A light, fluffy Italian-style egg dish packed with tender courgettes, melting cheese, and fresh herbs—all ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore how effortlessly this comes together. With just a few simple ingredients—eggs, courgettes, cheese, and herbs—the flavors shine through. It’s versatile enough to serve warm or at room temperature, ideal for picnics or meal prep. Plus, I can whip it up in under half an hour, which is perfect for busy days.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Olive oil
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2 medium courgettes (zucchini), chopped or sliced
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper
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1 medium red onion, finely sliced
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1 clove garlic, crushed
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50 g grated cheese (Parmesan + Emmental mix)
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6 chives, finely chopped
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6 eggs, whisked
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To serve: parsley, extra red onion slices, olive oil drizzle, Parmesan shavings, optional feta
directions
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Preheat the oven to 180 °C fan (160 °C conventional)
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Heat oil in a medium oven-proof non‑stick frying pan over medium heat. Add courgettes, season, and cook for ~5 minutes until softened and turning golden
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Add red onion; cook for about 10 minutes until softened, then add garlic for the final 30 seconds
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Remove from heat and sprinkle over cheese and chives. Pour in beaten eggs, gently shaking pan to distribute
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Cook on low heat for ~4 minutes until the bottom sets but the top still wiggles
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Transfer to oven and bake for another ~4 minutes until puffed and almost firm
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Slide onto a board, top with parsley, onion, olive oil, Parmesan shavings and optional feta. Slice and serve
Servings and timing
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Serves: 2 (adjustable)
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Prep time: ~10 minutes
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Cook time: ~20 minutes (4 min stovetop + 4 min oven)
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Total time: ~30 minutes
Variations
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Gluten-free: Use a gluten‑free crust for a tart feel or serve crustless.
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Cheese swap: Try goat cheese, ricotta, Gruyère, or mozzarella.
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Add‑ins: Fold in bacon, caramelised onions, spinach, cherry tomatoes.
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Herb twist: Use basil, dill, or parsley in place of chives for a different flavor profile.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm slices in a 150 °C oven for about 5 minutes—it brings back the texture nicely. It also tastes delicious cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I know when the frittata is cooked?
I look for a puffed centre that’s slightly wobbly—but the cheese melts into the eggs, making it deceptive. Once it’s puffed, it’s usually ready
Can I make this without an oven-proof pan?
Yes. I swap to a baking tin lined with parchment after cooking the base. Then sprinkle cheese and chives, pour eggs over, and bake for ~15 minutes until set
What other veggies work well?
I recommend sticking with greens: sautéed spinach, leeks, peas, or spring greens work wonderfully in place of or alongside courgettes
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. I slice it, layer with parchment, freeze up to 3 months. To serve, I reheat slices in a 150 °C oven for about 5 minutes
Is it OK to serve cold?
Yes—it’s one of my favourite lunches straight from the fridge or on a picnic. The flavors are just as vibrant when cooled
Conclusion
This Courgette Frittata (Frittata di Zucchini) is one of my go-to meals: fast, flexible, and full of flavor. Whether I’m serving it warm with salad or cold on the go, it never disappoints. Give it a try and tweak the add-ins to make it truly yours!
Print
Courgette Frittata
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
A light yet satisfying Italian-style omelette cooked until gorgeously golden on the outside, topped with fresh herbs, cheese, and a simple parsley–onion salad—ready in under 30 minutes and ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
2 medium courgettes (zucchini), cut into chunks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium red onion, finely sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
50 g grated cheese (a mix of Parmesan and Emmental)
6 chives, finely chopped
6 large eggs, whisked
To serve:
Small bunch parsley, torn
½ red onion, very thinly sliced
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Parmesan shavings
20 g feta, crumbled
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180 °C fan / 160 °C conventional.
Heat oil in a 25 cm ovenproof non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add courgette, season with salt and pepper, and fry 5 minutes until golden
Add red onion and fry for ~10 minutes until softened
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
Sprinkle cheese and chives over vegetables, then pour whisked eggs on top. Cook gently on low heat for ~4 minutes, gently shaking the pan until the underside sets
Transfer pan to the oven and bake ~4 minutes until puffed and almost firm
Slide frittata onto a board, season, and top with parsley–onion salad, parmesan shavings, and crumbled feta
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course