Salty, crisp pancetta meets nutty, melted Gruyère and caramelized sprouts in this golden-baked Brussels Sprout Frittata, balanced by bursts of tart cranberry in every bite. This dish brings rich texture and bold contrast straight to your brunch table without fuss.We love serving it during festive family mornings or relaxed weekend brunches. Building the surface deliberately with reserved roasted sprouts, bright cranberries, and extra cheese before baking yields a rustic presentation that looks as remarkable as it tastes. Paired with a light green salad, it makes a satisfying centerpiece for any meal.Prep 25 minutes | Cooking 65–80 minutes including roasting | Rest 10–15 minutes
11ozsmall-to-medium Brussels sprouts, trimmed300 g
1tablespoonolive oil15 mL
¼teaspoonWindsor Coarse Kosher Salt1.5 g
⅛teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
Pancetta & Aromatics
4½ozdiced pancetta125 g
1large shallot1¾ oz / 50 g, finely diced
2garlic clovesminced
1ozfresh cranberries, halved (divided)30 g
2teaspoonfresh thyme leavesdivided
Egg Custard
10large eggs
½cup35% whipping cream120 mL
4½ozGruyère cheese, freshly grated (divided)125 g
⅛teaspoonWindsor Coarse Kosher Salt0.75 g
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
For Preparing the Baker
1tablespoonunsalted butter, softened14 g
Parchment paper
Instructions
Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), conventional bake.
Halve the sprouts lengthwise, quarter any unusually large sprouts, keeping small, neat halves intact for the top layer. Toss with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange cut-side down on a sheet pan.
Roast for 18 to 22 minutes until cut surfaces caramelize and centres are tender.
Reserve roughly 5 oz (150 g) of the prettiest roasted sprouts for the surface. Set aside the rest (5 oz / 150 g) for the filling.
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Render Pancetta & Sauté Aromatics
Place pancetta into a cold skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fat renders and pancetta is golden and crisp.
Transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 teaspoon of rendered fat in the skillet.
Add shallot to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and half of the thyme (1 tsp), cooking for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
Reserve roughly 1 oz (25 g) of the crispiest pancetta for finishing after the bake.
Line the Baker
Butter the interior of a 9-inch round baking dish. Line the bottom with a fitted parchment circle. Add a narrow parchment collar along the inside edge, extending slightly above the rim. Butter the parchment lightly.
This provides a more reliable release than greasing the stainless steel alone.
Whisk the Egg Custard
Whisk eggs, cream, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until whites and yolks fully blend.
Mix in the shallot mixture and fold in approximately 3 oz (85 g) of grated Gruyère, reserving the remaining 1½ oz (40 g) for the top.
Assemble & Build the Surface
Spread the filling portion of roasted sprouts (5 oz / 150 g) evenly across the bottom of the prepared baker.
Add 2⅔ oz (75 g) pancetta, and ⅔ oz (20 g) halved cranberries.
Pour egg mixture carefully into the baker, allowing custard to settle around fillings.
Arrange reserved roasted sprouts cut side up on top, tilting some slightly to showcase caramelized edges.
Distribute remaining ⅓ oz (10 g) cranberries, roughly 1 oz (25 g) of the pancetta and sprinkle the reserved 1½ oz (40 g) Gruyère. Do not add the last 1 oz (25 g) reserved crispy pancetta yet.
Bake & Test Doneness
Bake on centre rack at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 50 minutes, checking at 35 minutes.
Frittata is done when centre is set and top is lightly golden. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the egg section near the centre (avoiding cheese or vegetables); it should read 160°F (71°C).
Finish & Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Scatter the remaining crispy pancetta and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves across the top. Slice into wedges and serve warm.