Hearty Ham, Asparagus, and Potato Frittata: Your Ultimate Easy Meal Solution
Discover the beauty of effortless cooking with this incredible Ham, Asparagus, and Potato Frittata. It’s a versatile dish that masterfully transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal, perfect for any time of day. This recipe delivers creamy eggs, tender asparagus, savory ham, comforting potatoes, and delicious melted cheese, all coming together in around 40 minutes, with only about 15 minutes of active preparation.
Often, the best recipes are born from necessity – a quick glance into the fridge revealing a collection of “odds and ends” that need to be used. That’s precisely the magic of a frittata! It’s an incredibly adaptable dish that encourages creativity and minimizes food waste, allowing you to whip up something truly delicious and hearty enough to feed your entire family without a last-minute trip to the grocery store. Whether it’s leftover ham from a holiday dinner, a bunch of asparagus from the market, or a lone potato, a frittata is your culinary canvas.
What Exactly is a Frittata?
At its core, a frittata is an Italian egg-based dish similar to an omelet or quiche, but with its own distinct characteristics. Unlike an omelet, where fillings are folded inside the eggs, frittata ingredients are typically cooked directly into the eggs, often starting on the stovetop and finishing in the oven. This creates a beautifully puffed, custardy texture that holds its shape, making it ideal for slicing and serving.
The beauty of the frittata lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s less fussy than a quiche (no crust to worry about!) and more substantial than a typical omelet, transforming humble eggs into a complete and satisfying meal. While it’s commonly associated with breakfast or brunch, as we’ll discuss, it truly shines as a quick and healthy option for lunch or dinner.
Sidenote: We often call this a breakfast dish, because technically it is a savory egg preparation. But honestly, I rarely make a frittata for breakfast. For me, frittatas are the ultimate last-minute savior when I’ve forgotten to grocery shop, and I need a delicious, wholesome meal on the table for dinner—and fast!
Why This Ham, Asparagus, and Potato Frittata Will Become Your Favorite
This particular frittata combination is a winner for several reasons. The savory notes of ham pair perfectly with the slightly sweet, earthy flavor of tender asparagus. Thinly sliced potatoes add a comforting heartiness and delightful texture, while melted Colby Jack cheese brings a creamy, mild, and utterly irresistible element to the dish. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that is both familiar and exciting. It’s a meal that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to achieve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches.
Tips for Making the Best Frittatas
Achieving a perfect frittata every time is easier than you might think. The key is in the preparation of your fillings and the cooking method. You want your vegetables and meats to be cooked through and flavorful before the eggs are added, ensuring even distribution and optimal texture throughout the finished dish.
Essential Equipment: The Cast Iron Skillet
To make a traditional baked frittata, an oven-safe skillet is essential. And when it comes to oven-safe skillets, a cast iron skillet is truly a game-changer. I exclusively use my cast iron skillet for frittatas because it allows for a seamless one-dish cooking experience. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes to wash? A well-seasoned cast iron pan provides excellent heat retention and even cooking, ensuring your frittata cooks beautifully from edge to center, developing a lovely golden-brown crust on the bottom while remaining creamy on top.
If you don’t currently own a cast iron skillet, I wholeheartedly recommend investing in one. They are incredibly durable, often available for under $40 on Amazon, and with proper care, they will truly last you an entire lifetime. They are not just for frittatas; they are perfect for searing meats, baking cornbread, roasting vegetables, and so much more, making them a cornerstone of any well-equipped kitchen.
However, if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, don’t worry! You can easily work around this by cooking your ingredients in a regular skillet on the stovetop and then transferring them to an 9×9 inch oven-safe baking pan to bake with the eggs. Another fantastic option, especially for meal prep or individual servings, is to bake mini frittatas in a muffin tin! The possibilities for customizing your frittata preparation are truly endless.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Frittata
Each ingredient in this frittata plays a crucial role in its overall flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look:
- Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes are essential here. Their thinness ensures they cook through quickly and become tender-crisp. You can use any waxy potato like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well. Pre-cooking them in the skillet ensures they’re soft and slightly browned before the eggs are added.
- Ham: The recipe calls for chopped deli ham, which is convenient and adds a lovely salty, savory flavor. However, this is also a perfect opportunity to use up leftover cooked ham from a holiday meal. Simply dice it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Asparagus: Fresh asparagus offers a delightful crunch and vibrant green color. Check here for tips on buying and preparing fresh asparagus, including how to snap off those woody ends. If fresh asparagus isn’t in season or readily available, frozen asparagus works just as well. Just remember to thaw it out completely and chop it before adding it to the pan.
- Colby Jack Cheese: This cheese is a fantastic choice for its excellent melting properties and mild, creamy flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend.
- Eggs and Milk: The foundation of any frittata! Using large, fresh eggs and a touch of milk (or cream for extra richness) creates that desirable creamy, custardy texture. Whisking them thoroughly with a pinch of salt and pepper ensures the eggs are light and airy.
Asparagus, Ham, and Potato Frittata
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 potato (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups chopped asparagus
- 1/2 cup chopped deli ham
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- 1/3 cup milk
- 6 large eggs
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
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Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking when the frittata goes in.
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Cook the Fillings: In a cast iron, or other oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced potatoes and fry them gently in the hot oil until they begin to brown and soften on one side. Flip them over, then add the chopped asparagus to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the asparagus to become tender-crisp and the potatoes to finish cooking through. Finally, add the chopped ham to the skillet and generously season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs and milk until well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures a light and uniform frittata texture.
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Combine and Pour: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the cooked potato, asparagus, and ham mixture in the skillet. Then, carefully pour the whisked egg and milk mixture over all the ingredients, making sure that the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the pan and coating all the fillings.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set in the center and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions and Customization
This Ham, Asparagus, and Potato Frittata is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside some buttered toast, a fresh fruit salad, or a glass of juice. For lunch or dinner, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect accompaniment. Hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can also add an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.
One of the greatest joys of making frittatas is how easily you can customize them. Don’t have asparagus? Try broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. No ham? Bacon, sausage, or even shredded chicken would be delicious. Experiment with different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or smoked gouda. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to create a unique frittata based on your preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover frittata is just as delicious, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Once cooled, store any remaining frittata slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a preheated oven (or toaster oven) at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. This ensures the eggs remain moist and flavorful.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this Ham, Asparagus, and Potato Frittata is a recipe that will consistently impress with its ease, versatility, and incredible flavor. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!
Pin it for later!
Don’t forget to save this fantastic recipe for future reference! Pin the image below to your favorite breakfast, brunch, or easy dinner boards on Pinterest so you can always find it when you need a quick and delicious meal idea. You’ll thank yourself later!
