Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata

Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata | Image: Laura Messersmith

Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata | Image: Laura Messersmith

When I first spotted this frittata from Food + Wine magazine on Pinterest I knew immediately that I had to make it for Mike. Its combination of Brussels sprouts, bacon, and Gruyère cheese is nearly all of his favorite foods in one convenient (and easy!) recipe.

If you’re like me and never seem to have an oven-safe skillet quiiite large enough to hold the veggies and the eggs, then my adaptation which requires no skillet at all will hopefully be a Godsend. The outcome is the same and possibly even better due to the magic of the roasted sprouts and the lack of spattering stovetop bacon grease, always a win in my book.

This recipe is just begging to be made some hairy weeknight when dinner requires a dish both comforting and sustaining. Or, for Sunday brunch when something slightly more elegant than classic scrambled is called for, and you’re looking to incorporate some leafy greens under a welcoming blanket of egg and cheese.

Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata | Image: Laura Messersmith

Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata | Image: Laura Messersmith

Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata (serves 4-6) 

Ingredients:
1/2 pound (5 strips) thick-cut bacon
3/4 pound brussels sprouts, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 shallots, halved and thinly sliced
1 cup (1/4 pound) shredded Gruyère cheese
8 large eggs
2 tablespoons whole milk
1/4 cup snipped chives
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:
re-heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Prep the Brussels sprouts by trimming the ends and slicing them vertically in 1/4 pieces. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Roast in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes, then turn with a spatula and add in the thinly sliced shallots. Continue to roast for another 7-10 minutes until the sprouts are crisp-tender and just beginning to brown and the shallots are softened.

Meanwhile, line a second rimmed baking sheet with foil and lay the strips of bacon in a single layer. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes turning halfway through until the bacon is crisp. Drain and cool on a paper towel-lined plate, then roughly chop into 1/4 inch strips.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Stir in the shredded gruyere and snipped chives.

Lightly coat an 8” pie plate with non stick spray. Layer the Brussels sprouts and bacon, then pour the egg mixture over the top. Bake the frittata for 25-30 minutes, until the center is just set. Run a rubber spatula around the edge of the frittata and slide it onto a serving plate, then cut it into 6 pieces and serve.

Re-written and adapted from Food + Wine’s Brussels Sprout, Bacon and Gruyère Frittata by Justin Chapple.

Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata | Image: Laura Messersmith

Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata | Image: Laura Messersmith

Small Kitchen Friendly?
100%. All you need is two rimmed baking sheets (you can get away with one if necessary by lining it with parchment and re-using it  for the bacon), a medium cutting board, chef’s knife, 8” pie plate, medium mixing bowl, dinner plate, rubber spatula, liquid measuring cup, and measuring spoons. Aluminum foil, parchment paper, and paper towels will make clean up much simpler.

The Verdict:
The number one way I can tell if Mike likes something is when he’s willing to eat it more than one day in a row. The other mark of success is when I wish I had thought of it first, hat tip to you Mr. Chapple. In that case Brussels Sprout, Bacon and Gruyère Frittata is a total winner. The sprouts are perfectly complimented by the creaminess of the egg and cheese mixture, and the crunchy salty bacon. Definitely keeping this one in mind as winter approaches and sprouts become a go-to menu item.

Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata | Image: Laura Messersmith

Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Gruyère Frittata | Image: Laura Messersmith