Quick Answer
Yes, you can heat up frittata in the microwave. Frittata is an egg-based Italian dish similar to an open-faced omelet or crustless quiche. It is made by cooking eggs mixed with cheese, vegetables, meat or other ingredients in a skillet on the stovetop and then finishing under the broiler. Leftover frittata slices can be safely reheated in the microwave to restore them to just-cooked texture and temperature. Take care not to overcook the eggs when microwaving to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Steps to Reheat Frittata in the Microwave
Follow these simple steps for the best way to reheat frittata slices in the microwave:
- Place frittata slices on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Frittata reheats best when slices are not touching or overlapping.
- Cover the plate loosely with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard. This prevents splattering and helps hold in some moisture.
- Microwave frittata on high power in 30 second intervals until heated through, checking and flipping the slices halfway. The total microwave time will depend on amount, thickness and temperature of the slices. Start with 1-2 minutes for 2-3 slices.
- Allow the reheated frittata to rest for 1 minute before serving. The residual heat will finish cooking the eggs to creamy perfection.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips when reheating leftover frittata in the microwave for the best results:
- Use slices that are approximately the same size and thickness to promote even cooking.
- Heat frittata just until hot, not piping hot, to prevent overcooking the eggs.
- Stir or flip slices halfway through microwaving to prevent uneven heating.
- Covering with a paper towel or splatter guard prevents drying out.
- Allow the frittata to rest before serving so the heat evenly distributes.
- Add a teaspoon of milk or water if slices seem dry after reheating.
Why Reheating Frittata Works
Frittata can be safely reheated in the microwave because:
- It contains already-cooked eggs so there is no risk of raw eggs.
- The microwave quickly heats and restores the texture of the egg-based dish without overcooking.
- Cheese and other ingredients help prevent the eggs from drying out.
- A loose cover holds in steam to keep eggs moist and tender.
- Short cooking times prevent eggs from becoming rubbery from overexposure.
What to Avoid When Reheating Frittata
There are a few things to keep in mind to avoid mistakes reheating frittata in the microwave:
- Don’t microwave cold eggs straight from the refrigerator – let them sit out for 10 minutes first.
- Don’t cook too long or the eggs can become tough and rubbery.
- Don’t use plastic wrap to cover – it can melt onto the food.
- Don’t microwave stacked or overlapping slices which prevent even cooking.
- Don’t microwave at high power for more than 1-2 minutes to avoid overcooking edges.
Other Ways to Reheat Frittata
While the microwave is quick and convenient, frittata can also be reheated using these alternative methods:
Oven
Place frittata slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Keep an eye to prevent drying out.
Skillet
Heat a teaspoon of butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Fry frittata slices 2-3 minutes per side until hot.
Toaster Oven
Arrange slices on tray and toast in toaster oven at 300°F until desired temperature is reached, 5-10 minutes.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Frittata
To enjoy frittata again after cooking:
- Let the frittata cool completely after cooking, then cover tightly and refrigerate.
- Use leftover frittata within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
- Slice or cut frittata into individual portions before storing for easier reheating.
- Reheat leftover frittata slices in the microwave or oven until hot, about 1-3 minutes.
- Do not reheat frittata more than once.
Serving Tips
Jazz up leftover frittata with different toppings and ingredients:
- Garnish reheated frittata with fresh herbs, grated cheese or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Serve with roasted potatoes or fresh greens for a balanced brunch.
- Pair with tomato slices, avocado or salsa for added freshness.
- Stir in pesto or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Top with creme fraiche and smoked salmon for an elegant twist.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutritional value of a serving of basic frittata:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 237 |
| Fat | 17g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Sodium | 370mg |
Conclusion
Frittata is a versatile egg dish that reheats beautifully in the microwave. Microwaving in 30 second intervals until heated through prevents overcooking the eggs. Resting afterwards allows the residual heat to finish cooking the eggs perfectly. With a diverse mix of vegetables, herbs, meats and cheeses, frittata offers endless flavor possibilities. Leftover frittata makes for a quick and nutritious meal any time of day. Follow proper reheating guidelines for enjoying frittata at its best when dining on leftovers.