frittata made with leftover vegetables and cheese

Leftover frittatas

zero waste trend: the surprise ingredient frittata

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

20 Jun 2025
frittata made with leftover vegetables and cheese
I’ve always been a fan of dishes that are both delicious and practical, especially when they help reduce food waste. Like that time when my fridge was brimming with odds and ends, threatening to turn into a science experiment...sound familiar? It was a typical Tuesday, and I was staring into the abyss of my refrigerator, contemplating the sad state of leftover veggies. Wilted spinach, half a bell pepper, a lonely mushroom – the usual suspects. I despise throwing food away. It feels so wasteful, not to mention how it impacts the environment. That's when it hit me: a frittata!
a vibrant frittata filled with colorful leftover vegetables
Enter the "Surprise Ingredient Frittata," a recipe born out of necessity and a desire to be more resourceful. A frittata is essentially an open-faced omelet that’s cooked in a pan and finished in the oven. It's a brilliant way to use up those bits and pieces of vegetables, cheeses, and cooked meats that might otherwise end up in the trash. The best part? It’s incredibly adaptable, meaning you can tailor it to your own taste and whatever you have on hand. One of my friends told me, when she was struggling with the same problem, she would freeze leftover veggies for using later on. Sounds like something useful to try!
a close-up of a slice of frittata showing the layers of egg, vegetables, and cheese
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifestyle. It's about embracing creativity in the kitchen and making the most of what you have. Imagine transforming those forgotten vegetables into a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about reducing our impact on the planet and feeling good about what we’re eating. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make. Honestly, if I can make this after a long day, anyone can. So, let's dive in and turn those kitchen scraps into a culinary masterpiece! I promise, once you try this, it'll become a staple in your kitchen, I sometimes like to add a dash of chilli for that extra flavor punch.
a person slicing and serving a frittata on a wooden cutting board

Required Equipments

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Frying pan (oven-safe if possible)
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Zero Waste Trend: The Surprise Ingredient Frittata: Frequently Asked Questions

Zero Waste Trend: The Surprise Ingredient Frittata

Turn your leftover veggies into a delicious and zero-waste frittata! This recipe is adaptable, easy, and a great way to reduce food waste while creating a hearty, satisfying meal.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the frittata cooks evenly and the top gets a beautiful golden-brown color.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper until well combined. Don't over-whisk; just make sure everything is nicely incorporated. I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg for a little extra warmth, its a little secret of mine.
  3. If you're using any raw vegetables, like onions or peppers, sauté them in the frying pan with a bit of olive oil until they're tender. This step is crucial for ensuring they're cooked through in the final frittata.
  4. Add your leftover cooked vegetables to the frying pan. Distribute them evenly across the bottom of the pan.
  5. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the frying pan. Use a spatula to gently distribute the vegetables and make sure they are evenly suspended in the egg mixture.
  6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese (or your cheese of choice) over the top of the frittata. This adds a lovely flavor and a golden crust as it bakes.
  7. If your frying pan is oven-safe, transfer it directly to the preheated oven. If not, carefully pour the frittata mixture into a greased baking dish.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
  9. Remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the frittata to set a bit more, making it easier to cut.
  10. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature. It's delicious either way!

📝 Notes

  • Feel free to add other herbs and spices to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
  • If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use any other hard cheese like cheddar or Gruyere.
  • For a vegetarian option, add a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 300 kcal

Protein: 20g

Fat: 20g

Carbohydrates: 5g

Fiber: 1g

Calcium: 150mg

Waste is not waste until we waste it. - Will.i.am

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