If you are looking for a bright and flavorful dish that feels like a celebration of fresh Italian summer produce, the Caprese Frittata Recipe is your go-to. This delightful frittata blends creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and sweet cherry tomatoes into a fluffy egg base, then finishes with a tangy balsamic drizzle that instantly elevates every bite. It’s simple enough for a quick breakfast but special enough for a weekend brunch that impresses. Plus, its vibrant colors and layered flavors make it a crowd-pleaser any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for the Caprese Frittata Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing to the texture, freshness, or zest that brings this dish to life.
- Eggs: The rich, creamy foundation that makes the frittata wonderfully fluffy and filling.
- Milk (or heavy cream/coconut milk): Adding a splash ensures the eggs set tenderly rather than rubbery, and experimenting with cream or coconut milk offers subtle flavor tweaks.
- Fresh basil: Infuses the dish with herbaceous brightness and that unmistakable Caprese charm.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melted in for gooey, creamy pockets that make every bite a luscious surprise.
- Cherry tomatoes: When blistered, their sweetness intensifies, balancing the savory eggs perfectly.
- Balsamic vinegar: A drizzle at the end adds a sharp and tangy counterpoint that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil: For cooking with a subtle fruity depth and helping achieve that golden crust on the frittata.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the fresh ingredients without overshadowing them.
How to Make Caprese Frittata Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Egg Mixture
Start by cracking your eggs into a bowl and whisking them together with the milk, finely chopped fresh basil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. This step is key to achieving a light and airy texture for the frittata. The herbs weave through the mixture, hinting at the vibrant flavors to come.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and allow it to cook gently for about 2 minutes, stirring lightly as it begins to set. Cooking gently ensures the frittata cooks evenly without browning too much on the bottom before the top sets.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Broil
Sprinkle slices or chunks of fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the partially cooked eggs. Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely until the frittata is fully set and the cheese is melted and bubbling—this step creates a luscious, cheesy topping that’s irresistible.
Step 4: Finish with Tomatoes and Balsamic
Add the blistered cherry tomatoes on top just before serving, allowing their juicy burst to complement the creamy cheese. Finally, drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar. This adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the eggs and cheese, completing your Caprese Frittata Recipe masterpiece.
How to Serve Caprese Frittata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves scattered on top create a stunning visual and lift the aromatic profile. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a grinding of black pepper adds that finishing flair that makes all the difference.
Side Dishes
Pair the frittata with a crisp green salad or some crusty artisan bread for a satisfying meal. Lightly dressed arugula or mixed greens provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the frittata, while toasted bread offers a perfect vessel for soaking up any leftover flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the frittata on individual plates drizzled with a bit more balsamic glaze and sprinkled with microgreens for an elegant look. Alternatively, cut into wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of olives and fresh fruit for a charming brunch spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Caprese Frittata Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors actually mingle beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This frittata freezes well. Cut it into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to one month. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the frittata slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the cheese melty and delicious without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Caprese Frittata Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for a Caprese flavor, fresh burrata or a mild ricotta also work wonderfully, adding creaminess without overpowering the basil and tomato.
Is it possible to make this frittata dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and omit or replace mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative. The balance of fresh basil and tomatoes will still make the dish flavorful.
What’s the best way to blister cherry tomatoes?
Simply toss them in a hot skillet with a little olive oil and cook for a few minutes until the skins begin to wrinkle and char slightly. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds complexity to the dish.
Can I add other vegetables to this frittata?
You can. Spinach, zucchini, or thinly sliced bell peppers work well with the existing flavors. Just sauté them briefly before adding the egg mixture to maintain a tender texture.
How do I know when the frittata is perfectly cooked?
Look for the eggs to be fully set but still moist on the surface, and the cheese melted and bubbly after broiling. The frittata should hold together when sliced but remain tender and fluffy inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Caprese Frittata Recipe—it feels both cozy and elegant, simple yet packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten your day. Whether you’re making it for a casual breakfast or an impromptu brunch with friends, it’s a recipe that invites smiles and seconds. Give it a try and soon you’ll find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Caprese Frittata Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Caprese Frittata is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish that combines the creamy texture of eggs with fresh basil, melted mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes, finished with a tangy balsamic drizzle. Perfect for a light breakfast, brunch, or a simple dinner.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream/coconut milk)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, milk, chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy to ensure a light texture when cooked.
- Heat Skillet and Start Cooking: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the edges start to set but the center is still runny.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Scatter the mozzarella cheese evenly over the partially cooked eggs. Transfer the skillet to the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and bubbly, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Serve: Remove the frittata from the oven. Arrange the blistered cherry tomatoes on top, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, then slice and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you do not have a broiler-safe skillet, finish cooking the frittata in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until set and cheese is melted.
- You can substitute mozzarella with fresh burrata or feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Use fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, authentic taste; dried basil is not recommended.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and omit the cheese or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Cherry tomatoes can be halved or left whole according to preference; blistering adds a sweet, roasted flavor.
