slightly browned frittata without complicated culinary skills, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Celebrate Versatile Flavor Combinations: Fresh asparagus and salty ham create a delightful balance of textures and tastes, while parsley adds a bright, fresh finish to this impressive yet simple dish.

What You Need for Alton Brown Frittata

• Eggs: Fresh and large eggs provide the main structure and protein for the frittata.
• Ham: Diced or chopped ham adds savory flavor and extra protein to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese brings rich, salty depth and helps bind the frittata.

• Asparagus: Fresh, crisp vegetable that adds texture and light green color to the frittata.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, clean finish and green garnish.

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Butter: Helps prevent sticking and adds rich, smooth flavor when sautéing ingredients.

Steps to Make Alton Brown Frittata

Step 1: Prepare the Broiler

Crank up the oven’s broiler to high heat, getting ready for the final touch of this scrumptious dish.

Step 2: Create the Egg Base

• 6 eggs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt

Mix thoroughly with a fork until well combined.

Step 3: Sauté the Ingredients

• Diced ham
• Chopped asparagus

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour the egg mixture over the ham and asparagus. Gently stir with a rubber spatula, allowing the eggs to spread evenly. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom sets and the top begins to firm up.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Transfer the pan to the preheated broiler. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the top turns golden brown and becomes delightfully puffy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. Carefully remove from the oven and slice into 6 generous portions. Serve immediately while warm and fluffy.

Pro Tips for Mastering Alton Brown Frittata

• Safeguard Eggs: Choose fresh, high-quality eggs at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Customize Flavor: Swap ham with prosciutto or bacon for a personalized twist.
• Control Heat: Keep broiler at medium-high to prevent burning delicate ingredients.
• Rescue Texture: Add splash of cream or milk for extra softness and richness.
• Clean Technique: Use non-stick skillet and silicone spatula to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Storing Alton Brown Frittata for Later

• Vacuum Seal Method: Protect your frittata's flavor and texture by vacuum sealing individual portions. Removes all air, preventing freezer burn and maintaining optimal taste for up to 4 months.
• Glass Container Storage: Store cooled frittata in airtight glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Prevents moisture absorption, keeps edges crisp, and allows easy stacking in the refrigerator for convenient meal prep.
• Single-Serving Wrap Technique: Individually wrap each frittata slice in parchment paper before placing in a freezer bag. Enables quick defrosting of precise portions, reduces waste, and maintains individual slice integrity during storage.

Fun Ways to Customize Alton Brown Frittata

• Mediterranean Frittata: Replace ham with crumbled feta cheese, add diced tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired version that brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Frittata: Swap asparagus for roasted green chiles, add chorizo instead of ham, and include pepper jack cheese to create a bold, southwestern-style breakfast dish with a kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Garden Frittata: Substitute ham with sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, use goat cheese instead of Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, plant-based alternative that celebrates fresh vegetables.
• Smoked Salmon Frittata: Replace ham with flaked smoked salmon, add chopped dill, and incorporate cream cheese into the egg mixture for an elegant, luxurious breakfast option with rich, sophisticated flavors.

Final Musings on Alton Brown Frittata

Culinary adventures often lead to unexpected delights, and Alton Brown’s frittata exemplifies gourmet simplicity.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in perfect harmony, creating a meal that satisfies both hunger and soul.

Asparagus and ham provide robust flavor profiles that elevate the classic egg preparation.

Parmesan cheese adds a delightful nutty undertone, making each bite memorable.

Rich, golden-edged perfection awaits when you embrace this recipe – so grab those ingredients, channel your inner chef, share the deliciousness on social media, drop a comment below, and let culinary magic unfold!

Alton Brown Frittata Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s frittata brings Italian culinary magic to breakfast tables with perfect egg balance and robust flavor combinations. Crisp vegetables, sharp cheeses, and silky eggs create a memorable morning meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Components:

• 6 eggs, beaten
• 1 ounce (28 grams) Parmesan, grated
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chopped country ham

Vegetable Components:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chopped roasted asparagus
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chopped parsley leaves

Seasoning Components:

• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) butter
• Pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven’s broiler to high temperature, positioning the rack approximately 6 inches from the heating element.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together whole eggs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined using a fork.
3. Select a 12-inch nonstick and oven-safe skillet, then heat it over medium-high heat. Melt unsalted butter completely, ensuring even coating across the pan’s surface.
4. Add diced ham and chopped asparagus to the skillet, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables become slightly tender and ham edges turn golden brown.
5. Pour the prepared egg mixture over the ham and asparagus, gently stirring with a rubber spatula to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the pan.
6. Allow the frittata to cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes, monitoring as the bottom sets and edges begin to firm while the top remains slightly liquid.
7. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the surface achieves a light golden-brown color and appears puffy and fully set.
8. Remove the frittata from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
9. Let the frittata rest for 1 minute, then slice into 6 equal wedges using a sharp knife. Serve immediately while hot and fluffy.

Notes

• Preheat broiler to create intense, direct heat for perfect browning.
• Spread ingredients uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
• Sauté ham and asparagus slowly, releasing their natural flavors and developing depth.
• Fold eggs gently with a spatula, creating soft, creamy texture throughout the dish.
• Keep a close eye during broiling to achieve golden-brown perfection without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 189 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 372 mg