Zucchini and Cheddar Frittata
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Filled with heaps of shredded zucchini and extra-sharp cheddar, this zucchini frittata is good for brunch, dinner, or anytime in between.
I always love the idea of a frittata. Within 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that makes good use of any leftover veggies, meat, or hunks of cheese hiding out in the fridge. But for all their perks, frittatas can often be a bit “meh” — for the same calories, give me a slice of quiche any day! This zucchini frittata, however, is what a frittata should be: packed with flavor, creamy, and delicate, almost like a crustless quiche. There are three secrets to success: 1) squeeze as much water as possible out of the zucchini; 2) add some heavy cream and lots of cheese to the egg mixture; and 3) bake the frittata in a low-temperature oven, instead of the traditional stovetop-to-broiler method, so the eggs cook gently into a custard without scrambling.
Ingredients For zucchini frittata
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by grating the zucchini by hand or in a food processor. It’s best to use small zucchini, as they contain less water. 
Once grated, place the zucchini on several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much water as possible. Depending on how much water is in the zucchini, you may need to repeat this step.
Next, melt a few tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch cast iron or oven-proof nonstick pan.
Add the shallots, zucchini, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and cooked down.
Meanwhile, combine the eggs, remaining salt, pepper and heavy cream in a large bowl.
Whisk to combine.
Add the cooked zucchini and grated cheese to the egg mixture and stir.
Pour the frittata mixture back into the pan.
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until just set.
Serve the frittata warm or room temperature.
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Zucchini & Cheddar Frittata
Filled with heaps of shredded zucchini and extra-sharp cheddar, this zucchini frittata is good for brunch, dinner, or anytime in between.
Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini (about 2 small zucchini)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup finely chopped shallots, from 1-2 shallots
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 large eggs
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1¼ cup (5 oz) shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Using a food processor or box grater, grate the zucchini. Place the grated zucchini on top of several layers of paper towels and wring dry. If necessary, repeat 1 to 2 times to remove any excess moisture.
- In a 10-inch cast iron or ovenproof nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot, zucchini, and ½ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the moisture evaporates and the zucchini is tender, 7 to 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, a heaping ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Add the cooked zucchini and grated cheese to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Pour the frittata mixture into the pan (no need to wash it), then place in the oven and bake until set, 25 to 30 minutes. Immediately place a dish towel or oven mitt over the pan handle after you remove it from the oven; it's easy to forget that it's hot and burn your hand.
- Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cooked frittata can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remove the frittata from the freezer about 24 hours prior to serving and reheat it in the microwave or, covered with foil, in a 300°F oven until hot in the center.
Pair with
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (4 servings)
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23g
- Sodium: 681 mg
- Cholesterol: 458 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Gluten-Free Adaptable Note
To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.
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Could I substitute Gruyere cheese for the cheddar?
Sure, Thessaly, that will work.
I made this tonight and served it with a big salad for a low carb dinner night. We all enjoyed it. I think I might try doubling it and making it in a 9×13 next time to have leftovers for my son to have a high protein breakfast before school. I have loved all of Jenn’s recipes that I have tried including the ones from her cookbook and I love her tips like the one where she mentioned leaving a glove on the handle of the pan to remind you that it’s hot. Super helpful!
This is a keeper. I made it tonight. It was delicious and we finished it. WE can use extra zucchii this way. Just delicious.
I tried a variation of this recipe for my daughter’s friends and they all loved it but I was a little disappointed by the way it dropped once it was out of the oven. When it was first done cooking, it was puffed up, looked light and fluffy and it flattened once it was out of the oven. It tasted delicious though. Does anyone have any tips? I used 8 eggs and omitted the zucchini in a 10 inch cast iron pan. Thanks!
Hi Janet, all frittatas and quiches puff up while in the oven and deflate a little once they cool, so it doesn’t sound like you did anything wrong!
Excellent dish!
I love this site and have tried several of Jenn’s recipes with success, but this is one that I come back to again and again. It’s so delicious and a great way to use up summer zucchini. Just wanted to say thanks!
Just made this for supper tonight. My family loved it. I used extra sharp cheddar cheese. I will definitely be making this again! This is the third recipe I have tried from Jenn and they were all wonderful 5 star recipes!
Are you really using cheddar cheese? The cheese looks lighter.
I agree that it looks lighter in the pic, but it is Cheddar. Hope you enjoy!
Jen,
What do you think about adding ham to this? Would you recommend mixing it all up with the egg mix and then pouring into pan? Or putting small slices of ham on the bottom of the pan, and then adding egg/zucchini mix on top?
I think ham would work nicely here. I’d suggest adding it to the egg mixture before pouring it into the pan. Hope you enjoy!
Delicious! Just made it. There were no small zucchinis left to buy, so I bought a large zucchini. I went through 5 rounds of using paper towels to dry it out. Tasted really good! (and I don’t usually like zucchini!)
Absolutely love this easy frittata. I doubled it and poured it into a 9×13 Pyrex. Came out just perfect!