– The Ultimate Make-Ahead Brunch Dish
A Flavor-Packed Frittata That’s Perfect for Holidays, Family Gatherings, or Easy Weeknight Meals
There’s something extra special about dishes that work as well for a lazy Sunday morning as they do for a festive holiday brunch. This Herb and Ham Frittata is just that—a hearty, flavorful, and flexible egg-based dish that’s ideal for family reunions, potlucks, Easter morning, Christmas brunch, or a quick make-ahead meal during a busy week.

Fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and savory goodness.
Imagine walking into the kitchen to the scent of crispy ham, fragrant herbs, and bubbling cheese all coming together in one warm, golden skillet. You cut into it, and the knife slides through layers of fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and savory goodness.

Whether you serve it hot out of the oven, at room temperature, or chilled the next day—this frittata always delivers.

Crowd-pleasing meal on the table in under 35 minutes
With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a protein-rich, crowd-pleasing meal on the table in under 35 minutes. Even better? It’s naturally gluten-free, customizable, and easy to scale for large gatherings.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step frittata method that works every time.
📋 Recipe At-a-Glance
Detail | Time/Amount |
---|---|
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 25–30 minutes |
Total Time | ~40–45 minutes |
Yield | Serves 4 to 6 |
Skill Level | Easy |
🛠 ESSENTIAL TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- 10- or 12-inch oven-safe skillet (nonstick or cast iron)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or large fork
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Silicone spatula
- Oven mitts (for handling hot skillet)
- Optional: Cheese grater, small bowl for herbs
🧀 INGREDIENTS
Basic Ingredients:
- 🥄 Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup cooked ham, chopped or sliced
- 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup whole milk (or cream)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: shredded cheese, extra herbs for garnish
Fresh Herbs (mix and match):
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped cooked spinach or kale
- ½ cup sautéed onions or leeks
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
👩🍳 HOW TO MAKE HERB AND HAM FRITTATA (STEP-BY-STEP)🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Fully Detailed)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and dice your potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure crisping.
- Chop the ham and herbs. Set everything aside in separate bowls.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in your oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the diced potatoes.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and fork-tender.
- Optional: cover for a few minutes if you want them extra soft in the center.
Step 3: Add the Ham
- Stir in the chopped ham and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing it to warm and lightly brown.
- Spread the potato and ham mixture evenly across the skillet.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Base
- In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until fully beaten.
- Add ¼ cup milk, salt, pepper, and your chopped herbs (parsley, chives, thyme).
- Mix until just combined.
- Optional: add ¼ cup shredded cheese to the egg mixture for extra creaminess.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the skillet, letting it settle around the ham and potatoes.
- Cook on the stove over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, just until the edges begin to set.
- Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the top is golden.
- For a lightly browned top, broil for the final 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Using oven mitts, remove the skillet from the oven and place it on a trivet or cooling rack.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the frittata to settle and make slicing easier.
Use a rubber spatula to loosen the edges and slide the frittata onto a cutting board or platter.
Slice into wedges or squares, and serve warm or at room temperature.

🥦 INGREDIENT VARIATIONS & SEASONAL OPTIONS
This frittata is endlessly flexible. Use it as a base for different seasons, occasions, and dietary needs.
Dietary Substitutions:
- Vegetarian: Omit the ham and add roasted vegetables, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free shredded cheese.
- Keto-Friendly: Use heavy cream and skip starchy vegetables.
Seasonal Variations:
- Spring: Asparagus, peas, and goat cheese
- Summer: Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella
- Fall: Roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and sage
- Winter: Caramelized onions, potatoes, and Swiss cheese

🧺 SERVING SUGGESTIONS & PAIRINGS
- Serve warm with a mixed green salad or arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette
- Pair with roasted breakfast potatoes or a crusty sourdough slice
- Enjoy with mimosas or fresh-pressed juice for brunch
- Serve as a protein-packed dinner with a bowl of soup or seasonal veggies
- Chill leftovers and pack for lunchboxes or road trips
❓ FAQS & TROUBLESHOOTING
Why is my frittata watery?
Excess moisture from vegetables is the usual culprit. Always sauté and drain vegetables thoroughly before adding them to the eggs.
Can I use a regular pan instead of an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, but you’ll need to transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish for the oven portion.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Other Frittata recipes, jut for you
Kale and mushroom frittata > It’s easy to make and is packed with healthy nutrients.
Potato-Crusted Frittata! > Start your day off right with a Potato-Crusted Frittata! Perfect for breakfast, this delicious variation on traditional quiche is sure to please.
Baked Sweet Potato Frittata > It is packed with nutrients and is incredibly versatile. You can add any vegetables you have on hand, as well as any protein of your choice.
Print
Herb and Ham Frittata Recipe – The Ultimate Make-Ahead Brunch Dish
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 - 6 servings
Ingredients
-
- 🥄 Ingredients
-
- 6 large eggs
-
- 1 cup cooked ham, chopped or sliced
-
- 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
-
- 1 tbsp olive oil
-
- 1 tbsp butter
-
- ¼ cup whole milk (or cream)
-
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
-
- ¼ tsp black pepper
-
- Optional: shredded cheese, extra herbs for garnish
Fresh Herbs (mix and match):
-
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
-
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
-
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
-
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
-
- ½ cup chopped cooked spinach or kale
-
- ½ cup sautéed onions or leeks
-
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes
-
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
Instructions
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Fully Detailed)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Wash and dice your potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure crisping.
-
Chop the ham and herbs. Set everything aside in separate bowls.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
-
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in your oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
-
Once hot, add the diced potatoes.
-
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
-
Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and fork-tender.
-
Optional: cover for a few minutes if you want them extra soft in the center.
Step 3: Add the Ham
-
Stir in the chopped ham and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing it to warm and lightly brown.
-
Spread the potato and ham mixture evenly across the skillet.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Base
-
In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until fully beaten.
-
Add ¼ cup milk, salt, pepper, and your chopped herbs (parsley, chives, thyme).
-
Mix until just combined.
-
Optional: add ¼ cup shredded cheese to the egg mixture for extra creaminess.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
-
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the skillet, letting it settle around the ham and potatoes.
-
Cook on the stove over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, just until the edges begin to set.
-
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
-
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the top is golden.
-
For a lightly browned top, broil for the final 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve
-
Remove the skillet from the oven using mitts. Let the frittata cool for 5 minutes.
-
Garnish with more fresh herbs, if desired.
-
Slice into wedges and serve directly from the skillet or slide onto a serving board.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 - 25 minutes
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