A moist and flavorful Bacon Frittata full of spinach and gouda cheese! Totally healthy, not to mention easy. A great breakfast or dinner option. Originally posted October 14, 2014.

Spinach and bacon frittata in cast iron skillet.
Table of Contents
  1. What’s a Frittata?
  2. Spinach Bacon Frittata ingredients
  3. How to make a Bacon Spinach Frittata
  4. How to serve this Spinach Frittata Recipe
  5. How to store a Spinach Frittata
  6. Bacon Spinach Frittata FAQs
  7. You might like these eggalicious breakfasts too!
  8. Spinach Bacon Frittata Recipe

I totally just had to google how to spell frittata. You win some you lose some, right? I suppose it could be worse. On my SENIOR high school exit exam, one of the oral questions was how to spell the word “believe.” Not joking.

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Bacon frittata on a plate with green onions.

Eric and I went to a festival in San Francisco last week called Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Free music, greasy food, and lots of really, really drunk people. Always entertaining, especially for the sober people (us).

We wanted to go because we are borderline-obsessed with Ryan Adams, who was headlining. My favorite song ever is a collaboration with him and Norah Jones. Plus we danced to this song at our wedding. (I swear I’m not depressed you guys. Sometimes sad songs are really just the best thing ever though.)

Couple at an outdoor concert.
Yes, that is the only shirt I own.

We had a great time at the concert but realized afterward that the friends we went with (who hadn’t pushed as far up as we did) were totally bored. And I was forced to recognize the truth: Ryan Adams is an amazing musician, but apparently really bad at talking. Into a microphone, at least. If you ever get the chance to see him, take it, because this guy’s harmonica skillz are off the hook. I just looked, Eric and I own 20 of his albums. 20! If that’s not a strong recommendation I don’t know what is.

Slice of bacon and cheese frittata with green onions.

What’s a Frittata?

A frittata is an Italian dish made with eggs and other mix-ins (like veggies, meat, cheese, or even pasta). Unlike a quiche, it doesn’t have a crust; unlike an omelet, it doesn’t get flipped. Frittatas are usually started on the stovetop and finished in the oven. They’re a great way to use up leftovers in your fridge and prepare breakfast for the week at the same time. 

Quiche vs Frittata

Frittatas are cooked partially on the stovetop and partially in the oven; quiches are cooked only in the oven. Frittatas are crustless, quiches have a crust. Frittatas are just eggs with mix-ins, while quiches include dairy in addition to eggs. 

If you’re looking for a healthier breakfast, definitely go for the frittata; don’t get me wrong, I LOVE quiche, but sometimes you don’t want pie crust and heavy cream in your breakfast.

Spinach Bacon Frittata ingredients

Here’s a quick shopping list to help you gather your ingredients. See the recipe card below for the full ingredients and instructions!

  • Eggs
  • Bacon
  • Red onion, chopped
  • Whole milk
  • Spinach
  • Garlic
  • Green onion
  • Gouda cheese

How to make a Bacon Spinach Frittata

Back to the frittata. I think frittatas are a totally overlooked breakfast option, especially if you are making breakfast at home. What’s the worst part about homemade breakfast? Flipping a thousand pancakes, waiting for the waffle iron for the 7th time. (I always burn the last waffle because I am busy eating. A.l.w.a.y.s.) You only have to cook one frittata, and unlike other baked egg dishes, it cooks in about 10-15 minutes.

  • That’s because you cook it on the stove, then broil it in the oven. Cast iron skillets are your friend.
Sautéing spinach in skillet.
  • 4 cups of spinach may sound like a lot but look how much it cooks down!
Chopped green onions and chopped cooked bacon.
  • Green onions: nature’s ombre. Bacon: God’s love.
Uncooked frittata in cast iron skillet.
  • This is the frittata right before going under the broiler. It should be starting to set on the edges.

How to serve this Spinach Frittata Recipe

This frittata makes a great breakfast any day of the week. But it ALSO makes an excellent dinner. Plenty of protein and veggies, all in one pan. 

If you want to serve it with something else for brunch, pretty much anything sweet makes a great side or, if we’re being honest, breakfast dessert. You can’t go wrong with my favorite cinnamon rolls or banana bread. If the frittata was so easy that you’re craving something more challenging, try these maple bars or nutella stuffed donuts (they’re really not THAT hard, I’ll show you all the tips and tricks to make them just right).  

How to store a Spinach Frittata

This frittata will last in your fridge for 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, either as a whole frittata or in individual pieces for easy weekday breakfasts.

Bacon Spinach Frittata FAQs

What’s the difference between an omelette and a frittata?

The main difference between these two dishes is that frittatas are baked and omelettes are made on the stove top. Frittatas have all the diversity of an omelette without the annoyance of being individual. I added a bunch of bacon and gouda to mine because that’s what sounded good to me, but you can change up this recipe however you like, or according to what’s in your fridge. Heck you could even individualize it for picky family members. (No mushrooms on half, for example. Once you pour on the egg mixture, you don’t stir, so it would be easy to do that, just like toppings on pizza.)

How do you make frittata not rubbery?

