Egg White Spinach Frittata Recipe – Affordable Food Ideas
I remember the first time I tried a frittata. It was at a quaint little Italian café tucked away in a busy street. The chef spoke with such passion as he described it; I couldn’t resist trying it. Fast forward years later, and here I am, whipping up my own renditions, especially the egg white spinach one.
Frittatas are like the open canvas of breakfast and brunch dishes. You can play with flavors, mix textures, and create something that feels personal and comforting. The appeal of the egg white spinach frittata lies not just in its taste but also in its health benefits. It is light, nutritious, and quite simple to prepare. The best part? You can whip it up in less than 30 minutes!
What is Egg White Spinach Frittata?
An egg white spinach frittata is a simple yet satisfying dish that marries the lightness of egg whites with the earthiness of spinach. Think of it as a hearty omelet that is baked instead of fried.
Add in some colorful veggies, herbs, and perhaps a little cheese, and you have yourself a winning combination. With its high protein and low calorie count, this frittata is perfect for those seeking healthier meal options without sacrificing flavor.
Why This Recipe Works?
Nutrient-Packed This dish is loaded with nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and iron. Paired with the protein boost from egg whites, you have a meal that checks all the boxes for a healthy diet.
Quick and Convenient From start to finish, this frittata comes together in less than half an hour. You can prep it on a busy morning or make it ahead for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge, making it a perfect option for those hectic weekdays.
Versatile Ingredients The beauty of a frittata is how flexible it is. This recipe invites you to mix in whatever vegetables or cheeses you have on hand. This adaptability ensures you can cater to your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Flavorful and Satisfying Even with the omission of egg yolks, this frittata packs a flavorful punch. The combination of herbs, cheese, and spices makes each bite enjoyable. Trust me, you won’t miss the extra fat content most dishes usually provide.
Ingredients You'll Need To Make This Dish
11 tablespoon of unsalted butter or coconut oil
2 green onions, minced
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (or 1 cup of assorted diced vegetables)
1 cup of egg whites or the whites of 8 large eggs
½ teaspoon of dried Italian herbs
¼ teaspoon of sea salt
1 ½ cups of roughly chopped or torn fresh spinach
2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika
2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Hot sauce, optional, for drizzling
Sliced fresh avocado, optional, for garnish
How To Make This Egg White Spinach Frittata?
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother. Chop your veggies, mince the green onions, and have everything ready to go.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures even cooking of your frittata.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or heat the coconut oil. Add the green onions and red bell pepper, sautéing them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re vibrant and slightly tender.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Whites
In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites, dried Italian herbs, and sea salt. This fluffy mixture is your base for the frittata.
Step 5: Combine Spinach and Other Add-ins
Stir in the chopped spinach, smoked paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes, or until the spinach wilts slightly.
Step 6: Add Egg Mixture to the Skillet
Pour the egg white mixture over the veggies. Sprinkle the cheese of your choice on top. Cook on the stovetop for about 3-4 minutes until the edges start to set.
Step 7: Bake It!
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the frittata is firm in the center. It should puff slightly and gain a beautiful golden color.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the frittata to cool for a minute before slicing. Serve warm, drizzled with hot sauce, and topped with fresh avocado slices if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Love the Greens? Use different greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different twist.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with various cheeses. Goat cheese or Havarti melts beautifully.
Add Spice: If you’re a fan of heat, consider tossing in some sliced jalapeños.
Texture Matters: For added crunch, mix in some diced zucchini or shredded carrots.
Make It Savory: A touch of nutritional yeast can impart a cheesy flavor without using actual cheese.
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
What Sides Would Complement Egg White Spinach Frittata Recipe?
Avocado Toast Creamy avocado on whole-grain toast adds a buttery texture that is perfect with the frittata's fluffiness. Smash ripe avocado with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chili flakes for some zing.
Mixed Greens Salad A simple salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully. The sharpness of the dressing will balance out the frittata's richness.
