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    Home » Recipes » Single Serving Breakfast

    By Joanie Zisk Published: Jan 20, 2022 · Updated: Feb 15, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

    How To Make A Frittata For One

    Jump to Recipe

    Learn how to make a "frittata for one" with our simple ratio of ingredients. Easy to customize, a frittata is perfect for any meal.

    a mini spinach and bacon frittata in a small cast iron skillet

    A frittata is an egg dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be packed with just about any ingredient, including leftovers.

    Scroll down to see our Spinach and Bacon Frittata For One, as well as popular frittata variations.

    What Is A Frittata?

    A frittata is an Italian dish that features eggs, cream, and other ingredients that are cooked slowly in a skillet and then finished under the broiler.

    Think of a frittata as a low-carb, crustless quiche. Unlike omelets, where mostly cooked eggs are folded around mostly cooked vegetables, a frittata involves pouring uncooked eggs over vegetables, meats, and cheese in a pan.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • A frittata is simple and easy to make. It isn't complicated at all. The method described here is what consistently works for me. It's how I make a frittata but feel free to make tweaks as you see fit.
    • A frittata makes use of leftovers like roasted potatoes, fresh tomatoes, or cooked sausage from breakfast.
    • It's hearty and incredibly delicious.
    • Frittatas are everything you love about a quiche without the fuss of a crust.
    an overhead photo of a spinach and bacon frittata next to a glass of orange juice
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    The Frittata Ratio

    So, how do you make a frittata without using a recipe? The answer is by using a ratio.

    For a single serving frittata, use 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. From there, add in roughly ¼ cup to ½-cup of vegetables, ⅛ to ¼-cup of cheese, and 2-ounces of a protein (optional). If you want to make a meatless frittata, feel free to add in more vegetables.

    The most important part of this ratio is the eggs to cream. From there you can slightly tweak the amounts of the other ingredients.

    Use this ratio for a frittata cooked in a 6-inch or 6.5-inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet.

    If you'd like to make a large frittata in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, use this ratio: For every 6 eggs, use ¼ cup of heavy cream, 2 cups total of vegetables and/or protein, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.

    A Single Serving Frittata Recipe

    Using our formula we've created an incredibly delicious single serving Spinach and Bacon Frittata that's every bit as delicious as it is easy to make.

    Ingredients

    ingredients for a spinach and bacon frittata on a wooden cutting board

    Ingredient Notes

    • Eggs: Use 2 large eggs.
    • Heavy cream: I highly recommend using 2 tablespoons of heavy cream because it makes the frittata more like a creamy custard. If necessary, you can use half and half or whole milk instead. If you'd like to make a dairy free frittata, use full-fat coconut milk but you will notice a slight change in flavor
    • Dried thyme: I love the flavor of thyme in this frittata recipe but you can use basil, oregano, or herbes de Provence instead. Use ¼ teaspoon of any of these herbs.
    • Salt and black pepper: Use ⅛ of a teaspoon of salt and ⅛ of a teaspoon of pepper for flavor.
    • Bacon: Use 1 strip of bacon.
    • Onions and garlic: ¼ cup of chopped onions and 1 garlic clove add so much flavor to a frittata. Definitely don't leave them out.
    • Spinach: Use ¼ of fresh spinach.
    • Cheese: I use ⅛ of a cup of shredded cheddar cheese in our frittata recipe. You can use just about any good melting cheese in a frittata. You might like to use swiss, gouda, gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella instead.

    See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

    How To Make A Frittata

    See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

    1. Heat broiler to low. Whisk together eggs, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Set the bowl aside.
    2. Place a 6.5-inch cast-iron skillet, or a non-stick oven-safe pan, over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until brown and crispy, about 4 minutes.
    3. Add the chopped onions and garlic and cook, stirring frequently until the onions are soft, about 2 minutes.
    4. Stir in the spinach and cook until it begins to wilt, about 1 minute.
    5. Stir the cheese into the bowl containing the eggs and cream and then pour the mixture into the skillet with bacon and vegetables. Cook until the eggs are set on the bottom but the top remains slightly runny, about 5 minutes.
    6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the eggs are set, about 3 minutes.
    six steps showing how to make a spinach and bacon frittata

    Expert Tips

    • Use the right pan for the job: The very best pan to use for a frittata is a cast-iron skillet. If you don't have one, an oven-safe skillet will work too.
    • Cook the add-ins: Fully cook the onions, garlic, and spinach because you don't want them to release moisture into the eggs. Keep this in mind if you are adding other vegetables like mushrooms and tomatoes. Cook them first so that they don't water down the eggs.
    • Don't overbake: A good frittata should have the texture of a custard. If using a cast-iron skillet, the frittata will continue to bake after you remove it from the oven because cast iron retains heat so well. It takes just 3-4 minutes under the broiler to set. To check to see if your frittata is done, insert a toothpick into the center. When the toothpick comes out clean, you're good to go.
    • Watch your frittata closely: The ingredients cook in the skillet very quickly so you'll need to have all of your ingredients handy when you begin cooking. Since the frittata takes only 3 minutes under the broiler to fully cook, you'll need to keep a close eye on it during that time.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Size Skillet Should I Use For A Single Serving Frittata?

