Nothing quite warms the soul like a savory, fluffy frittata loaded with hearty potatoes, tender spinach, smoky ham, and melty cheese. The Ham and Cheese Frittata with Potatoes and Spinach Recipe is a brilliant combination of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into a dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner. From the golden, tender potatoes to the vibrant green spinach and rich cheddar, every bite is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen go-tos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the potatoes provide a comforting base, the ham adds savory depth, spinach brings freshness, and the eggs and cheese create that irresistible, fluffy texture and gooey finish.
- Olive oil: Use this to gently cook the potatoes without overpowering their natural flavor.
- Potatoes: Diced baby potatoes like Yukon gold or red not only add heartiness but turn golden and crisp when cooked just right.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, these bring out the best in all the ingredients.
- Cooked ham: Adds a smoky and savory punch that complements the eggs perfectly.
- Fresh spinach (optional): For a burst of color and a mild, fresh taste—feel free to use frozen if fresh isn’t on hand.
- Green onions: Provide a gentle sharpness and vibrant green hue to brighten the frittata.
- Eggs: The foundation of our frittata, they turn the medley of ingredients into a cohesive, fluffy dish.
- Half and half (or light cream): Adds creaminess that enriches the texture without weighing it down.
- Dry mustard powder: A subtle kick that enhances the savory flavors.
- Seasoned salt: Offers a nuanced seasoning, perfect for balancing the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding sharpness and a golden crust.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Frittata with Potatoes and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Potatoes
First things first: preheat your oven to a warm 400°F to get ready for a perfect bake. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Toss in those diced potatoes with just a splash of water to encourage steam and softness. Season with salt and pepper, and cover the pan to let the potatoes cook gently for about 10 to 15 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
Step 2: Add Ham, Spinach, and Green Onions
Once your potatoes have softened, stir in the diced ham, fresh spinach (or frozen, if using), and sliced green onions. Keep everything moving in the skillet until the spinach wilts and the ham is heated through. This step layers wonderful savory and fresh flavors that make the frittata sing.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the eggs with half and half, dry mustard powder, seasoned salt, and a little extra black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended—this will create the rich, custardy base for the frittata. Pour this glorious mixture evenly over the skillet ingredients, allowing the eggs to nestle around the potatoes, greens, and ham.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the eggs are just set. If you love a golden, bubbly finish, give it a broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve Warm
Remove your frittata from the oven and allow it to cool for about five minutes. This brief resting time helps the eggs settle perfectly, making it easier to slice and serve. Now you’re ready to enjoy the comforting goodness of your homemade Ham and Cheese Frittata with Potatoes and Spinach Recipe.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Frittata with Potatoes and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching and flavorful presentation, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives work wonders. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a delightful contrast, while a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese just before serving offers an extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This frittata pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, buttery toasted bread, or fresh fruit to balance the richness. Consider a light tomato salsa or avocado slices to amp up freshness and texture diversity on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your frittata in wedges on a colorful platter to impress guests. For a breakfast gathering, set out toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, or crumbled feta cheese for everyone to customize. You can also turn the frittata into mini muffins by baking the ingredients in a muffin tin for convenient, grab-and-go bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your frittata, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish on hand even longer, freezing works beautifully. Cut the frittata into portions and wrap each piece well with freezer-safe packaging. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the frittata in a microwave or oven. Heating at a low temperature in the oven helps maintain its creaminess and prevents it from drying out, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is wonderful here, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick. Each cheese will bring its own unique twist to the flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to cook the potatoes first?
Yes, precooking the potatoes ensures they become tender and soft inside without drying out the eggs. This step guarantees every forkful is perfectly comforting.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Of course! Simply omit the ham and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You might want to add a pinch more seasoning to boost the savory notes.
What if I don’t have half and half?
You can substitute with whole milk, light cream, or even a mix of milk and yogurt. The key is adding a bit of creaminess to the eggs without making the mixture too runny.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This entire recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses only fresh ingredients and no flour. Just double-check any added seasonings or processed ham for gluten content if you’re particularly sensitive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Ham and Cheese Frittata with Potatoes and Spinach Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite for any meal of the day. It feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy to prepare, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Once you make it, I have a feeling you’ll be inviting it to your table over and over again. Trust me, your kitchen and tastebuds will thank you!
Print
Ham and Cheese Frittata with Potatoes and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ham and Cheese Frittata is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Featuring tender potatoes, savory ham, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses baked to perfection, this frittata is both nutritious and easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an ideal recipe for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Proteins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces potatoes (diced, baby potatoes, red or Yukon gold)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cooked ham (diced)
- 1½ cups fresh spinach (torn, or ½ cup frozen spinach, optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- ¼ cup half and half (or light cream)
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the frittata later.
- Cook Potatoes: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a 10-inch skillet. Add the diced potatoes along with 2 tablespoons of water. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cover and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add Ham and Vegetables: Stir in the diced ham, spinach (if using), and sliced green onions into the skillet. Cook until the ingredients are heated through and the spinach has wilted.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, half and half, dry mustard powder, seasoned salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth and combined.
- Combine and Top: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato, ham, and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet (ensure it is oven-safe) to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the eggs are set firmly.
- Broil if Needed: If desired, broil the frittata for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the cheese topping slightly and add a golden finish.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe works well with baby red or Yukon gold potatoes for a tender, creamy texture.
- Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients, but frozen spinach is a convenient substitute; just be sure to thaw and drain excess water.
- Ensure your skillet is oven-safe before baking; cast iron or oven-safe non-stick skillets are ideal.
- Customize your cheese topping by using mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover frittata can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness—eggs should be fully set without any runny liquid in the center.
