Pioneer Woman French Onion Frittata Recipe

This Pioneer Woman French Onion Frittata is a savory and hearty recipe, which is made with sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese. It’s the perfect elegant breakfast or brunch, ready in about 45 minutes.

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Pioneer Woman French Onion Frittata Ingredients

For the Frittata:

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
2 white onions, sliced thin
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 to 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
3 red potatoes, sliced thin
2 cups grated Gruyère cheese, divided
12 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives

For Serving:

8 slices of bread
Sliced tomatoes

How To Make Pioneer Woman French Onion Frittata

Preheat Oven and Caramelize Onions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 14 to 16 minutes, until the onions are sweet and deep golden brown.
Finish the Onions: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Season with a pinch of pepper. Cook for another minute, then remove the onion mixture from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Cook the Potatoes: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced potatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to give them a head start. Press the potatoes into a thin, even layer across the bottom of the skillet.
Layer the Frittata: Turn the heat down to low. Sprinkle 1½ cups of the grated Gruyère cheese over the potato layer. Top with the reserved caramelized onion mixture, spreading it out evenly.
Add Eggs and Bake: Season the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the eggs over the layers in the skillet, ensuring they fill in all the gaps. Sprinkle the chopped chives over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the frittata is set and lightly golden.
Make Cheesy Toast: While the frittata bakes, arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese. Place in the oven for the last 10 to 12 minutes of the frittata’s baking time to toast the bread and melt the cheese.
Rest and Serve: Remove the frittata from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately with the cheesy toast and sliced tomatoes on the side.

Pioneer Woman French Onion Frittata Recipe

Recipe Tips

How to get the sweetest onions? The key to the “French Onion” flavor is to caramelize the onions slowly and patiently. Cooking them over medium heat for the full 14-16 minutes allows their natural sugars to develop, making them deeply sweet and golden.
How to get an even potato layer? Spreading the thinly sliced potatoes in a single, even layer at the bottom of the skillet is important. This ensures they cook through and become tender, creating a delicious base for the frittata.
How do I avoid a tough frittata? When you beat the eggs, whisk them only until the yolks and whites are just combined. Overbeating the eggs can incorporate too much air and result in a tough, rubbery texture.
Why let the frittata rest? Letting the frittata sit for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven is a crucial step. It allows the eggs to finish setting, which makes it much easier to slice into clean wedges that don’t fall apart.

What To Serve With French Onion Frittata

This hearty frittata is a complete meal, but it’s even better with these brunch classics.

The cheesy toast and sliced tomatoes (as suggested)
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
A fresh fruit salad
A hot cup of coffee or a mimosa

How To Store French Onion Frittata

Refrigerate: Store leftover frittata slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold, at room temperature, or reheated.
Reheat: To reheat, place slices in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

French Onion Frittata Nutrition Facts

Calories: 191 kcal
Protein: 12g
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Sodium: 350mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Do I have to use an ovenproof skillet?

Yes, an ovenproof skillet is essential for this one-pan recipe as it goes directly from the stovetop to the oven. If you don’t have one, you can transfer the cooked potato and onion layers to a greased baking dish before adding the eggs and baking.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

While Gruyère provides the classic nutty flavor of French onion soup, you could substitute it with a good quality Swiss cheese, Jarlsberg, or even a sharp white cheddar.

Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, yellow onions or sweet Vidalia onions would also work beautifully in this recipe and will caramelize nicely.

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