Looking for a delicious brunch recipe that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters? This cheesy stuffed ziti fritta is sure to become your new go-to! With its crispy, golden exterior and ooey-gooey cheese interior, it’s an Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings.
An Italian Brunch Classic
Frittatas have long been a staple of Italian cuisine, typically served for breakfast or brunch. They are similar to an omelette or crustless quiche, made by cooking eggs mixed with cheese, vegetables, and meat in a skillet on the stovetop and then finishing in the oven.
While frittatas can be chock full of all sorts of goodies, this recipe takes it up a notch by stuffing the eggy mixture with everyone’s favorite comfort food – Stuffed Ziti Frittata. Ziti is a long tubular pasta that is just begging to be filled with melted cheese. By combining these two iconic Italian foods into one dish, you end up with a brunch casserole that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make this mouthwatering bake? Follow the steps below for cheesy stuffed ziti fritta success:
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ziti pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mozzarella, shredded or diced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
- Cook the ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the filling: Reduce heat to low and add the cooked ziti, mozzarella, Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until combined and cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
- Prep the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, basil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the frittata: Grease a 10-inch cast iron or oven-safe nonstick skillet with 1 tablespoon of butter. Spread the cheesy ziti mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet. Pour the egg mixture over top and gently shake to evenly distribute.
- Cook on the stove: Heat the skillet over medium-low heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, running a spatula around the edge every minute or so to allow uncooked egg to reach the bottom.
- Finish in the oven: When the frittata is mostly set but still a bit runny in the center, move it to a 350°F oven. Bake for 5 minutes, or until the center is just set.
- Rest and serve: Remove skillet from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and drizzle over the top just before serving. Garnish with more fresh basil. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This frittata is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Fruit salad or fresh berries
- Roasted potatoes or fried potatoes
- Toast or biscuits
- Sausage or bacon
- Fresh juice or brunch cocktails like mimosas or bloody mary’s
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days – just reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
FAQ about Stuffed Ziti Fritta
Have questions about making this recipe? Here are some common inquiries:
1. What type of skillet should I use?
A 10-inch cast iron or oven-safe nonstick skillet works best. The cast iron helps create a crispy edge and evenly cooks the frittata.
2. Can I prep this the night before?
Yes! You can cook the ziti, make the filling, and assemble the entire fritta in the skillet up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake just before serving.
3. What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Letting the frittata rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows it to firm up a bit, making it easier to slice neatly. Use a sharp knife to cut into wedges, cleaning the knife blade between each slice.
4. Can I use different cheeses?
Feel free to swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan for any combination of your favorite melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, fontina, etc. Just maintain a total of about 12-16 ounces of cheese for the filling.
5. How do I make this vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat additions from the filling. The fritta is delicious with just veggies, cheese, and herbs mixed into the ziti.
