Sausage and Potato Skillet Frittata with Broiler Finish
A hearty one-pan breakfast frittata combining Italian sausage, potatoes, and peppers bound with eggs and melted cheddar. The dish starts on the stovetop to soften vegetables and cook sausage, then finishes under the broiler for a golden, puffed top. Key flavors include savory sausage, sharp cheese, and bright green onion; the texture contrasts creamy egg with tender potatoes and slightly crisp sausage. This recipe suits busy cooks seeking impressive breakfast without fuss, working well for casual weekday mornings or weekend brunch gatherings. What sets this version apart is the two-stage cooking method—stovetop ensures vegetables reach proper tenderness while broiling creates that restaurant-style puffy finish without flipping, eliminating a common frittata pitfall.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 large Italian sausages, dicedbreakfast sausage patties, crumbled1 lbtags:porkbreakfast
same cooking method, adjust browning time
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 large baking potato, peeled and finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 6 large eggsegg whites only8-9 whites for 6 whole eggstags:lower-fatbreakfast
lighter texture, reduces fat and cholesterol
Full guide → - ¾ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup milkheavy creamequal or slightly lesstags:dairyrichness
creates richer, more custard-like texture
Full guide → - salt, to taste(optional)
- pepper, to taste(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- 2
Fry the diced sausages and green onions until sausages are cooked through and starting to brown, then remove and set aside.
- 3
In the same pan, cook the bell pepper and potato until potatoes have softened, about 15 minutes.
- 4
Return sausage and onion to the skillet and stir to combine.
- 5
Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- 6
Pour the egg mixture over the sausages and vegetables in the skillet.
- 7
Keep the skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes while preheating the broiler.
- 8
Broil on medium for another 5 minutes, or until the egg mixture is cooked through.
- 9
Slice and serve.
Tips
Do not skip the 15-minute potato-cooking step; undercooked potatoes remain hard and unpleasant. Test with a fork before adding eggs.
Position your oven rack in the upper third before broiling so the frittata cooks evenly without scorching the top while the center sets.
Use a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet. Non-oven-safe handles will melt or warp under the broiler.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a 180 C oven or microwave.
Assemble all ingredients and chop vegetables the night before. Cook the full frittata, cool, cover, and refrigerate; reheat gently before serving.
Serve warm, cut into wedges or squares. Pairs well with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or whole-grain toast.
Common Mistakes
Do not use a non-oven-safe skillet; the handle will melt under the broiler.
Do not skip stovetop cooking time; potatoes need 15 minutes to soften enough.
Do not overbake under the broiler; watch closely after 4 minutes to avoid a tough, dry top.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
creates richer, more custard-like texture
Full guide →General Alternatives
same cooking method, adjust browning time
lighter texture, reduces fat and cholesterol
Full guide →FAQ
Can I make this frittata ahead and freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap individual slices or the whole frittata tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a 160 C oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What if I don't have a broiler or oven-safe skillet?
Transfer the skillet contents to a buttered baking dish after the stovetop step, pour the egg mixture over, and bake in a 190 C oven for 12-15 minutes until set and lightly golden. No broiler needed.
Can I use breakfast sausage links instead of Italian sausages?
Yes. Cook links whole or crumble them, adjusting browning time slightly. A 1 lb package of crumbled sausage works well. Ensure they're fully cooked through before adding the egg mixture.