A frittata is an easy, versatile egg dish that can make a tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But choosing the right pan is key to getting the perfect frittata with nicely set eggs, crisp edges, and an easy release from the pan. Here’s a look at the best pans to use for frittatas.
The Basics of Frittatas
A frittata is similar to an omelette or crustless quiche. It’s made of beaten eggs mixed with cheese, meats, vegetables, and herbs that get cooked slowly over low heat. Unlike an omelette, a frittata isn’t folded over itself. And unlike a quiche, a frittata has a much shorter baking time and doesn’t use a pie crust.
Frittatas are typically started on the stovetop to set the bottom and then finished under the broiler or in the oven. This gives you a frittata with nicely browned top and bottom layers encasing a tender, creamy interior.
Key Things to Look for in a Frittata Pan
Because a frittata requires cooking on both the stovetop and in the oven, you’ll need a pan that can seamlessly transition between the two. Here are the key features your frittata pan should have:
- Oven safe. It must be able to withstand oven temperatures of at least 350°F.
- Good heat conduction. You want a material like aluminum, copper, or clad stainless steel that heats evenly and quickly.
- Low, straight sides. Higher sides may prevent the egg mixture from puffing evenly as it cooks.
- Nonstick surface. This will prevent sticking and create those coveted crispy edges.
Keep in mind that most nonstick pans should not be used at temperatures over 500°F. So if you’re using a nonstick frittata pan, be sure to remove it from the oven before broiling.
The Best Pan Options for Frittatas
Here are some of the most popular and effective pans for frittata success:
Nonstick Skillet
A nonstick skillet is the classic choice for frittatas. An 8 to 10-inch skillet with gently sloped sides provides plenty of room for the egg mixture to puff while cooking. The nonstick surface ensures an easy release, and most nonstick skillets can safely handle oven temperatures of 350 to 400°F.
When cooking the frittata, use a skillet with a metal handle that can go from stovetop to oven. Avoid nonstick skillets with plastic handles, as those cannot handle oven heat.
Cast Iron Skillet
A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is naturally nonstick. So it will brown the bottom of the frittata beautifully and easily release the finished dish. Cast iron also retains heat incredibly well. So it helps prevent eggs from cooling and overcooking too quickly once they go in the oven.
For frittatas, use a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet. Make sure to preheat it properly so the eggs sizzle the moment they hit the pan. And as always, use oven mitts when handling hot cast iron.
Ceramic Nonstick Skillet
Ceramic nonstick skillets have a naturally slick cooking surface. They provide effortless release of eggs along with even heating. Many are also oven safe up to at least 400°F.
A 10-inch ceramic nonstick skillet is ideal for frittatas. Be sure to find one with metal handles that are also oven safe.
Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
Enameled cast iron skillets combine the excellent heat retention of cast iron with a naturally nonstick enameled cooking surface. Le Creuset makes some of the most popular enameled cast iron skillets.
A 9 to 10-inch enameled cast iron skillet works great for frittatas. The enameled surface prevents sticking, while the cast iron body provides steady, even heat.
Broiler Safe Nonstick Skillet
Some companies like OXO and All-Clad make nonstick skillets specially designed to be safe under the high broiler heat. So you can start the frittata on the stovetop then transfer directly to the oven broiler to finish it off.
Use a 10-inch broiler safe nonstick skillet. Make sure it has an all-metal handle that can transfer straight to the broiler.
Alternative Frittata Pan Options
In addition to traditional skillets, there are a few other pans that can work well for frittatas:
Oven Safe Omelette Pan
An omelette pan looks similar to a skillet but has higher, more curved sides designed to shape omelettes as they cook. These higher sides make omelette pans less ideal for puffy oven-baked frittatas.
But an oven safe omelette pan with a 10-inch diameter can still get the job done. Use a pan with a nonstick surface and metal handle.