Fresh Fruit Plate Fresh diced fruits like watermelon, berries, or pineapple can add a refreshing sweetness to your breakfast. It's like nature's dessert, perfect alongside your savory dish.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?
Egg Substitutes If you don’t have egg whites, consider using egg alternatives like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or even silken tofu blended until smooth.
Vegetable Variations Use whatever vegetables you have on hand! Broccoli, asparagus, or even sweet potatoes can work well.
Different Cheeses If you’re out of cheddar or feta, grated mozzarella or ricotta cheese can also work. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
Herb Swaps Dried Italian herbs can be substituted for herbs de Provence or even fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of flavor.
Conclusion
This egg white spinach frittata recipe is a culinary gem in my breakfast rotation. It’s flexible, satisfying, and genuinely comforting. Whether you’re in a rush or want to savor a leisurely meal, it fits all occasions.
The fusion of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the joy of customizing each attempt make it a staple dish. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary creativity, and enjoy every scrumptious bite.
Before we dive into the deliciousness of the egg white spinach frittata, let’s talk about what goes well with it. A perfectly cooked frittata sitting on a plate, alongside a vibrant salad bursting with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
You might even add a chilled glass of orange juice or a steaming cup of coffee. Trust me; nothing complements this frittata better than a light side salad made with arugula, cucumbers, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
Now, let’s chat about those who love a nice crunch—some whole-grain toast on the side would serve as a great textural pairing. Add a bit of jam or hummus, and you have a well-rounded meal!
Ingredients
1tablespoon of unsalted butter or coconut oil
2green onions, minced
1red bell pepper, finely chopped (or 1 cup of assorted diced vegetables)
1cup 1 of egg whites or the whites of 8 large eggs
1/2teaspoon of dried Italian herbs
1/4teaspoon of sea salt
1 1/2cups of roughly chopped or torn fresh spinach
2tablespoons of shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or grated Parmesan cheese
1/4teaspoon of smoked paprika
2tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Hot sauce, optional, for drizzling
Sliced fresh avocado, optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
1
Gather all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother. Chop your veggies, mince the green onions, and have everything ready to go.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
2
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures even cooking of your frittata.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
3
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or heat the coconut oil. Add the green onions and red bell pepper, sautéing them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re vibrant and slightly tender.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Whites
4
In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites, dried Italian herbs, and sea salt. This fluffy mixture is your base for the frittata.
Step 5: Combine Spinach and Other Add-ins
5
Stir in the chopped spinach, smoked paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes, or until the spinach wilts slightly.
Step 6: Add Egg Mixture to the Skillet
6
Pour the egg white mixture over the veggies. Sprinkle the cheese of your choice on top. Cook on the stovetop for about 3-4 minutes until the edges start to set.
Step 7: Bake It!
7
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the frittata is firm in the center. It should puff slightly and gain a beautiful golden color.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
8
Allow the frittata to cool for a minute before slicing. Serve warm, drizzled with hot sauce, and topped with fresh avocado slices if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories171kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat12.9g20%
Saturated Fat5.9g30%
Trans Fat0.3g
Cholesterol27mg9%
Sodium295mg13%
Total Carbohydrate4g2%
Dietary Fiber2g8%
Sugars1g
Protein11g22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Love the Greens? Use different greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different twist.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with various cheeses. Goat cheese or Havarti melts beautifully.
Add Spice: If you’re a fan of heat, consider tossing in some sliced jalapeños.
Texture Matters: For added crunch, mix in some diced zucchini or shredded carrots.
Make It Savory: A touch of nutritional yeast can impart a cheesy flavor without using actual cheese.
Keywords:
egg white spinach frittata recipe
April Cherry
Registered dietitian, food enthusiast and recipe developer
Hi Everyone! I’m April Cherry, a registered dietitian and the creator of Affordable Food Ideas. Growing up near Waltham, MA, I learned that flavorful, wholesome meals don’t need to be expensive, and that lesson has shaped my approach to cooking and nutrition. Through my blog, I share budget-friendly recipes and tips to help others eat well without breaking the bank, while still enjoying delicious, nutritious meals.