Elegant Mini Frittata Recipe

Tiny Morning Wonders: Ina Garten’s Mini Frittata Recipe

Breakfast becomes an effortless delight with Ina Garten’s mini frittata that promises to brighten your morning routine.

These bite-sized wonders pack incredible flavor into every single morsel.

Elegant yet simple, these miniature egg delicacies require minimal ingredients but deliver maximum satisfaction.

Each frittata emerges golden and perfectly seasoned, ready to impress even the most discerning palate.

The compact size makes them ideal for brunch gatherings or quick weekday meals.

Guests will marvel at the professional touch in these delectable little egg cups.

You’ll love how quickly these mini frittatas come together, turning an ordinary breakfast into something truly special.

Grab your muffin tin and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece that everyone will adore.

Presentation Tips for Ina Garten Mini Frittata

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a light, crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to complement the rich, savory frittatas. The fresh greens balance the creamy eggs and salty prosciutto perfectly.
  • Pack for Brunch Gathering: Arrange these mini frittatas on a beautiful platter for a stunning brunch centerpiece. Guests will love the individual portions and elegant presentation.
  • Create Breakfast Meal Prep: Store cooled frittatas in an airtight container for quick, protein-packed breakfasts throughout the week. Simply reheat in the microwave for a delicious morning meal.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped chives or extra basil on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.

Storage Tips for Ina Garten Mini Frittata Leftovers

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover frittatas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each mini frittata individually for easy grab-and-go meals.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Stack frittatas between parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated frittatas in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain their delicate texture.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a batch on Sunday for a week of effortless breakfasts. These mini frittatas work beautifully in lunchboxes, picnics, or as a protein-packed snack between meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 178 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients in Ina Garten Mini Frittata

For Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Leeks: Mild onion-like flavor that adds subtle sweetness and elegant texture to the frittata.
  • Spinach: Nutrient-packed green that brings vibrant color and earthy freshness to the dish.
  • Basil: Aromatic herb that provides a bright, peppery note and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Lemon: Citrus fruit that adds zesty brightness and helps balance the rich ingredients.
For Proteins:
  • Prosciutto: Delicate Italian dry-cured ham that introduces a rich, salty dimension and crispy texture.
  • Eggs: Protein-rich binding agent that creates the classic frittata structure and provides creamy consistency.
  • Half-and-Half: Dairy component that ensures a luxurious, tender texture in the final dish.
For Cheese and Finishing Touches:
  • Fontina Cheese: Smooth, mild Italian cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Hard, aged cheese that contributes a sharp, nutty flavor and golden-brown topping.
  • Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking, while adding subtle fruity undertones.
  • Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that enhances and balances all other ingredient flavors.

Equipment You’ll Use for Ina Garten Mini Frittata

  • 12-cup muffin tin: Essential for creating individual mini frittatas with perfect shape.
  • Large sauté pan: Perfect for cooking leeks, prosciutto, and spinach with even heat.
  • Whisk: Crucial for mixing eggs and creating smooth, creamy egg base.
  • Mixing bowl: Needed for combining eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
  • Knife: Helps loosen frittatas from muffin tin and chop ingredients.
  • Tongs: Useful for tossing and handling spinach during cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning and ingredient quantities.
  • Grater: Required for grating Fontina and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Toothpick: Helps check doneness of frittatas.

Simple Instructions for Ina Garten Mini Frittata

Simple Instructions for Ina Garten Mini Frittata
  • Oven Warmup

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees, getting ready for some mini magic.

  • Leek Love

Sizzle those delicate leeks in a pan until they turn silky and soft, releasing their gentle flavor.

  • Protein Punch

Toss in crispy prosciutto, letting it dance and crackle in the pan.

  • Green Goodness

Tumble fresh spinach into the mix, watching it transform from bright to deep emerald.

  • Herbal Whispers

Sprinkle fragrant basil and splash of zesty lemon, letting the flavors mingle and bloom.

  • Cheese Foundation

Scatter creamy Fontina across your muffin tin, creating a dreamy base.

  • Egg Symphony

Whisk eggs with cream, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and inviting.

  • Fill and Crown

Pour the silky egg mixture into each cup, crowning with a dusting of Parmesan.

  • Golden Transformation

Slide the tray into the oven, watching the frittatas puff and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

  • Serving Delight

Gently release the mini frittatas, letting them cool just enough to enjoy their warm, comforting embrace.

Extra Flavor Tips for Ina Garten Mini Frittata

Extra Flavor Tips for Ina Garten Mini Frittata
  • Swap out prosciutto with bacon, ham, or chorizo for different flavor profiles. Vegetarian options like roasted bell peppers or mushrooms work wonderfully.
  • Replace Fontina with goat cheese, cheddar, or mozzarella to create unique taste combinations. Each cheese brings its own delightful texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives to elevate the frittata's aromatic qualities. Dried herbs can work in a pinch when fresh aren't available.
  • Prepare the entire batch up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes to maintain their fluffy texture.
  • Use silicone muffin cups for easy removal and minimal cleanup. These mini frittatas are perfect for meal prep, brunch gatherings, or grab-and-go breakfasts.
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Elegant Mini Frittata Recipe

Elegant Mini Frittata Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s mini frittata delights brunch enthusiasts with its elegant simplicity. Crisp edges, creamy center, and versatile ingredients make this recipe a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for morning gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 extra-large eggs
  • 6 oz (170 g) grated Italian Fontina cheese (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml/12 fl oz) half-and-half
  • 4 oz (113 g) Italian prosciutto, coarsely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (225 g) chopped leeks (white and light green parts only)
  • 8 oz (226 g) fresh baby spinach
  • 4 tbsps (28 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 ½ tbsps fresh basil leaves, julienned
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly oil a 12-cup muffin tin to ensure effortless removal of frittatas.
  2. Vegetable Sauté: In a large pan over medium heat, caramelize leeks in olive oil until soft, then introduce prosciutto and crisp until golden. Add spinach and wilt completely, then incorporate basil and lemon juice for vibrant flavor enhancement.
  3. Cheese Foundation: Evenly distribute the prosciutto-vegetable mixture among muffin cups, draining excess moisture. Sprinkle Fontina cheese as a preliminary flavor layer.
  4. Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, half-and-half, kosher salt, and black pepper until uniformly blended. Pour carefully into each muffin cup, filling to the brim and topping with Parmesan for additional savory depth.
  5. Baking Process: Slide muffin tin into preheated oven and bake 20-25 minutes until surfaces turn golden-brown and centers become firm with a slight puffiness.
  6. Serving: Allow frittatas to rest 5 minutes, then delicately loosen edges with a knife. Remove from tin and serve immediately while temperature and texture are at their peak.

Notes

  • Prep Perfectly: Drain excess liquid from vegetables to prevent soggy frittatas, ensuring a crisp and delightful texture.
  • Cheese Layering: Sprinkle Fontina first, then top with Parmesan for a rich, multi-dimensional cheese experience that elevates the overall flavor profile.
  • Herb Freshness: Add fresh basil and lemon juice off-heat to preserve vibrant flavors and prevent herb wilting or bitterness.
  • Timing Matters: Rest frittatas for 5 minutes after baking to set the eggs and make removal easier, maintaining their delicate structure and preventing breaking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 178
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 305 mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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