Frittatas are a delicious egg based dish that are sure to satisfy even the most picky of eaters. This meal offers rich flavor, a soft texture and some vegetables to serve as a healthy, satisfying meal.
One of the best things about a frittata is that it can be served for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack. Even a late night craving can be satisfied with a delicious, fluffy frittata.
The versatility of this dish is one of the best reasons to save the leftovers to be enjoyed later. Frittatas can be stored safely and enjoyed whenever you are ready to reheat them.
To reheat a frittata, use the microwave, conventional oven, toaster oven, stove top or air fryer. Whichever method you choose to use will depend on the portion you are planning to reheat and how long you have to do so, but all will yield delicious results.
The next time you decide to make a frittata and find yourself with leftovers, be sure to save them for later. You and your family will love having a warm, tasty slice that tastes fresh out of the oven even days later.
Frittata Explained
Frittatas can be considered a cousin to the traditional omelette. Originating in Italy, this dish is considered the Italian version of an omelette, though there are some differences from the original omelette dish which is believed to have originated in France.
Traditional omelettes have a much thinner batter, resulting in a dish that looks somewhat like an egg based pancake. These can have various toppings and ingredients mixed into the batter itself.
Frittatas on the other hand have a much thicker, cake-like batter that creates a dish that looks similar to a pie. They are the perfect texture for an egg based cake dish, being creamer than an omelette but firmer than scrambled eggs.
Frittatas are fluffy, soft slices of an egg pie that can hold various ingredients. Vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms and more can be used in a frittata for rich flavor.
Meat can also be used to spice up a frittata. Sausage, turkey, bacon and other types of meat are often used to add some extra taste and variety to frittatas. With this dish, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Methods Of Reheating A Frittata
Frittatas are relatively easy to cook and easy to reheat later. They must be properly stored to prevent bacteria growth that can result in food borne illnesses in order to reheat in the future.
Slices or frittatas or the whole pie can be reheated. Some methods are better for larger or smaller portions, and some are better for when you’re in a time crunch rather than being able to dedicate a bit of time to reheating your frittata.
Oven Reheating
Oven reheating is a simple method that can be used for small or large portions of frittata. If you have a whole or half frittata pie you are planning to prepare, this is the best method to do so.
This method is well loved due to how easy it is and the delicious results it produces. Oven reheating a frittata is simple and will ensure your frittata still has that fluffy, soft texture to enjoy.
Another great thing about the oven is that you can reheat refrigerated or frozen frittatas without worrying about the texture becoming rubbery. Using aluminum foil during oven reheating also prevents the frittata from drying out and losing moisture.
Though this method is great for a variety of reasons, it does take the longest. If you are in a time crunch or only heating a small serving of frittata, consider using a different method.
To do so, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Place your desired portion in an oven safe dish that you can cover with aluminum foil without touching the frittata in the process.
If you are using already sliced pieces of frittata, make sure they are evenly layered along the baking sheet and not touching one another.
Bake for 10-15 minutes if your frittata is refrigerated, or for 35-45 minutes if it has been frozen and not thawed out yet. Uncover and allow the frittata to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Reheating A Frittata In The Toaster Oven
Toaster oven reheating is very similar to the oven, the only difference being that you can’t fit more than a few pieces at a time. If you are planning to heat more than this, the oven may be faster and more efficient to do so.
One great thing about the toaster oven method of reheating frittata is that preheating does take nearly as long as it does when using the conventional oven. The toaster oven provides that same delicious texture and taste that the oven does in a fraction of the time.
When choosing to reheat a frittata in the toaster oven, set it to 300 degrees fahrenheit. Find a baking tray that is small enough to fit into your toaster oven but big enough to hold the portion you are reheating.
Cover the frittata and baking sheet with aluminum foil, which can be opted for a damp paper towel if you want to obtain a softer texture. If you are hoping for a crunchier crust, brush some oil onto the frittata or add a small slice of butter on top of it.
Place the frittata into the toaster oven after covering and allow it to cook for five minutes until it becomes golden brown. If you want a crust on both sides, consider flipping the frittata half way through reheating.
Once finished, remove the cover from the frittata and allow it to cool for two minutes. Dish it up and enjoy your tasty frittata!
Using An Air Fryer To Reheat A Frittata
Air fryers are great, convenient appliances that can do an endless amount of things in the kitchen, including reheating food. Given their ample abilities, it is no wonder air fryers have grown so much in popularity in such a short time.
Air frying a frittata in order to reheat it is a great method that will take only a few minutes when you don’t want to wait very long for results. It will preserve texture and taste without sacrificing more than a few minutes of your time.
To air fry your frittata, begin by setting your air fryer to 300 degrees fahrenheit. You can allow it to preheat if you want your frittata a little extra crispy.
If you want your frittata to be softer, be sure to cover with aluminum foil or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Put the frittata into the dish or directly onto the rack of your air fryer.
