Easy Ham and Cheese Frittata

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This ham and cheese frittata recipe is one of those easy meals that I can make in under a half hour and uses leftover ham that always seems to be in abundance this time of year. I love how this recipe is so versatile that I can make several different variations and my guests can choose which option they prefer.

ham and cheese frittata in a cast iron pan.

One of my favorite things about the holidays is gathering with my whole family and spending time together.

When I am thinking about the meals I want to make for the upcoming holidays, I am always choosing recipes that allow me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my loved ones.

You can serve this frittata buffet-style alongside some pastries, fresh fruit, and bacon or sausage for the perfect breakfast.

You could also serve this for lunch alongside a simple side salad, saving you time and money.

This recipe has easily become a part of our family mealtime tradition and I hope that it also becomes one of yours.

If you are looking for other tried and true breakfast recipes, be sure to check out my delicious savory croffle, puff pastry apple turnovers, and my easy French crepes.

muffins with crumble topping on a counter.

What is a Frittata?

Frittatas are an egg-based Italian dish that is similar to a crustless quiche or an omelet.

You can enhance the flavors of the eggs by adding vegetables, meats, cheeses, and spices to create many different variations.

Frittata is roughly translated to “fried” in Italian, which describes the outside edge of the frittata as crispy, while the interior of the frittata stays soft and fluffy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ham frittata recipe is a great way to stretch your ingredients and make an easy and nutritious meal with very few ingredients.
It is the perfect recipe to use when you have leftover ham from those Easter, Christmas, or other Holiday dinners. There is nothing better than waking up on Christmas morning to this great, nourishing, and easy ham breakfast.
This delicious frittata is a healthy dinner or easy breakfast option that is low in carbs and high in protein. It’s a great recipe that is so versatile because you can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
Serve with a simple side salad for a complete meal or a side of bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, hash browns, or some fresh fruit for a great breakfast option.

Tell Me About Ham and Cheese Frittata

Taste– The salty and sweet ham, combined with the melted shredded cheese, hits all the flavor notes. You get a bit of nutty warmth from the parmesan cheese that really comes through.
Texture– Since a frittata is crustless, this dish is incredibly creamy with a light airy texture that feels like you are biting into a cloud.
Ease– No refrigeration or special tools are required, which makes this recipe a great choice when you want something easy and delicious.
Time– You will have this frittata on your table in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy mornings.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Frittata

Egg– Eggs are the most important ingredient in this recipe so use whatever type of eggs you prefer.
Parmesan– This cheese has a nutty salty flavor that pairs so well with the other ingredients.
Gruyere Cheese– I love the smoky flavor of gruyere.
Butter– If you are using salted butter make sure that you adjust the amount of salt you add at the end.
Heavy Whipping Cream– Don’t have heavy cream? No problem. Use milk instead.
Diced Ham– Dice the ham into small bite-sized pieces so that there is ham in each bite.
Salt and Black Pepper– Season to taste.
Garnish– Fresh parsley, green onions, or chives are a great garnish for this frittata.

Make Ham and Cheese Frittata in 3 Easy Steps

Prepare the egg mixture– Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Sauté the onion in a skillet on the stove top. Whisk eggs and then combine ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
Pour ingredients into the skillet– Distribute the onion evenly over the bottom of the cast iron. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the cast iron skillet. Layer the diced ham on top of the egg and pop your cast iron in the oven.
Bake– Cook for 10-12 minutes in your preheated oven, or until the egg is jiggly but set. Cool for 5 minutes and Enjoy!

Variations for Ham and Cheese Frittata

Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese– This is a classic combination that tastes amazing with some sautéed onions and some roasted panko bread crumbs on top.
Italian Sausage and Red Pepper– You can add spicy sausage or keep it mild, baked with red peppers, onions and parmesan cheese. Delizioso!
Spinach and Feta– Feta and spinach are an amazing combination that gives a sophisticated twist to this frittata.
Veggies– I love to make an all veggie frittata when I have leftover roasted veggies from the night before or some vegetables that need to be used before they go bad. Try soft vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, baby spinach, or asparagus.
Chorizo and Monterey Jack– This is probably my favorite variation. The chorizo is the perfect amount of spice and melts so beautifully with the eggs and cheese. Top with green onions and some sour cream.
Ham and Swiss Cheese– This is a slight variation with Swiss cheese.

Tips for Making Ham and Cheese Frittata

If you’re going to add vegetables to your frittata, sauté them so that the water content from the vegetables doesn’t make your frittata soggy.
Bake your frittata until you have a firm edge, but a creamy center. Once the frittata cools for five minutes the center will set and create the perfect silky creamy interior.
Get creative! This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers or trying new flavor combinations. After perfecting this recipe, try your own or use one of the variation options mentioned earlier.
I like to use a cast iron skillet for this recipe because it creates the perfect crust and conducts heat beautifully. If you do not have a cast iron skillet you can use a non-stick pan or a dutch oven instead.
You can serve this dish right away or let it cool completely and serve at room temperature. Both methods are delicious and if you are lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste great the next day.

Add-Ins for Ham and Cheese Frittata

Cheddar or Swiss Cheese– Use any cheese that you prefer.
Italian Seasoning– This adds an extra Italian flair to your dish.
Chili Pepper Flakes– If you like extra spicy, use chili pepper flakes.
Garlic Powder– Everyone loves garlic!

How Do You Store Leftover Ham and Cheese Frittata?

You want to eliminate any added moisture, so store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for several months.

When ready to serve, follow the instructions below on how to reheat your leftover frittata.

a slice of ham and cheese frittata on a white plate.

How Do You Reheat Ham Frittata?

You can reheat your leftover breakfast frittata in a preheated 300 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

If you want to warm in the microwave, use a wet paper towel to cover the frittata and heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm.

From frozen, you will want to make sure to thaw the frittata completely before reheating or cooking in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a quiche and a frittata?

A quiche is usually made with a crust of some kind and typically has more cream or milk added. Frittatas are less creamy and custard-like rather than a quiche, and have a more fluffy airy texture. Both variations can be made with the same ingredients and are often both eaten warm or at room temperature.