One part open-faced ham-and-cheese omelet and two parts crustless quiche Lorraine, this frittata combines Canadian bacon with sautéed shallots, Gruyère cheese, and a bit of thyme for a dish that’s equally appropriate for breakfast or for a light dinner.

What to buy: Canadian bacon is often sold in 6- or 8-ounce packages. We made this frittata with both amounts and found it delicious either way.

Game plan: A frittata goes well beyond breakfast—try it between slices of toasted baguette for lunch or paired with a green salad for dinner.

This recipe was featured as part of our Cold-Weather Comfort Food menu.

  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 25 mins 
  • Active: 25 mins

Ingredients (9)

  • 12 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 5 ounces)
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 medium shallots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
  • 6 to 8 ounces Canadian bacon or ham, small dice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the broiler to high and arrange a rack in the middle.
  2. Whisk eggs, 1 1/4 cups of the cheese, milk, and salt in a large bowl until eggs are smooth. Season with freshly ground black pepper and set aside.
  3. Heat butter and olive oil in a large, ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat. When butter foams, add shallots and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3 minutes. Add bacon or ham and thyme and cook, stirring rarely, until bacon is browned, about 3 minutes.
  4. Pour egg mixture over shallot-bacon mixture and reduce heat to medium low. Cook until eggs are set around the outer inch of the pan, about 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese evenly over the frittata and place under the broiler until puffed, golden brown, and set in the middle, about 4 minutes.