Name: Ina Garten Beef Bacon Potato Frittata
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 large eggs; 6 strips beef bacon (chopped); 2 medium potatoes (diced); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup fresh chives (chopped); 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (grated); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ina Garten Beef Bacon Potato Frittata Recipe – there’s something utterly comforting and undeniably delicious about this culinary creation, don’t you agree? It’s the kind of dish that whispers of lazy Sunday mornings, of warm kitchens filled with delightful aromas, and of shared meals that bring people together. We all know and love Ina Garten for her ability to elevate simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, and this frittata is a perfect example of her magic. What makes this particular Ina Garten Beef Bacon Potato Frittata Recipe so beloved? It’s the harmonious blend of hearty beef, crispy, savory bacon, and tender potatoes, all enrobed in a light and fluffy egg mixture. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this classic from the Barefoot Contessa herself.

Ingredients:

8 large eggs
6 strips bacon (chopped)
2 medium potatoes (diced)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh chives (chopped)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking the Bacon and Potatoes

The first step in creating this delightful Ina Garten Beef Bacon Potato Frittata Recipe is to prepare our flavor base. Start by placing your chopped bacon into a cold, oven-safe skillet (about 10 inches in diameter is ideal). This method allows the fat to render slowly and evenly, resulting in perfectly crisp bacon. Cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown and crispy. Once it reaches this state, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This blotting step is crucial for removing excess grease, ensuring your frittata isn’t overly greasy.
Now, it’s time to tackle the potatoes. Carefully pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat from the skillet. If you don’t have quite enough bacon fat, you can supplement with a little olive oil, but the bacon fat really adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Add your diced potatoes to the skillet with the remaining fat. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the potatoes over medium heat, stirring every few minutes, until they are tender and nicely browned on all sides. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and have some lovely crispy edges, as this texture will be fantastic in the finished frittata.

Assembling the Frittata

With your bacon and potatoes perfectly cooked, it’s time to bring all the components together. Scatter the crispy, chopped bacon evenly over the potatoes in the skillet. This ensures you get a nice distribution of bacon in every bite. If any of the bacon grease has solidified, you can gently reheat the skillet for a moment to loosen it up before adding the bacon.
Next, let’s prepare the egg mixture, which is the heart of our frittata. In a medium bowl, crack all 8 large eggs. Add the heavy cream to the eggs. The heavy cream contributes to a wonderfully rich and creamy texture, making the frittata incredibly satisfying. Season the egg mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and cheese will also add saltiness, so start with a moderate amount and you can always adjust later if needed. Whisk the eggs and cream together vigorously until they are well combined and slightly frothy. You want to incorporate a good amount of air into the eggs, as this will help the frittata puff up beautifully.
Now, we pour the glorious egg mixture over the bacon and potatoes in the skillet. Ensure the egg mixture covers all the ingredients evenly. Gently tilt the pan to help distribute it if necessary. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously over the top of the egg mixture. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, bubbly crust. Finally, sprinkle the fresh, chopped chives over the cheese. Chives add a delicate oniony flavor and a vibrant pop of color, making the frittata look as good as it tastes.

Baking the Frittata

The final stage of this Ina Garten Beef Bacon Potato Frittata Recipe involves baking. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Carefully transfer the skillet containing the frittata into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown around the edges. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should be firm and not jiggly. An inserted toothpick should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely heavenly!

Conclusion:

I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the Ina Garten Beef Bacon Potato Frittata Recipe! This dish is a true testament to simple, elegant cooking, delivering a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender potatoes, savory beef bacon, and creamy eggs creates a wonderfully balanced bite, making it an ideal brunch option, a light dinner, or even a hearty breakfast. Don’t be afraid to make this your own; the beauty of a frittata lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Embrace the delicious possibilities and happy cooking!

When it comes to serving, this frittata shines alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or perhaps some crusty bread to soak up any leftover goodness. For variations, consider adding sautéed onions and bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and color. Spinach or other leafy greens wilt beautifully into the mixture, and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese, like Gruyère or sharp cheddar, can elevate it further. You could also swap out the beef bacon for regular bacon or even pancetta for a different, but equally delicious, profile.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this frittata ahead of time?

Absolutely! This frittata is an excellent make-ahead dish. Once cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or a covered skillet until warmed through.

What kind of potatoes are best for this frittata?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well after cooking and are ideal for this recipe. Starchy potatoes, like Russets, can become a bit mushy.

Is it okay to add other vegetables to this Ina Garten Beef Bacon Potato Frittata Recipe?

Yes, it is! Feel free to add other vegetables that you enjoy. Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even some cooked broccoli florets would be delicious additions.