What to Serve with Frittata

Frittatas are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you want something quick and tasty for brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, frittatas offer an easy, delicious, customisable meal option. The beauty of a frittata lies in its simplicity – eggs that can be filled with your choice of ingredients, such as vegetables, cheese, and meats.

But the big question is, what to serve with frittata?

Your options are endless, from hash browns to crisp salads and savoury pasta. It all depends on what meal you’re preparing and what you fancy eating!

What is a Frittata?

A frittata is an Italian egg dish that closely resembles a crustless quiche or an open omelette. It’s a versatile dish that you can easily chop and change with your favourite ingredients.

To prepare a frittata, cook ingredients like onions, vegetables, and seasonings in an oven-safe frying pan, then pour beaten eggs over the top. Unlike an omelette, you don’t fold it in half. Instead, after the eggs have been partially set on the hob, you’ll finish cooking it in the oven, resulting in a fluffy and tender texture.

You can enjoy a frittata for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s not limited to any particular time of day. You can also make mini frittatas by baking them in smaller portions, which are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or a great addition to a brunch spread.

When it comes to flavour combinations, the options for frittatas are virtually endless. You can add various vegetables, cheeses, meats, and herbs to tailor your frittata to your taste buds. There are also plenty of ways to serve a frittata, including with hash browns, salad, or a fresh pasta salad on the side.

Classic Frittata Ingredients

You will need a good number of eggs, as they provide the basic structure for your frittata. Depending on the size of your dish, 6 to 12 eggs should do it. Whip the eggs together with a dash of salt, freshly ground pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. You can also add some minced garlic to the mix for extra flavour.

For the vegetables, you can be as creative as you like and just use up whatever vegetables you have leftover. I like to use cherry tomatoes and onions in mine, but you could add kale, asparagus, bell peppers and courgette.

Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the rest of your ingredients. Some popular options are cheddar, mozzarella, and feta cheese. You can also use a mixture of different cheeses to use up what you have. Frittatas are a great way to use up your leftovers.

Heat your oven to approximately 180°C (Gas Mark 4) for the perfect cooking temperature. Meanwhile, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in an oven-safe frying pan over a medium heat on the hob. Sauté your onions until they become translucent and aromatic.

Adding protein into your frittata is another way to make it extra satisfying and filling. Add sliced ham or crumbled crispy bacon, ensuring both are cooked prior to combining them with your egg mixture.

Finally, once you have mixed all your ingredients together, pour the mixture into your preheated frying pan with the sautéed onions. Cook the frittata on the hob for a few minutes before transferring it to your preheated oven. Bake your frittata until it is set and golden brown.

Popular Side Dishes

Choosing the right side dish can really make a meal. With a frittata being such a versatile dish, you want to choose a side dish that works well with the ingredients in your frittata. For example, you’ll probably want a different side for a breakfast frittata than you will for a frittata served at lunch time.

For a breakfast frittata, you can never go wrong with hash browns. Crispy and satisfying, they work really well served up at breakfast time.

A green salad is a great option if you’re looking for something lighter for a lunch time frittata. A simple mixture of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and a light vinaigrette creates a refreshing and nutritious side that balances the richness of the frittata. Top your salad with sliced avocado to add extra flavour and creaminess.

Bread is another popular choice to pair with your frittata, especially if you want a sandwich-like meal. Toasted slices of crusty bread like ciabatta or even a humble slice of wholemeal toast will do the trick. You might even serve it with bruschetta, topped with tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of sophistication.

What about a fruit side dish for a bit of sweetness and freshness? Seasonal berries, sliced melon, or a refreshing fruit salad can add a touch of brightness to your plate, making your meal even more enjoyable.

When it comes to sauces, hollandaise sauce is a tasty addition that works well with egg-based dishes like frittata. Its rich, creamy texture and tangy flavour enhance the ingredients of your dish, making for a delightful combination.

Finally, while not as commonly paired with frittata, rice can work well as a delicious and comforting side dish. Simple steamed jasmine rice, wild rice, or even pilau-style rice can add substance and variety to your meal.

Potato-Based Side Dishes to Serve with Frittata

Potatoes always work well as a side dish, no matter what you’re serving up as the main event.

Mashed Potatoes

You could go for mashed potatoes alongside your frittata. Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes make a comforting and satisfying side dish. To elevate the dish further, consider serving it with a simple gravy on the side. Add a tossed green salad to the mix, and you’ll have a well-balanced meal that delivers both protein and carbohydrates.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

As another option, try serving garlic-roasted potatoes as a side dish. This delicious choice is both full-flavoured and fragrant, making it even more tempting. To make garlic-roasted potatoes, dice your potatoes into even pieces, then toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven until crispy and golden. Serve these garlic-infused potatoes with your frittata and a light, tossed green salad for a meal that’s sure to lead to clean plates all round.