    We use a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet and find it to be the perfect size for a frittata for one.
    This skillet can be found on our bakeware page.
    For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
    For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

    How Will I Know When My Frittata Is Done?

    Bake until the center is no longer jiggly and the edges are golden. Be sure not to overcook the frittata or it will be dry and rubbery.

    Is A Frittata Gluten-Free?

    Yes, a frittata is similar to a crustless quiche, and since it's made without a crust it's gluten-free.

    a mini frittata with a forkful of spinach and egg on the side of the skillet

    Make Ahead Instructions

    A frittata can be enjoyed immediately or warm. To make a frittata ahead simply follow the instructions to bake your frittata, and then let it cool before covering it in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator up to 4 days ahead of time. Remove the plastic wrap and either reheat in an oven preheated to 350 F until warmed through or in the microwave.

    Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

    If you have any ingredients leftover from this spinach and bacon frittata recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

    • Eggs: Eggs Benedict, Cheesy Baked Eggs, Mini Red Velvet Cake, Pasta Carbonara
    • Heavy cream: Tortelloni Soup, Chicken and Rice Casserole, Panna Cotta, Alfredo Sauce
    • Dried thyme: Mini Meatloaf, Clam Chowder, Seafood Gumbo, Ratatouille
    • Bacon: Twice Baked Potato, White Bean Soup, Cobb Salad, Zuppa Toscana
    • Onions: Turkey Cutlet, Chicken Stew, Steak Fajitas, Chicken Tagine
    • Garlic: Lemon Garlic Chicken, Bruschetta, Sautéed Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes
    • Spinach: Spinach Manicotti, Spinach and Orzo Salad, Green Smoothie, Pork Stir Fry
    • Cheddar cheese: Breakfast Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese, Hamburger Casserole, Beef Enchiladas

    Variations

    The best thing about a frittata is how versatile it is. Here are a few easy combinations to inspire you. The ingredient amounts listed here are for a single serving frittata cooked in a 6.5-inch skillet.

    • Creole Frittata: Follow this frittata recipe but use 2 ounces of diced Andouille sausage instead of bacon, and replace the spinach with the "holy trinity" - 1 tablespoon of chopped green bell peppers, 1 tablespoon of chopped onions, and 1 clove of garlic. If desired, add ¼ cup of cheese to the egg mixture, pour over the sausage and vegetables. Cook until the eggs are set on the bottom but the top remains slightly runny, about 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the eggs are set, about 3 minutes.
    • Vegetable Frittata: Make the frittata base (2 tablespoons of cream, 2 eggs, and seasonings). Heat ½ teaspoon of olive oil in the skillet. Sauté ¼ cup diced zucchini, ¼ cup of chopped tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of chopped onions until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add ⅛ cup of shredded cheese to the egg mixture and pour over the vegetables. Next, pour the mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until the eggs are set on the bottom but the top remains slightly runny, about 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on low until the eggs are set, about 3 minutes.
    • Sausage and Pepper Frittata: Make the frittata base. Cook 2 ounces of Italian sausage until browned, about 3 minutes, add ½ cup chopped onions and ¼ cup chopped red peppers and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add ¼ cup of shredded cheese to the egg mixture and pour over the sausage and vegetables. Cook until the eggs are set on the bottom but the top remains slightly runny, about 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the eggs are set, about 3 minutes.

