Christmas brunch ideas: baked frittata and a plan
Prep: 20 min · Cook: 30 min · Makes: 6-8 · For:
Christmas brunch is the most relaxed way to celebrate together. It starts late, nobody has to rush, the children can stay in their pajamas, and the table fills itself with things that need very little cooking.
An oven frittata makes the perfect centerpiece. It feeds a crowd, it bakes on its own while you make coffee, and it tastes good warm or at room temperature.
Your brunch plan
- The day before: cook the vegetables, whisk the eggs, make the fruit salad, set the table.
- 1 hour before: heat the oven, assemble and bake the frittata, warm the croissants for the last 10 minutes.
- When guests arrive: squeeze the juice, put out the smoked salmon and cheese, and enjoy it.
More ideas for the table
- A sweet baked French toast with red berries.
- A slice of stollen with butter.
- A big pot of hot chocolate for the children.
Little helpers
Children can crack and whisk the eggs, crumble the feta and arrange the tomatoes on top.
Ingredients
- 10 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach (about 5 cups)
- 5 oz feta (about 1 cup crumbled)
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the dish
- a few basil leaves or some chives
- salt and black pepper
- To serve around it: stollen or panettone, croissants, smoked salmon, a cheeseboard, yogurt with granola, a fruit salad and fresh orange juice
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and oil a baking dish of about 9 x 13 inches.
- Slice the onion and dice the pepper. Soften them in the olive oil in a large pan for 5 minutes.
- Add the spinach and stir until it has just wilted. Tip the vegetables into the dish and spread them out.
- Crumble the feta over the vegetables and dot the halved tomatoes on top.
- Whisk the eggs with the milk, a little salt (feta is salty) and plenty of pepper. Pour it over the vegetables and scatter the grated cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed, golden and just set in the middle. A knife in the center should come out clean.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, scatter with basil or chives and cut into squares. It is also good warm or at room temperature.
Questions
Can I prepare the frittata the night before?
Cook the vegetables and whisk the eggs the evening before and keep them separately in the fridge. In the morning, assemble and bake. It goes in the oven while everyone opens their stockings.
How much should I make?
This frittata serves 6-8 as part of a brunch with bread, pastries and fruit. For a bigger group, make two dishes.
Can I make it without dairy?
Use plant milk and leave out the feta and cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative. Add a few olives for a salty touch.
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