Bacon and Mushroom Frittata with Fresh Basil

Frittatas make fast, easy meals for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This recipe—with bacon and eggs—sounds like breakfast. But whenever you enjoy it, the dish will be just as tasty.

Here, the smoky and earthy flavors of the bacon and mushrooms are complemented by the floral essence of fresh basil—a tasty and aromatic combination in a dish that comes together in about half an hour.

Tip: Don’t chop the basil leaves until just before adding them to the recipe. This will help prevent the herb from turning brown when cut.

If you’re a frittata fan, you also may like Grilled Shrimp Frittata with Red Potatoes and Fresh Herbs or, for a vegetarian pie, Mushroom, Scallion, and Green Bean Frittata.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
• 8 oz white button or crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 3/4 cup shredded asiago (or provolone) cheese

Prepped Vegetables

Preparation

1. Preheat the broiler.
2. Crack the eggs into a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Whisk until well blended. 

Whisked Eggs

1. Heat a 12-inch, nonstick, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Scatter the bacon in the pan and cook until just cooked through, but tender, not crispy. (Timing depends on fat content in the bacon. In this recipe, it took 8-9 minutes.)
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. 

Bacon Beginning to Cook

Cooked Bacon

1. Pour all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet. Add the mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook until slightly softened and most of the liquid is absorbed, 7-8 minutes.
2. Return the bacon to the pan and stir in 2 tablespoons of basil. Increase the heat to medium-high and pour the whisked egg mixture over the skillet ingredients.

Mushroom Mixture Beginning to Cook

Bacon Returned 

Egg Added

1. Tilt the skillet gently in a circular motion to allow the egg to cover the bacon and vegetables in an even layer. (Some ingredients will still be visible above the egg.)
2. Cook until the bottom and sides of the frittata are nearly set and the top is still runny but beginning to set along the edges, 4-5 minutes.
3. Scatter the cheese on top and transfer the skillet to the broiler. Broil until the top is set and begins to brown, 1-2 minutes. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Egg Beginning to Set 

Cheese Added 

Broiled Frittata

To serve, cut the frittata into 4 large wedges or 6 smaller wedges. Divide among plates and garnish with extra chopped basil.

Bacon and Mushroom Frittata with Fresh Basil