Sweet Potatoes

If you prefer something slightly sweeter, a sweet potato-based side dish works really well. One easy-to-make option is baked sweet potato wedges. Simply cut your sweet potatoes into wedges, then coat them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven until tender and slightly caramelised. Sweet potatoes provide a healthy source of carbohydrates and a pleasant contrast to the savoury flavours of your frittata. To round out the meal, add baked beans or a tossed green salad, ensuring that the dish caters to multiple dietary preferences.

Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes are a popular side dish typically served during breakfast or brunch. They are usually made from diced or sliced potatoes that are cooked until crispy and seasoned with herbs and spices like garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Breakfast potatoes can be prepared in various ways, such as pan-frying, roasting, or even grilling, and they are often served alongside eggs, bacon, and other breakfast staples, including the frittata.

Serving breakfast potatoes with frittata is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day. The crispy potatoes complement the fluffy and savoury frittata, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavours.

Refreshing Salads

Salads can be as simple or as complicated as you like. They work really well as a side dish, particularly when you want something light to eat during the warmer months.

Coleslaw

You can’t go wrong with a classic coleslaw when serving a frittata. The combination of crunchy cabbage and a tangy dressing beautifully complements the soft texture of the frittata. To make a coleslaw, you’ll need:

• Cabbage: finely shredded (green or a mix of green and red)
• Carrots: grated
• Mayonnaise: for a creamy base
• Vinegar or lemon juice: to add tanginess
• Spices: such as salt, pepper, or even paprika for an extra kick

Mix all the ingredients together and allow the coleslaw to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, giving the flavours a chance to meld together. Of course, you could just buy a ready-made coleslaw from the supermarket to make it even simpler.

Pasta Salad

A pasta salad is another refreshing option to serve with your frittata. Not only does it add variety to your spread, but it can also provide a filling and hearty side dish to satisfy your guests. You can create a simple pasta salad by combining:

• Cooked pasta: such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle
• Veggies: chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumber
• Cheese: cubed or crumbled, like feta or mozzarella
• Dressing: a light lemon vinaigrette or herby olive oil dressing
• Nuts: optionally, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch and flavour

Remember to toss the pasta salad well and stick in the fridge for a while before serving to ensure the flavours develop and the pasta soaks up the dressing.

Fruit Salad

Finally, a fruit salad is an excellent choice for those who prefer sweet and refreshing flavours alongside their frittata. The juicy fruits in fresh fruit salads add a contrast to the savoury egg dish and can be tailored to match your preferences. To make a delightful fruit salad, simply:

1. Select your fruits: popular options include berries, pineapple, melon, kiwi, grapes, and apple
2. Prepare: wash, peel (if necessary), and chop your fruit into bite-sized pieces
3. Dressing: you can opt for a simple squeeze of lemon juice to add zest, or try a light honey drizzle for added sweetness
4. Combine: gently mix your fruit and dressing together, then refrigerate until it’s time to serve

What to Serve with a Breakfast Frittata

Breakfast frittatas are great when you’ve got a little extra time at the weekends.

Start by considering satisfying your guests’ sweet tooth with classic waffles. Light, fluffy, and the ideal foil for your frittata, waffles can be enjoyed with a range of toppings, such as fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup. Delicious!

If you’re in the mood to treat your taste buds, why not bake some warm, gooey cinnamon rolls? Their sweet, cinnamon-infused flavour will perfectly balance the savoury notes of your frittata, making for a wonderfully indulgent breakfast experience.

It’s hard to go wrong with the beloved breakfast staples, crispy bacon and sausage. By serving up these meaty accompaniments, you’ll have a delightful contrast of textures and flavours in your meal. Cook your bacon until it’s crispy, and choose sausages that complement your frittata’s ingredients.

Finally, we can’t neglect those essential elements that every breakfast needs, such as fresh fruit and a selection of toast or bagels. A well-rounded meal featuring vibrant colours and varied flavours will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to conquer the day ahead.

Lunch and Brunch Ideas

Finding the perfect side dish to serve with your frittata at lunch or brunch can make your meal even more delicious. You have plenty of options that complement the flavours of your frittata, whether you have a mild, spicy or rich dish.

One brilliant idea is to use leftover ingredients to create a side dish that brings out the best in your frittata. For instance, if you’ve made a salami frittata, serve it with a colourful mixed salad that includes sliced salami. Adding roasted tomatoes to the salad gives it an extra tangy kick.

Tortilla chips are a great choice to add some crunch to your meal. You can either serve them plain or with a tasty dip on the side. For a more exciting option, prepare pico de gallo. This fresh salsa is a perfect mix of spicy and mild flavours, depending on how you prepare it. Combine chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, lime juice, and coriander for a zingy and refreshing accompaniment to your frittata.