Frittata gets rubbery when it’s overcooked. This one needs to be taken from the stovetop and put into the oven as soon as the edges start to set, and it only gets a couple minutes under the broiler. Don’t go overboard (unless rubbery frittata is your thing). 

Why is my frittata soggy on the bottom?

Soggy frittata happens when you put in raw, watery veggies. Those tomatoes or that zucchini might look perfectly crisp before they go in your frittata, but they’re going to release a ton of water if you put them in raw. Then your eggs won’t cook properly. To prevent this, simply cook your veggies before adding them–all the flavor, none of the sogginess.

Bite of spinach and bacon frittata on fork

You might like these eggalicious breakfasts too!

Baked Veggie Egg Cups << skip Starbucks and grab these from your very own fridge.

Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole << absolutely an impressive brunch for your weekend guests.

Asparagus, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Quiche << I LOVE goat cheese, why not put it in quiche??

Easy 30-Minute Pasta Frittata with Sausage and Parmesan << have you ever had a frittata with pasta in it? This is so good.

Pizza Frittata from Minimalist Baker

Spinach and Red Pepper Mini Frittatas from Rachel Cooks

Fritaffles from Real Food by Dad

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Spinach Bacon Frittata

5 from 6 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 18 minutes
Total: 28 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
A moist and flavorful frittata full of bacon and gouda. And spinach! And onions! Totally healthy, not to mention easy. A great breakfast or dinner option.

Ingredients

  • 4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
  • 9 eggs
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 4 cups spinach, fresh, packed
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup green onion, 1 tablespoon reserved
  • 1 cup gouda, shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat your broiler. Move the rack to about 5 inches from the flame.
  • In an 11 inch cast iron skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup chopped red onion and continue to cook until the bacon is crispy and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl or with a whisk, combine 9 eggs, salt, pepper, and milk. Beat well. Set aside.
  • Remove the bacon and onion to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Spoon out most of the bacon grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan. (Discard the excess grease, or save it for another use.)
  • Add the 4 cups spinach to the pan. Cook and stir for about 1 minute, until the spinach starts to wilt, then add the minced garlic.
  • When the garlic is just starting to brown and the spinach is wilted, spread the spinach out around the pan so it is evenly distributed. If you don’t have the rest of the ingredients ready to go yet, turn off the heat.
  • Sprinkle the bacon and onion mixture evenly over the spinach.
  • Sprinkle 1/3 cup green onions over the bacon. Sprinkle the gouda evenly on top.
  • Pour the egg mixture on top. Cook uncovered over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes (see Note), until the edges start to set.
  • Use hot pads to transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler. Broil the frittata for 2-3 minute until browned and almost set. Don’t walk away!

Notes

You don’t have to use an 11-inch skillet to make this. If you use a smaller skillet, just increase the cook and bake times.
Source: The Food Charlatan

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 463mg | Sodium: 1338mg | Potassium: 546mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3828IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 549mg | Iron: 3mg
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Keyword: bacon, Frittata, Gouda, Spinach
Did you make this? I’d love to see it!Mention @thefoodcharlatan or tag #thefoodcharlatan!

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Comments

  1. I have this on the stove right now! And it smells like breakfast heaven. So easy too, frittatas are SO underrated. And why do I always forget about Gouda??

  2. Had this tonight. It was fantastic. The only change I will make in the future is to up the spinach. Thanks for the recipe!

    1. Awesome, thanks for the feedback Deb! Glad you liked it. I’ll try adding more spinach next time!

  3. “Green onions: nature’s ombre.” <– UGHHHHH you are so clever I can't stand it!!!!! And so freaking funny, I'll even read your posts with meat in them, purely for the entertainment value. I can't believe you had to spell believe for your high school exit exam. Talk about HILARIOUS.

  4. 1) SO true about spelling frittata. I never remember whether the two t’s come first or second.
    2) YES!! I totally hear you about flipping pancakes or waiting for the last waffle. Even with the keeping-everything-warm-in-the-oven trick, I still can’t do it. Need. Carbs. NOW!
    3) You had me at bacon. And then again at gouda. LOVE this girl!!
    4) Pinned, like always! ;)

  5. I love frittata, and with bacon and gouda? I’m totally in. I haven’t been to SF in way too long. I need a trip!

  6. I agree – frittatas are my favorite easy (but super fancy looking) brunch/breakfast/anytimeofday food. I especially love that it doesn’t have crust to deal with. Also – you had me at bacon. Maybe if Ryan Adams passed out bacon strips at his shows, people would look past the speaking into the microphone thing.

  7. I just LOVE breakfast food! And also totally love not having to cook a hundred of something. Looks awesome!

  8. ok I’m sorry I don’t know who Ryan Adams is but In just listened to the song, with Norah Jones. . so beautiful!!! and hello, 20 of his albums says a lot! and hello!! love this frittata. . I love making them and throwing all sorts of veggies inside. . winning, yo!!!

  9. You had me at gouda and bacon. This may just be my next dish for our office Friday breakfasts :)

    1. And OMG, I just made your Nutella-stuffed browned butter blondies and holy crap are they amazing!!

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