When your grocery budget feels stretched thin but you’re craving something fresh and satisfying, this vibrant vegetable frittata delivers exactly what you need.
For less than the cost of a single restaurant breakfast, you can create a protein-packed meal that serves four people – and tastes even better than anything you’d pay premium prices for elsewhere.
This isn’t just another egg dish. With just a handful of affordable ingredients – most of which you probably already have on hand – you’ll transform simple eggs into a restaurant-quality meal that works beautifully for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The beauty of this frittata lies not only in its budget-friendly price tag of $8-$12 total, but in its incredible flexibility.
- Running low on asparagus? Swap in whatever vegetables are on sale.
- No feta cheese? Skip it entirely or use any cheese lurking in your fridge drawer.
This recipe adapts to your pantry, your preferences, and your wallet, making it the kind of reliable go-to meal that busy home cooks treasure.
Ready to discover how a few simple ingredients can create something unexpectedly delicious? Let’s dive in.
An Affordable Vegetable Frittata
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Estimated Total Cost: $8-$12
Prep Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if your skillet is oven-safe. If not, transfer the egg mixture to a baking dish for the oven part.
- Vegetable Prep: Wash and chop the spinach, asparagus, and green onions. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
Cooking Directions:
- Sauté Vegetables: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Add the spinach and green onions, cooking until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Spread the vegetables evenly across the skillet, then scatter the cherry tomatoes on top.
- Mix Eggs: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the skillet. Let cook without stirring for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to set.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top (if using).
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the frittata is set and the top is lightly golden. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, carefully pour the egg and vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish before baking.
- Serve: Let the frittata cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. It can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.
Hearty Pumpkin and Sausage Pasta Bake: A Fall Feast for Under $12 | Budget-Friendly Recipes→
Why This Meal?
A Vegetable Frittata captures the freshness of tender vegetables and the light yet satisfying combination of eggs and cheese.
It’s a frugal choice because it maximizes the use of in-season produce, which is often more affordable and flavorful. Additionally, frittatas are excellent for incorporating leftovers – almost any vegetable or cheese in your fridge can find a second life in this dish.
This recipe is not just about saving money; it’s about embracing the freshness of spring in a dish that’s versatile, nutritious, and delicious.
Vegetable Frittata: Additional Savings & Hot Tips
- Buy Local: Vegetables like spinach and asparagus can be cheaper and fresher from local farmers’ markets.
- Bulk Buy Eggs: Eggs are often less expensive when bought in larger quantities. They store well and can be used in various dishes.
- Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables based on what’s on sale or what you already have.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Frittatas are great for meal prep. They can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week, saving time and money.
- Use Leftovers: This frittata is perfect for using up leftover cooked vegetables, reducing waste, and making the most of your groceries.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this simple, cost-effective recipe that’s sure to brighten your table and your taste buds!
15 Things You Need to Stop Wasting Money On→
Updated from Mar 5, 2024
