Caprese Frittata Recipe

The Caprese Frittata is a joyful marriage of two classic Italian dishes: the bright, summery caprese salad and the pillowy, satisfying frittata. This dish brings together eggs, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes for a brunch or lunch centerpiece that’s as beautiful to serve as it is simple to make. From the first silky bite to the burst of sweetness from the tomatoes, this frittata is pure sunshine on a plate. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again — for lazy weekends, family gatherings, or whenever you crave that taste of sunny Italy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Caprese Frittata plays an essential role, so keeping your choices fresh and flavorful makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need, and why these components matter for taste, texture, and those gorgeous pops of color.

• Eggs: The backbone of any frittata, eggs make it fluffy and substantial, perfect for cutting into wedges.
• Milk or heavy cream: Adds creaminess and tenderness to the eggs, ensuring each bite is soft, never rubbery.
• Fresh basil: Brightens the dish with its unmistakable herbal aroma and fresh finish.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the other flavors.
• Avocado oil or vegetable oil: Helps the eggs cook evenly in the skillet and prevents sticking.
• Mozzarella cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for those signature melty, creamy pockets in every slice.
• Olive oil: Adds flavor and a silky dimension to the sautéed tomatoes.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes: Bring a sweet, juicy, and visually stunning topping that bursts with every bite.
• Balsamic vinegar: A splash wakes up the tomatoes with tang and depth, making each bite sing.

How to Make Caprese Frittata

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Start by cracking your eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add the milk (or heavy cream if you want it extra luscious), sliced basil, half the salt, and all of the black pepper. Whisk it together until everything is smoothly combined and you can see lovely flecks of green from the basil. This mixture is the flavorful canvas for your Caprese Frittata.

Step 2: Ready the Broiler

Place your oven rack about two or three inches from the broiler element, and set your broiler to high. Getting your oven scorching hot like this ensures the eggs cook through quickly at the end, staying tender and moist.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs on the Stovetop

Heat the avocado or vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, pour in your egg mixture. Let it cook for about two minutes, using a spatula to gently pull the edges back now and then, allowing any uncooked egg to flow underneath. This gives your frittata structure and a creamy center. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a minute, letting the eggs continue to gently cook from the residual heat.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Broil

Arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the eggs while they’re still a little wet. Slide the skillet under the broiler and keep a close eye: in just two or three minutes, your eggs should puff up around the edges and the cheese should melt into glorious, gooey rounds. The Caprese Frittata is ready when the center is just set.

Step 5: Sauté and Season the Tomatoes

While the frittata cools slightly, heat olive oil in a small pan over high heat. Toss in the cherry or grape tomatoes and cook, swirling or shaking the pan often. After five to seven minutes, the tomatoes should be blistered, some beginning to burst and release their juice. Sprinkle the remaining salt over them, then finish with a splash of luscious balsamic vinegar, letting the sweet acidity round out the tomatoes’ flavor.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Spoon the warm, balsamic-glazed tomatoes all over the top of your Caprese Frittata. Slice into generous wedges and serve immediately for the meltiest experience, or let it cool to room temperature for a picnic-ready treat.

How to Serve Caprese Frittata

Garnishes

A final flourish always heightens the Caprese Frittata experience. Scatter extra fresh basil leaves on top for color and bold aroma. For a restaurant-level look, drizzle a little more good-quality olive oil or a few threads of balsamic glaze over the frittata just before serving.

Side Dishes

This gorgeous frittata pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Crusty Italian bread for mopping up those golden edges or even small roasted potatoes can make this dish a hearty meal. If you want to keep it super light, try a fresh fruit salad alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your individual Caprese Frittatas in muffin tins for a brunch buffet, or serve thin wedges atop toasted ciabatta for a chic appetizer. For picnic or party settings, slice and thread onto skewers with extra mozzarella balls and basil leaves for a whimsical, grab-and-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Caprese Frittata holds up well for a day or two in the fridge. Let the leftovers cool completely, then wrap them tightly or slide wedges into airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and prevents that wonderful basil aroma from fading.

Freezing

While eggs can become a bit spongy after freezing, the Caprese Frittata actually does surprisingly well if you need to plan ahead. Freeze cooled portions individually, separated by parchment, in airtight containers for up to a month.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a low oven (300 degrees is perfect) or for a minute or so in the microwave. If you’ve frozen your frittata, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above for the best texture. The tomatoes will soften, but the overall flavor remains bright and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use different cheese in my Caprese Frittata?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives you those classic creamy pools, you could try fresh ricotta or a soft goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just aim for something that melts nicely to stay in the spirit of caprese flavors.

Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?

You can use any oven-safe skillet — cast iron is perfect for even cooking and a lovely crust, but a heavy-bottomed nonstick or stainless pan works well as long as it can go under the broiler.

Can I add meat to the Caprese Frittata?

Of course! For a heartier version, scatter cooked prosciutto, bacon, or even thinly sliced Italian sausage into the egg mixture before baking. Just be mindful not to overload and risk making the frittata dense.

How do I keep my frittata from sticking?

A generous slick of oil and preheating the pan are key. If you’re worried, you can also line the bottom with parchment or use a well-seasoned nonstick skillet for peace of mind.

Can I serve Caprese Frittata cold?

Yes! This dish is delicious at room temperature or even cold from the fridge. The flavors meld as it sits, making it an ideal choice for meal prep, picnics, or make-ahead brunches.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as simple as it is stunning, the Caprese Frittata is ready to be your new go-to. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather those ingredients, pour a glass of something nice, and savor a slice of Italian-inspired comfort. You won’t believe how easy and delicious it is!

Print