If your frittata is still frozen when reheating it, allow it to cook inside of your airfryer for 35-40 minutes. If it is thawed or has only been refrigerated it will only need to cook for 5-6 minutes.
Remove the frittata from the airfryer and unwrap it if covered in aluminum foil. After cooling for two minutes, feel free to dig in!
Microwaving A Frittata
The microwave is the fastest and easiest way to reheat almost any food, including a frittata. This method can mess up textures if not done right, so it is important to choose the correct setting and way to cook this dish in the microwave.
Covering a frittata when reheating it in the microwave is the best way to keep it from overcooking and losing quality. Cooking it on the low power level setting will also prevent your frittata from becoming overly soft and ending up mooshy with overcooked vegetables.
Too high of a setting on your microwave can cause your frittata to become rubbery and less enjoyable from the reheating process. Knowing the perfect way to microwave a frittata will make sure you enjoy it at its best state in a small amount of time.
Microwaving a frittata is great for smaller portions, but if you are hoping to reheat enough to feed more than a few people the oven may be a better way to do so. This method is perfect for when you are eating on the go or hoping for a quick snack.
To reheat a frittata in the microwave, be sure to defrost it first if it has been frozen. This can be done in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.
Place the frittata ona microwave safe dish and cover with microwave safe plastic wrap. Placing the frittata on some damp paper towels within the dish will help it remain soft and moist once prepared.
Be sure to set your microwave to a low power level for cooking. Put the frittata inside and reheat for thirty seconds. If your frittata is not heated all the way through, cook for an additional ten second intervals until ready.
Once cooked, allow your frittata to cool for 30 seconds before enjoying.
Stovetop Reheating For A Frittata
Using the stove to reheat food may not be the first method that comes to your mind, but it sure does a good job. This is often how some people make frittatas and it does just as good of a job at reheating them too.
The most important thing to remember when reheating a frittata on the stove is choosing a skillet that is non-stick so it does not cause your frittata to fall apart when you move it. Adding butter or a light oil to the pan to further prevent sticking and getting a crispy bottom crust is a great idea too.
This method is relatively fast and can reheat as much frittata as you can fit inside the skillet, making it ideal for reheating small or large portions. Using the stove to reheat a frittata is a great way to ensure quality in a short amount of time.
To reheat a frittata on the stove, start by heating your non-stick skillet or pan over medium-high heat. While it is warming up, be sure to add some oil or butter to coat the bottom surface of the skillet or pan.
Once the oil or butter is warm, gently place the desired amount of frittata inside. If cooking more than one piece, be sure they are evenly layered and spaced far enough that they won’t touch.
Cook the frittata for about three to five minutes. Flip onto the other side and allow it to cook for three minutes until it also becomes golden brown.
Remove the frittata from the pan and place it onto a heat safe plate. Allow it to cool for five minutes before serving.
This method is very straightforward and simple to do. You and your family will love the soft inside and crispy crust reheating with the stove will produce.
Storing A Frittata
Frittatas are a great item to keep on hand for when you don’t feel like cooking or simply want a little snack without a lot of work. Thankfully they can easily and safely be stored.
Frittatas can be stored as a whole pie or as individual slices that have already been cut up. Both can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer for safe storage.
Refrigerated frittata can be stored for three to four days. To do so, simply place the frittata you want to keep into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, removing any excess air.
If you are storing individual slices in one container, separate them from one another with parchment paper to keep them from sticking.
Sometimes you may want to keep frittata for longer than just a few days, which is when freezing is a good idea. Frozen frittata can be stored for up to three months, though it may lose some flavor and texture in the process.
To freeze frittata, place it in an airtight container or resealable bag with any excess air removed. Place in your freezer and be sure to separate individual slices with parchment paper as you would when refrigerating.
Frozen frittata can be cooked immediately with some methods, but with others you will need to thaw it first.
To thaw frittata, simply leave it out at room temperature for thirty minutes to an hour before preparing. Do not leave it out for more than two hours without moving it into the refrigerator.
Frozen frittata can also be thawed in the refrigerator. Simply move it into the refrigerator from the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight or for 8-12 hours.
Wrapping Up
Frittatas are a mouthwatering delicious meal that can be used in a variety of ways. No matter how you plan to serve your frittata, reheating it for any meal is done in the same way.
The toaster oven, microwave, oven, stove top and air fryer are all easy and foolproof ways to reheat your frittata. Choosing one will depend on how much you are hoping to reheat and how quickly you will need it done.
When storing your frittata, be sure to keep it refrigerated before reaching two hours at room temperature. Freezing it is also ideal when you want to store frittata for longer than the few days it will hold up in the refrigerator and for up to three months.
No matter how you choose to store and reheat your frittata, it will be nothing short of flavorful and satisfying. The next time you are craving some leftover frittata, pop it in your chosen method of choice and enjoy it in a matter of minutes.