    Serving Suggestions

    A mini frittata can be a meal in itself. However, if you'd like to serve a side dish with it, here are a few ideas:

    • Jello Salad
    • Chicken Salad
    • French Bread
    • Roasted Carrots
    • Buttered Noodles

    If you’ve tried this easy spinach and bacon frittata recipe, created your own frittata combination, or tried any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

    a mini spinach and bacon frittata in a small cast iron skillet

    How To Make A Frittata | Spinach and Bacon Frittata For One

    Learn how to make a frittata for one with our simple ratio of ingredients. Easy to customize, a frittata is perfect for any meal.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    See the post above for expert tips,
    FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Course: Breakfast, Main Dish
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 1 serving
    Calories: 319kcal
    Author: Joanie Zisk

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl
    • 6.5-inch cast iron skillet

    Ingredients

    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
    • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 strip bacon , chopped
    • ¼ cup chopped onions
    • 1 clove garlic , minced
    • ¼ cup fresh spinach , packed
    • ⅛ cup shredded cheddar cheese
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Heat broiler to low. Whisk together eggs, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Set the bowl aside.
    • Place a 6.5-inch cast-iron skillet, or a non-stick oven-safe pan, over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until brown and crispy, about 4 minutes.
    • Add the chopped onions and garlic and cook, stirring frequently until the onions are soft, about 2 minutes.
    • Stir in the spinach and cook until it begins to wilt, about 1 minute.
    • Stir the cheese into the bowl containing the eggs and cream and then pour the mixture into the skillet with bacon and vegetables. Cook until the eggs are set on the bottom but the top remains slightly runny, about 5 minutes.
    • Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the eggs are set, about 3 minutes.

    Notes

    Expert Tips
    • Use the right pan for the job: The very best pan to use for a frittata is a cast-iron skillet. If you don't have one, an oven-safe skillet will work too.
    • Cook the add-ins: Fully cook the onions, garlic, and spinach because you don't want them to release moisture into the eggs. 
    • Don't overbake: A good frittata should have the texture of a custard. If using a cast-iron skillet, the frittata will continue to bake after you remove it from the oven because cast iron retains heat so well. It takes just 3-4 minutes under the broiler to set. To check to see if your frittata is done, insert a toothpick into the center. When the toothpick comes out clean, you're good to go.
    • Watch your frittata closely: The ingredients cook in the skillet very quickly so you'll need to have all of your ingredients handy when you begin cooking. Since the frittata takes only 3 minutes under the broiler to fully cook, you'll need to keep a close eye on it during that time.
    Nutrition Facts
    How To Make A Frittata | Spinach and Bacon Frittata For One
    Amount Per Serving (1 frittata)
    Calories 319 Calories from Fat 225
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 25g38%
    Saturated Fat 12g75%
    Trans Fat 1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
    Monounsaturated Fat 11g
    Cholesterol 418mg139%
    Sodium 590mg26%
    Potassium 263mg8%
    Carbohydrates 6g2%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 2g2%
    Protein 17g34%
    Vitamin A 996IU20%
    Vitamin C 3mg4%
    Calcium 90mg9%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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    About Joanie Zisk

    Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. J. Hegyi says

      April 25, 2022 at 12:40 am

      Terrific recipe.

      Reply
    2. Charlie says

      April 04, 2022 at 8:01 pm

      I made this today for lunch with leftovers I had in my fridge- roasted peppers, sausage, mushrooms- and it was amazing! I want to make one big enough for 2 people this weekend. If I double all the ingredients what size pan should I use?

      Reply
      • Joanie Zisk says

        April 05, 2022 at 2:46 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it! If you want to make a larger frittata, use a 10 or 12-inch skillet.

        Reply
    3. LORI says

      March 21, 2022 at 4:16 pm

      i used a bag of baby spinach bought in the produce by salad bags. after you cook it down is shrinks so much i was able to make 3 small frittatas in a 5.5 inch cast iron pan.

      Reply
    4. LORI says

      March 21, 2022 at 4:11 pm

      loved this recipe. made two individual frittatas for hubby and myself. no leftovers for garbage. when making a large frittata always had leftovers and they don't really reheat very well, they get rubbery

      Reply
    5. MAustin says

      January 31, 2022 at 9:58 pm

      Baked it at 350 for 18 minutes in a 6 inch ceramic pie dish. Perfect. The husband doesn’t like any brown on his eggs, so broiling was out. Still amazing.

      Reply
    6. Celia Whitehead says

      January 21, 2022 at 11:54 am

      I’d there any way I could use frozen spinach, seems I am the only one that likes spinach and a bunch is too much for one person

      Reply
      • Joanie Zisk says

        January 22, 2022 at 8:18 am

        Yes, I recommend that you thaw the spinach and squeeze out any of the water before using in this frittata recipe.

        Reply
    7. ED STAGNEY says

      January 21, 2022 at 9:54 am

      1/8 TSP shredded cheese?

      Reply
      • Joanie Zisk says

        January 21, 2022 at 10:18 am

        It should be 1/8 of a cup, thanks for catching that! It's been updated in the recipe.

        Reply

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