Sweet Potato Frittata
Sweet potato frittata brings together the earthiness of root vegetables and the simplicity of eggs in a dish that fits any meal of the day. This recipe layers sweet potatoes, eggs, fresh greens, and tangy cheese in a single pan. The result: a balanced meal with notes of sweetness and hints of savoriness. If you enjoy hearty breakfasts, light lunches, or simple dinners, this frittata will find a place in your regular rotation.
Why Sweet Potato in Frittata?
Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and satisfying texture that pairs well with eggs. Beyond flavor, they offer nutrients—including fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene. Their vibrant color lends visual appeal, making your frittata look as good as it tastes.
Gathering Your Ingredients
You don’t need any specialty items to prepare this recipe. Most ingredients are available year-round, and you’re free to adapt them to suit your taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh herbs: parsley, chives, or dill for garnish
Equipment:
– Cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish (9–10 inch)
– Whisk
– Mixing bowl
– Cutting board
– Sharp knife
You may swap kale for spinach, or use Swiss chard. Feta can replace goat cheese. Use what you have on hand for fresh, seasonal results.
Preparing the Sweet Potato
Thin slicing is key to even cooking and a tender bite. Use a sharp knife or mandoline. For extra depth, roast the slices before assembling your frittata. To keep things simple:
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Warm olive oil in your skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced sweet potato. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Sauté 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until slices soften and edges begin to brown.
If you’re adding onion, stir it in with the sweet potato after a few minutes. This allows both to caramelize gently.
Assembling the Frittata
While the sweet potato cooks, whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings in a bowl. The mixture should be frothy, with yolks and whites fully combined. Fold in half the cheese, saving the rest for topping.
When sweet potato and onions soften, layer greens on top. Wilt them by stirring gently for a minute, allowing them to shrink and release flavor.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables. Tilt the skillet to coax eggs into every corner. Scatter remaining cheese on top.
Oven vs. Stovetop Cooking
A frittata finishes best in the oven, where even heat cooks the eggs to a gentle set without drying the edges. If you prefer, finish under a broiler for a golden, lightly crisp top. Here’s a comparison for each approach:
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Oven bake | Even setting, no burning | Slightly longer cook time |
Broiler | Quick, browned top | Watch closely, can overcook |
For this recipe, stick to the oven unless you want extra browning.
Baking the Frittata
Place your skillet in the heated oven. Bake 15–20 minutes. When the eggs puff up and the center no longer jiggles, remove the pan. If using the broiler for a browned top, place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
Let cool slightly before slicing. The frittata will deflate as it cools—this is normal and helps set the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Frittata tastes great hot, warm, or at room temperature. Serve slices with a simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil. A few slices of avocado or fresh berries bring color and a contrast in flavor.
This dish packs well for lunchboxes or picnics. For gatherings, cut into small wedges or squares for easy serving.
Customizing Your Frittata
Feel free to use what’s in your kitchen. Here are a few variations:
- Swap in leftover roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Add cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon for extra richness.
- Use shredded cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella if you prefer melty cheese.
- Try fresh basil, dill, or tarragon for herbal notes.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for briny, savory flavors.
Frittatas are fundamentally flexible. They’re an efficient way to transform odds and ends into a coherent meal.
Tips for Best Results
- Always pre-cook firm vegetables (like sweet potatoes) for a tender bite.
- Whisk eggs thoroughly for a fluffy, even texture.
- Use whole milk or cream for richer results—though lower-fat options work too.
- Let your baked frittata cool a few minutes before slicing for clean edges.
- Store leftovers wrapped in the fridge up to four days. Enjoy cold or reheat gently.
Nutrition and Benefits
Sweet potatoes and eggs each deliver a blend of protein, vitamins, and slow-digesting carbs. Paired together, this dish keeps you full and energized. Optional greens contribute extra vitamins A and C, while cheese offers calcium and tang.
Nutrition per serving (approximate) |
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Calories: |
Protein: |
Carbohydrates: |
Fat: |
Fiber: |
Vitamin A: |
Values change with ingredient swaps.
Storing and Reheating
To save leftovers, wrap in foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to four days. To reheat, pop a slice in the oven at 300°F for ten minutes, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. The texture holds up well, making this recipe a reliable meal-prep choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make frittata dairy-free?
Substitute milk with a plant-based alternative such as unsweetened almond or oat milk. Skip cheese or use a dairy-free cheese of your choice.
Can I freeze sweet potato frittata?
Yes, wrap individual cooled slices tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight, then reheat in the oven.
What size skillet should I use?
A 9–10 inch skillet yields a thick, hearty frittata. If you use a larger pan, the frittata will be thinner and cook a bit faster.
Do I need to peel the sweet potato?
Peeling is optional. The skin is nutritious and adds color, but go with your preference for texture.
A sweet potato frittata balances nutrition, adaptability, and pleasing flavor. From brunch gatherings to quick weekday meals, it’s an unfussy dish with universal appeal. Whether you follow the original or riff with your own ingredients, this recipe stands as a reliable template for nourishing, delicious cooking.
Sweet Potato Frittata
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons half and half
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh arugula or spinach
- optional: Fresh parsley and basil, to serve
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded, divided
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced
- non-stick cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Position top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a medium-sized baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potato, red pepper, onion, garlic powder, basil, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pepper and onion soften and the sweet potato starts to develop a bit of color, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Spread into a uniform layer and set aside.
- While the vegetables cook, whisk together the eggs and half and half in a large bowl. Add half the Gouda cheese and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat and toss in the arugula or spinach. Cook, stirring occasionally, just until the greens wilt, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and spread evenly on top of the other vegetables in the baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture on top and spread with a rubber spatula, if necessary, to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
- Place in pre-heated oven and bake until the egg is set and the top starts to turn golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs, if using, and serve immediately. Enjoy!