To create a more filling meal, consider serving a warm side dish, such as roasted potatoes, pasta salad or even grilled vegetables. These options pair nicely with a wide variety of frittata flavours and can satisfy even the hungriest of guests at your lunch or brunch gathering.

The key is to choose a side dish that complements and enhances the flavours of your frittata. By exploring different combinations and keeping your options fresh, you can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience every time.

Dinner and Protein-Rich Combos

When it comes to pairing your frittata with dinner options, there are plenty of protein-rich combos to choose from. These combinations make your meal more satisfying and add a lovely balance of flavour and texture.

One delicious option to serve with your frittata is stuffed peppers. Choose bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of minced beef, seasonings, and rice to create an appetising and wholesome side dish. They are easy to make and can be cooked on the stovetop or in the oven.

Another great way to incorporate proteins into your dinner is by coupling your frittata with a selection of meats. Chorizo makes an excellent accompaniment and adds a smoky and savoury taste that complements the frittata. For a lean option, try turkey slices alongside your meal; they provide a subtle and delicious flavour.

If you’re a fan of gravy, a rich gravy poured over your frittata can add depth to the flavour profile of your meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative, whether it’s a meat-based gravy or a vegetarian alternative. I’ve never tried gravy with frittata, it sounds a little odd, but I’ve been told it’s really tasty.

When it comes to vegetables, grilled beans make an enticing side dish for your frittata dinner. Green beans, for example, can be quickly grilled or steamed to retain their crunch and vibrant colour. Hollandaise sauce drizzled over the top adds a touch of elegance and complementary flavour.

Finally, broccoli is a classic addition to any protein-rich dinner. Depending on your preference, it can be steamed, sautéed or even roasted with some garlic and lemon. Pairing your frittata with these protein-packed sides will enhance the meal’s taste and ensure it’s a fulfilling and satisfying dinner.

Unique Toppings and Variations

Get creative with ingredients and cater to everyone’s tastes, including vegan options.

Experiment with different cheeses: Give your frittata a twist by using a variety of shredded cheeses such as Swiss, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or even a mix of these. Sprinkling cheese on top of your frittata before baking adds a delightful crispy layer and enhances the taste.

Mustard-infused frittata: For an added kick, mix a small amount of mustard into your whisked egg mixture before cooking the frittata. This subtle addition works well with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian frittata recipes.

Upgrade your side dishes: Instead of the classic hash browns or salad, serve your frittata with pickled vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers. The tangy flavour adds a delicious contrast to the frittata, making it even more satisfying.

Creamy frittatas: If you’re looking for a richer taste, substitute heavy cream for milk in your egg mixture. This creates a luscious, velvety texture that will make your frittata even more indulgent.

Vegan alternatives: Replace traditional cheeses with vegan alternatives like vegan cheddar, mozzarella or Swiss to cater for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavour. There are also plenty of egg substitutes available for creating vegan frittatas.

One unique idea is to turn your frittata into a grilled cheese sandwich. Use any type of bread you like, spread some butter on the outside, add a slice of frittata and a generous layer of shredded cheese. Then, grill the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread is toasty.

By playing around with these variations and toppings, you can create a frittata that stands out and keeps your guests coming back for more. 

What Drinks to Serve with Frittata

When you’re planning a meal with a delicious frittata as the centrepiece, serving it with the right drink can make all the difference.

A classic choice is to serve mimosas alongside your frittata. This light and refreshing cocktail consists of equal parts orange juice and sparkling wine, typically champagne or prosecco. Mimosas work well with all types of frittatas and are especially great for a brunch gathering. The sparkling wine’s bubbles and acidity helps cut through the richness of the frittata, while the orange juice adds a pleasant sweetness.

Another fantastic beverage option is serving drinks made with lemon or lime juice. You might consider freshly squeezed lemonade or limeade, as these drinks have a zesty citrus flavour that complements the taste of the frittata. 

Iced tea can be an excellent option for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. You can offer a selection of teas to your guests, such as black tea, green tea, or herbal tea blends. Be sure to have some cold water and a variety of sweeteners available so guests can adjust their drinks to taste. Iced tea can be particularly enjoyable with a frittata that has bold, flavourful ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or olives.

Coffee and tea are also natural choices for a frittata meal, especially if you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch. A robust cup of coffee or a fragrant pot of tea can complement the flavours of your frittata, providing your guests with a satisfying, full-bodied beverage experience.

There are many delicious and nutritious options to serve with a frittata. Whether you choose to pair it with a fresh salad, some crispy breakfast potatoes, or a slice of toasted bread, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different ingredients and flavours to find your perfect frittata pairing, and enjoy a satisfying and well-rounded meal that will keep you fueled throughout the day.