Frittatas are one of the easiest ways to make a delicious egg dish, they don’t even require you to stand over them while they cook. And while they’re always delectable, a simple frittata can be elevated to new heights with the addition of one or more side dishes. Whether you want something light and refreshing, something warm and comforting, or something to simply round out the meal, these 15 side dishes for frittata will satisfy.
What Is Frittata?
A frittata is an egg-based dish that’s cooked on a stovetop and finished in an oven. It’s similar to an omelet, except it contains additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses and vegetables, and it’s not folded over. Frittatas are often referred to as “flat omelets” because they have some of the characteristics of both dishes, though frittatas contain more ingredients than omelets do.
Frittatas are made by beating eggs together with various ingredients, pouring them into a skillet or frying pan, then cooking them on the stove over medium heat until they begin to set, usually only a few minutes or so. Once the bottom of the frittata has started to set like a pancake, it’s transferred to the oven to finish cooking. The final step is usually done under a broiler so that the top layer turns golden brown and every element of the dish is properly cooked.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Frittata?
Frittata is a very delicious Italian dish which has many fans from all over the world. It is not only delicious and nutritious, it is also easy to make. If you are thinking of cooking a frittata, you will be glad to know that it can be served with many side dishes. However, it is important to know what side dishes go well with the frittata. This article will tell you why you might consider serving side dishes for frittata.
One good reason why you should consider serving side dishes for frittata is because you do not want to run out of food. You should definitely make sure that there is enough food for everyone who comes to your party or gathering. By serving side dishes for frittata, there will be more people at the table and therefore more mouths to feed!
Another reason why you should consider serving side dishes for frittata is because there are many delicious choices available. If you have never tasted a frittata before, then now would be a great time to try one out! There are so many tasty options available, it would be hard for anyone not to find something they like.
What to Serve with Frittata? 15 BEST Side Dishes
1. Pears with a honey drizzle
This is an excellent choice for fall brunch menus when pears are at their peak. Simply halve and core a pear, then slice lengthwise into thin wedges. Place them on plates next to your frittata. Drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle with salt and pepper. A light sprinkling of chopped fresh dill is also quite nice if you happen to have it on hand.
2. Roasted Potatoes
Potatoes are a great option for an easy side dish because they don’t require much prep time and can be made in advance in large batches. If you’re serving a frittata for dinner, roasted potatoes are an excellent choice. You can mix them up by choosing from different types of potatoes (sweet potatoes, fingerlings), different dressings (olive oil, butter), or even different cooking methods (baking or roasting).
3. Buttered Green Beans
Buttered green beans are the perfect side dish for frittata. They are easy to make, inexpensive, and pair perfectly with the egg dish. You can find them fresh in farmer’s markets during the summer and fall. Corn on the cob or cornbread muffins also make a great side dish for frittata. Both are easy to prepare, affordable, and taste great with eggs.
4. Cornbread Muffins or Corn on the Cob
Corn is one of those things that can play well with a variety of flavors. It’s sweet, but it’s also neutral enough to pair with just about anything. If you have some cornbread on hand, muffins or loaves would be an excellent choice, as they won’t compete with your frittata and will make the meal seem more filling.
5. Bruschetta
A lighter Italian side dish made of tomatoes and garlic on toast, bruschetta is a great option for those looking for an alternative to heavier sides like cornbread. This simple dish can be prepared quickly and served at room temperature, which makes it low-effort and perfect for parties. It’s also versatile enough to work with all sorts of toppings, so you can add whatever flavors you like best in order to match your preferred style of frittata.
6. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic side dish that goes well with just about everything, especially frittata. You can use a recipe from your favorite cookbook or try this one from Food Network . Double the recipe to make enough for eight people and add the dressing just before serving.
7. Pan-roasted brussel sprouts with bacon
Similar to the potato dish above, these brussel sprouts get an extra kick from crispy bacon. The flavor of both dishes will be bold enough to stand up to the frittata, but they won’t clash, the hearty serving of vegetables will help balance out the otherwise meaty meal.
8. Arugula and Parmesan Salad
Arugula and Parmesan Salad is a fresh and flavorful side dish that pairs well with many different kinds of food. With only three ingredients, it comes together in just a few minutes and requires virtually no preparation time. The peppery arugula works beautifully with frittata’s savory flavors.
9. Hollandaise Sauce
This sauce goes especially well with veggies and salmon in frittatas. The flavor of hollandaise is rich and buttery, with a touch of lemon flavor that compliments the eggs in the frittata. This dish is delicious with a classic hollandaise sauce, but if you’re looking for something a little different, try your hand at one of our lighter variations of this classic sauce.
10. Beet Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Beet salad with lemon vinaigrette is another great side dish for frittata. The acidity of the lemon pairs nicely with the savory taste of eggs, while also balancing out some of the richness from cheese or cream. This dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container until ready to serve, just don’t forget about them when they’re done cooking!
11. Roasted Okra with Garlic and Chilies
Roasted okra is another great option for pairing with a frittata. When roasted, okra softens up but maintains a crunchy exterior. This side dish is flavored simply with garlic, chilies, and olive oil, so it’s easy to make while you’re getting the rest of your meal ready.
12. Sautéed Asparagus
Asparagus is a good accompaniment to frittata because it has a flavor that’s similar to the eggs’ savory notes. For an easy-to-make and delicious sautéed asparagus, simply trim the tough ends of the asparagus and cut it in bite-sized pieces. Sauté the asparagus in olive oil with minced garlic, salt and pepper until tender.
13. Avocado and Tomato Salad
An avocado and tomato salad is also a good match for frittata because both ingredients have fresh flavors that go well with the eggs. Simply cut ripe avocados into small chunks and slice cherry tomatoes in half, then toss them together with some chopped red onion, minced garlic, salt and pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
14. Spicy Broiled Zucchini
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise or in quarters and drizzle each side with olive oil. Sprinkle on salt and pepper and place the zucchini cut-side down on a cookie sheet. Cook under the broiler in your oven for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the outer layer is browned.
15. Hash Browns
Grate potatoes, squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible, and mix with onion and salt or pepper to taste. Sear the grated potato mixture in butter or olive oil until browned on both sides.
Tips for choosing your best side dishes
Frittata, like most egg-based meals, is a dish that can stand alone. However, if you’re looking to put a little more on the table, it’s certainly not a bad idea to include some side dishes.
Here are some tips for choosing the best side dishes:
1. Consider your audience
If your family or friends love frittata and all things Italian, why not consider side dishes that are also Italian-inspired? If everyone seems to like traditional American sides, go with what you know will be popular among your guests.
2. Think about the season
Try to choose side dishes that are in season as they’ll be fresher and more flavorful. In the fall and winter months, you might want to add some roasted vegetables or a salad made with seasonal fruits like pears and apples. In spring and summer, try pairing your frittata with fresh fruit salads or grilled vegetables.
3. Keep it simple
Frittata is an easy meal option so you don’t have to go all out when it comes to sides, especially if it’s just for your family or a small group of friends. Try pairing your frittata with a simple green salad and bread rolls or having the frittata as the main dish of the meal while adding a side salad.
4. Be creative
Frittata is a great recipe to experiment with by adding some of your favorite ingredients to the dish, including toppings like fresh herbs, roasted peppers and olives or adding different cheeses for more variety.
Conclusion
The frittata’s flexibility is what makes it so great. You can change up the filling every time you make one, which means you can make a frittata with whatever produce you have on hand. But this also means that your frittata needs to be accompanied by a side dish that allows it to shine. To help you out, we’ve gathered 15 delicious sides that would perfectly complement your frittata.