Ceramic Pie Dish
For a frittata with straight sides more like a quiche, a ceramic pie dish is a good option. Start the eggs on the stovetop in the pie dish, then transfer to a 350°F oven to finish baking through.
A standard 9 or 10-inch ceramic pie dish works well. Be sure to generously grease it first for easy frittata removal.
Individual Ramekins
For cute single-serving baked egg dishes, you can make individual frittatas in oven safe ramekins. Nonstick ramekins are ideal since eggs can stick to ceramic.
Grease 4- to 6-ounce ramekins and divide the egg mixture between them. Start on the stovetop, then transfer to a 350°F oven to finish cooking.
Choosing the Right Size Frittata Pan
When it comes to frittata pans, size matters. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right pan diameter:
- 8 inches: Best for 1 to 2 servings
- 10 inches: Best for 3 to 4 servings
- 12 inches: Best for 5 to 6 servings
Keep in mind the number of servings is also affected by how thick you make the frittata. A 10-inch pan can accommodate a 4-egg frittata for 2 or a 12-egg frittata for 4 to 6.
Pan Size and Oven Heat Circulation
It’s also important to make sure your pan size allows for proper air circulation in the oven. If the pan is too large, it can block the flow of hot air and prevent even cooking.
For standard ovens, a good rule of thumb is to use a pan no larger than:
- 9 inches in an 18-inch wide oven
- 10 inches in a 24-inch wide oven
- 12 inches in a 30-inch wide oven
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Frittata
Once you have the right pan, here are some tips for frittata success:
Preheat Properly
Always start by preheating your pan, especially if using cast iron or ceramic. This prevents sticking and ensures the eggs sizzle immediately for nice browning.
Use Gentle Heat
Cook the frittata over low to medium-low heat to prevent scorching on the bottom before the top sets.
Mix the Eggs Gently
Stir the eggs enough to incorporate the mix-ins without over-mixing. This will give you tender eggs rather than tough, rubbery ones.
Let It Set
After adding the egg mixture to the pan, let it cook undisturbed so the bottom can fully set.
Finish Low and Slow
Bake the frittata at 325 to 350°F to prevent overcooking the exterior before the interior finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Stainless Steel Pan for a Frittata?
Stainless steel is not the best option for frittatas. Eggs are prone to sticking to stainless steel. So even with plenty of butter or oil, you may end up with a stuck, torn frittata.
Is a Nonstick Pan Required?
Strictly speaking, no. You can make a frittata in a well-seasoned cast iron or carbon steel skillet. But for most people, a nonstick skillet will provide the easiest release. An enameled cast iron skillet is a good compromise providing naturally nonstick enamel with excellent heat distribution.
Can I Make a Frittata in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can prepare frittata in an Instant Pot or other multicooker. Sauté any aromatics to start. Then add eggs and other ingredients and cook on manual high pressure for 1 to 4 minutes. Allow for a natural release. The end result will be similar to a steamed egg custard.
What About Glass Bakeware?
Glass baking dishes like Pyrex can be used to bake frittatas in the oven. But they aren’t suitable for starting on the stovetop. Pre-cook the eggs a bit in a skillet before transferring to a greased glass baking dish to finish in the oven.
Key Takeaways
- Look for a pan that’s oven safe, has good heat conduction, relatively low sides, and a nonstick cooking surface.
- Nonstick, cast iron, ceramic, and enameled cast iron skillets are all excellent options.
- An 8 to 10-inch skillet will work for most frittata recipes.
- Allow enough room for air circulation in the oven based on pan size.
- Preheat the pan, use gentle heat, and don’t overmix the eggs for best results.
Conclusion
With a well-chosen pan and a few simple techniques, you can enjoy perfect frittatas every time. A nonstick, cast iron, or ceramic skillet between 8 and 10 inches will provide the ideal vessel. Preheat the pan, cook over medium-low, and bake at 325 to 350°F for tender, fluffy frittata success.