Description of this recipe
This Sausage and Red Pepper Frittata is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Bursting with savory Italian sausage, sweet red bell peppers, and fragrant rosemary, all held together by a creamy egg base and melted Italian cheese, this frittata is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly versatile, easily customizable to your liking, and a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables. Prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and deliciousness of this Italian-inspired delight.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this Sausage and Red Pepper Frittata for its incredible taste and ease of preparation. Here’s why:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, aromatic rosemary, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe utilizes a single oven-safe skillet, minimizing cleanup and making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Use different types of sausage, add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, or swap the cheese for your favorite variety.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Frittatas are excellent for meal prepping! Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy slices throughout the week for quick and easy breakfasts or lunches. They reheat beautifully.
- Impressive Yet Easy: This frittata looks and tastes impressive, but it’s surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and broken into small pieces
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 12 large eggs
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature ensures that the frittata cooks evenly and doesn’t become overly browned or dry. Using a nonstick skillet is crucial for easy release and cleanup. If you don’t have a nonstick skillet, you can use a regular oven-safe skillet and grease it generously with olive oil or butter.
Step 2: In a 10-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. The olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps to prevent the sausage from sticking to the pan. Make sure the skillet is properly heated before adding the sausage to ensure even cooking and browning.
Step 3: Add sausage and cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Removing the sausage casings is important for achieving a crumbly texture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it’s fully browned and cooked through, ensuring that there are no pink spots remaining. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat behind. This rendered fat will add flavor to the vegetables. Set the cooked sausage aside for later.
Step 4: Add red bell pepper and onion to the skillet and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened. Cooking the vegetables in the rendered sausage fat adds a depth of flavor to the frittata. Dice the red bell pepper and onion into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and slightly translucent. This will help to bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 5: Stir in rosemary and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Fresh rosemary adds a wonderful aroma and earthy flavor to the frittata. Chop the rosemary finely before adding it to the skillet. Cook the rosemary for just one minute to release its fragrance and infuse the vegetables with its flavor. Be careful not to burn the rosemary, as it can become bitter. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 6: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, cheese, 1 tsp salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Whisking the eggs thoroughly ensures a light and airy frittata. Adding heavy cream creates a richer and creamier texture. Use a high-quality Italian blend cheese for the best flavor. Season the egg mixture generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Step 7: Return sausage to the skillet and pour egg mixture over the top. Gently stir to distribute ingredients. Spreading the sausage evenly throughout the skillet ensures that every slice of frittata contains a satisfying amount of meat. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetables. Use a fork or spatula to gently stir the ingredients together, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
Step 8: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, until eggs are just set and no longer jiggly. Baking the frittata at a low temperature ensures that it cooks evenly and doesn’t become dry or rubbery. The frittata is done when the eggs are just set and no longer jiggly in the center. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the frittata. If the knife comes out clean, the frittata is done.
Step 9: Let sit for 5 minutes before sliding frittata onto a serving platter. Slice into wedges and serve warm. Allowing the frittata to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it to set up and makes it easier to slice. Use a spatula to loosen the edges of the frittata from the skillet. Carefully slide the frittata onto a serving platter. Slice the frittata into wedges and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as part of a brunch spread.
- Enjoy as a light lunch with a side salad.
- Serve as a simple yet satisfying dinner.
- Pack slices for a picnic or potluck.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tanginess.
Tips:
- For a spicier frittata, use hot Italian sausage.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Substitute the Italian blend cheese with your favorite variety, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables.
- Store leftover frittata in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
55 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion
This Sausage and Red Pepper Frittata is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors, versatile ingredients, and simple preparation, this frittata is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner, this frittata is a fantastic choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of Italian-inspired deliciousness! Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
Q1: Can I make this frittata ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Frittatas are excellent for making ahead of time. You can prepare the entire frittata, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q2: Can I freeze this frittata?
A: Yes, you can freeze frittatas, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the frittata cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q3: Can I use different types of sausage?
A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage to suit your taste preferences. Hot Italian sausage will add a spicy kick, while breakfast sausage will provide a sweeter flavor. You can also use chorizo or even vegetarian sausage alternatives.
Q4: What other vegetables can I add to this frittata?
A: The possibilities are endless! Some great additions include mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers (in other colors besides red), asparagus, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Just make sure to sauté any vegetables that require longer cooking times before adding them to the egg mixture.
Q5: Can I make this frittata without cheese?
A: Yes, you can certainly make this frittata without cheese if you prefer. The cheese adds flavor and creaminess, but it’s not essential. You can simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative. You might want to add a little extra salt and pepper to compensate for the lack of cheesy flavor.
