Crowd-Pleasing Barefoot Contessa Potato Basil Frittata Recipe for Brunch

A barefoot contessa potato basil frittata transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Elegant yet simple, this dish combines rustic comfort with sophisticated flavors.

Potatoes provide hearty substance while fresh basil adds bright, aromatic notes.

Creamy cheese melts seamlessly throughout the fluffy egg base, creating irresistible texture and depth.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Its versatility allows endless ingredient variations to suit personal taste preferences.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of crispy edges and soft, pillowy center: prepare to fall in love with this morning masterpiece.

Savor the Charm of Potato Basil Frittata

• Elevate Breakfast with Gourmet Simplicity: This frittata transforms humble ingredients into an elegant dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen, making ordinary mornings extraordinary.
• Celebrate Creamy, Herbal Flavor Harmony: The combination of rich ricotta, nutty Gruyère, and fresh basil creates a luxurious taste profile that dances beautifully across your palate, offering a sophisticated yet comforting eating experience.
• Master One-Pan Cooking Magic: By preparing and baking everything in a single oven-proof pan, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Meal for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for a hearty breakfast, this frittata adapts effortlessly to different meal times and social settings.

Essential Components for Potato Basil Frittata

Main Ingredients:

• Potatoes: Hearty base that provides texture and substance to the frittata, preferably waxy varieties for better shape retention.
• Eggs: Primary protein source that binds all ingredients together, fresh eggs ensure the best flavor and texture.

• Ricotta Cheese, Gruyère Cheese: Creamy components that add richness and depth of flavor, choose high-quality cheeses for best results.

• Basil: Fresh herb that brings bright, aromatic notes to the frittata, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a golden, crispy exterior, use unsalted for better control of salt levels.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the egg mixture and provides a slight lightness to the texture.
• Baking Powder: Adds subtle lift and ensures a more tender, fluffy frittata.

Step-by-Step Guide for Potato Basil Frittata

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F. Grab a 10-inch oven-safe skillet and get ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Sizzle The Potatoes

• Butter
• Diced potatoes

Melt butter in the skillet over medium-low heat. Drop in potatoes and cook until golden and tender, stirring occasionally. This takes about 12-15 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Egg Blend

• Eggs
• Ricotta cheese
• Gruyère cheese
• Melted butter
• Fresh chopped basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Add Binding Ingredients

Sprinkle flour and baking powder into the egg mixture. Stir until everything combines smoothly.

Step 5: Assemble The Frittata

Pour the silky egg blend over the cooked potatoes. Spread evenly across the skillet, making sure potatoes are perfectly distributed.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the center of the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top turns beautiful golden brown and the center sets completely.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve immediately while warm and fluffy.

Pro Hints for Potato Basil Frittata

• Select Potato Perfection: Pick waxy potatoes like new or Yukon Gold for a crispy exterior and tender interior that maintains its shape during cooking.
• Master Cheese Melting: Finely grate Gruyère to ensure silky smooth distribution throughout the egg mixture, creating a luxurious creamy texture.
• Potato Browning Technique: Cook potatoes until golden but not overdone, watching carefully to maintain their texture before adding eggs.
• Basil Boost: Opt for fresh basil to inject bright, aromatic flavors that elevate the entire frittata, with dried basil as a convenient backup option.
• Settle and Slice: Allow the frittata to rest briefly after baking, helping it set and making clean, beautiful slices a breeze.

Smart Storage for Potato Basil Frittata

• Freeze in Portions: Slice the frittata into individual servings before freezing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. This strategy prevents freezer burn and allows quick, convenient reheating whenever you're craving a delicious meal.
• Refrigerator Storage: Preserve the frittata's incredible flavor by storing it in an airtight glass container. Keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to maintain its texture and taste for up to three days. Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods that might impact its delicate basil notes.
• Reheating Technique: Restore the frittata's crispy edges and warm center by using the oven method.

Creative Twists on Potato Basil Frittata

• Herb Garden Frittata: Replace basil with a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and chives for a robust herbal flavor profile that brings earthy complexity to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Vegetable Fusion: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the potato base, creating a colorful and nutritious vegetable-packed version of the original frittata.
• Smoky Cheese Upgrade: Swap Gruyère for smoked gouda or aged cheddar, and incorporate crispy bacon or pancetta pieces to introduce a rich, savory dimension to the dish.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, sprinkle ground cumin, and top with pepper jack cheese to transform the frittata into a zesty, southwestern-inspired breakfast sensation.

Closing Reflections on Potato Basil Frittata

Potato basil frittata emerges as culinary magic, blending rustic comfort with sophisticated flavor profiles.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary dining experiences.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary breakfast fare.

Luxurious cheeses and fresh basil create harmonious flavor symphonies that dance across palates.

Home chefs can confidently craft restaurant-quality meals with these strategic cooking instructions.

Savor each creamy, herbal bite – share this delightful recipe, comment with passion, and inspire fellow cooking enthusiasts to explore Barefoot Contessa’s delectable world.

Barefoot Contessa Potato Basil Frittata Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s potato basil frittata brings Italian-inspired comfort to breakfast tables with fresh herbs and creamy potatoes. Delightful layers of flavor combine carefully selected ingredients, creating a memorable morning meal that satisfies with elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 extra-large eggs
• 425g (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 340g (12 ounces) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 480g (17 ounces) peeled and ½-inch-diced boiling potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)

Cheese and Herbs:

• ¾ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Binding and Fat Ingredients:

• 113g (4 ounces) unsalted butter, divided
• 40g (⅓ cup) all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 180°C (350°F) and positioning the rack in the center. Select a 25-centimeter (10-inch) oven-proof skillet or pan.
2. Initiate the potato cooking process by melting of butter in the skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced potatoes and sauté, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, for approximately 10-15 minutes until they become tender and lightly golden.
3. Meanwhile, melt the remaining of butter using a microwave-safe dish, setting it aside for the egg mixture preparation.
4. Create the egg base by whisking eggs in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined. Incorporate ricotta cheese, grated Gruyère, melted butter, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped basil, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Gradually sprinkle flour and baking powder over the egg mixture, gently folding until no dry ingredient pockets remain and the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
6. Transfer the cooked potatoes to an even layer across the bottom of the skillet, then carefully pour the egg mixture over them, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Monitor the surface, looking for a golden-brown color, significant puffing, and a firm center. Test doneness by inserting a knife near the center – it should emerge clean without any raw egg residue.
8. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the frittata to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps the structure settle and makes serving easier. Cut into wedges and serve immediately while still warm.

Notes

• Potato Selection Matters: Grab waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or new potatoes for guaranteed crispy edges and tender interiors that hold their shape during cooking.
• Cheese Grating Technique: Finely shred Gruyère to guarantee silky smooth melting that transforms the entire egg mixture into a luxurious creamy texture.
• Precise Potato Cooking: Watch carefully while frying potatoes, aiming for a perfect golden-brown color without turning them mushy or burnt.
• Basil Flavor Boost: Snip fresh basil leaves for an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish, with dried herbs serving as a convenient backup option.
• Resting Is Essential: Allow the casserole a brief cooling period after baking, which helps ingredients settle and creates cleaner, more elegant slices when serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 300mg