Hearty Barefoot Contessa Potato Bacon Frittata Recipe

Sizzling Potato Bacon Frittata Recipe: Barefoot Contessa’s Magic

Mornings call for hearty breakfast solutions that pack a punch of flavor and satisfaction.

This delectable potato bacon frittata from the Barefoot Contessa delivers a mouthwatering combination of crispy potatoes and smoky bacon.

Rich, golden eggs embrace the salty, savory ingredients in a perfectly balanced dish that sings with comfort.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate the simplicity and depth of this recipe’s flavors.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that wake up your palate.

The frittata comes together quickly, making it an ideal weekend brunch showstopper or weeknight dinner option.

Grab your skillet and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 489 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s in the Potato Bacon Frittata

For Meat Base:
  • Pancetta: Adds rich, salty flavor and crispy texture; choose high-quality, thinly sliced Italian-style pancetta for best results.
For Starchy Foundation:
  • Potatoes: Provides hearty, creamy base; select waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for even cooking and golden browning.
For Binding and Creaminess:
  • Eggs, Ricotta, Gruyère, Milk: Create silky, luxurious texture; use fresh, room-temperature eggs and high-fat dairy for maximum richness.
  • Flour, Baking Powder: Ensures light, airy structure and helps frittata rise gently.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Spring Onions: Bring fresh, mild onion brightness and vibrant green color.
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Deliver deep, complementary cooking fat with subtle nutty undertones.
  • Salt, Pepper: Balance and elevate all ingredient flavors.

Tools to Prepare Potato Bacon Frittata

  • Large ovenproof frying pan: Essential for cooking pancetta, potatoes, and baking the frittata.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining egg mixture and seasonings.
  • Smaller mixing bowl: Used for mixing flour and baking powder.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Sharp knife: Helpful for dicing potatoes and spring onions.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and spreading ingredients in the pan.

Instructions to Make Potato Bacon Frittata

Instructions to Make Potato Bacon Frittata
  • Pancetta Base

Sizzle pancetta in a skillet until perfectly crispy and golden, creating a delicious foundation for the frittata.

  • Potato Magic

Transform potatoes into buttery, caramelized bites by gently cooking them in the same pan, soaking up all the delicious pancetta remnants.

  • Dreamy Egg Blend

Whisk together eggs with creamy ricotta, nutty Gruyère, and fresh spring onions, creating a luxurious mixture that promises incredible flavor and texture.

  • Layered Perfection

Arrange crispy pancetta and golden potatoes evenly in the pan, then generously pour the silky egg mixture over the top, ensuring a beautiful, even distribution.

  • Oven Transformation

Slide the skillet into a preheated oven, allowing the frittata to rise and turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

  • Serving Delight

Allow the frittata to rest briefly, then slice and serve alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread, showcasing your culinary masterpiece.

Enhancing Your Potato Bacon Frittata

  • Choose a cast-iron or heavy ovenproof skillet to ensure even heat distribution and perfect crispy edges.
  • Swap Gruyère with cheddar, feta, or goat cheese to match personal taste preferences and create unique flavor profiles.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding roasted bell peppers, spinach, or caramelized onions directly into the egg mixture for extra depth and color.
  • Make this frittata the night before and gently reheat in the oven at 160°C for 15 minutes, ensuring a stress-free breakfast or brunch experience.
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill on top just before serving to add brightness and fresh aromatic notes.

Plating Potato Bacon Frittata Creatively

  • Elevate Your Frittata Experience
  • Pair with Fresh Greens: Toss a crisp mixed salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy frittata. The fresh greens cut through the hearty egg and potato combination.
  • Brunch-Style Plating: Slice the frittata into wedges and arrange on a rustic wooden board. Sprinkle extra chopped spring onions or fresh herbs for a pop of color and added freshness.
  • Wine Companion: Enjoy a chilled glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The light, crisp wine complements the savory pancetta and creamy egg texture perfectly.
  • Weekend Breakfast Upgrade: Serve this frittata as a centerpiece for a leisurely weekend breakfast. Add some toasted sourdough bread and a small side of fruit compote for a complete morning feast.

Keeping Potato Bacon Frittata Fresh

  • Maximize Meal Prep: Slice frittata into individual portions before refrigerating for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or lunches.
  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm gently in the oven at 160°C for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out, keeping the frittata moist and appetizing.
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Hearty Barefoot Contessa Potato Bacon Frittata Recipe

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Potato Bacon Frittata Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s potato bacon frittata blends crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and sharp cheddar into a delightful breakfast centerpiece. Guests will savor each rich, hearty bite of this classic Italian-inspired morning dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 0.5 inches (1.25cm) pieces
  • 14 oz (400g) ricotta cheese
  • 12 oz (340g) Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 2 oz (55g) pancetta, diced
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 3.5 oz (100g) unsalted butter, divided
  • ⅓ cup (40g) plain flour
  • 2 oz (50g) spring onions, finely chopped (both white and green parts)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsps kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ tsp baking powder

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4, creating an ideal baking environment.
  2. Pancetta Transformation: In a 25-centimeter ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Crisp the pancetta until golden brown, then remove and set aside, preserving its crunchy texture.
  3. Potato Sautéing: Utilize the pancetta-infused fat in the skillet, adding butter to sauté diced potatoes. Cook for 10-12 minutes, coaxing them to a tender, golden perfection.
  4. Egg Mixture Composition: Whisk eggs in a large bowl, blending ricotta, Gruyère, melted butter, milk, spring onions, salt, and pepper. Separately, combine flour and baking powder, then gently fold into the egg mixture until fully incorporated.
  5. Final Assembly and Baking: Scatter the crispy pancetta and potatoes evenly in the skillet. Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients, creating a smooth surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes until the frittata develops a golden-brown crust and sets completely.
  6. Serving: Rest the frittata briefly after removing from the oven. Slice and serve warm, accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread for a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

  • Crisp Pancetta Technique: Cook pancetta slowly over medium-low heat to achieve maximum crunchiness and prevent burning, extracting optimal flavor and texture.
  • Potato Preparation Mastery: Dice potatoes uniformly and sauté with retained fat to ensure even cooking and golden-brown edges, which enhances overall taste profile.
  • Egg Mixture Precision: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and fold flour mixture gently to prevent overmixing, maintaining a light and fluffy frittata texture.
  • Baking Perfection Strategy: Monitor oven temperature closely and check frittata at 50-minute mark to prevent overcooking, ensuring a golden exterior and creamy interior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 489
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 731mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 372mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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