How to Make an Omelette Easy (3 Ways)

Would you like to find out how to make an omelette easy in less than 10 minutes? Choose any of these 3 different ways how to cook THE PERFECT omelet that is fluffy and delish: on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven. 

Everyone loves a good egg omelette for a simple, high-protein meal. It's an important cooking skill that anyone can master with this great recipe. Just follow my step-by-step instructions and helpful tips and you’ll be eating the best omelette that you'll ever have in no time flat! 

As a busy mom, I’m always happy when my kids ask for omelettes for a meal. Why? Here are a few reasons:

• They’re gluten-free, low carb/keto, and high in protein, I know my family is getting great nutrition!
• Not only that, but omelettes are so easy to make! They can be whipped up super fast and we’re eating within 10 minutes.
• Another reason to love omelettes is that they make great use of leftovers. Have you ever feel like pulling your hair out over trying to get your family to eat leftovers? Well, this might be a great solution! Leftover meats and veggies can make a simple omelette into something to look forward to.
• This is also an economical dish to cook. Eggs are cheap and you can add whatever fillings you have on hand. Whoever said a cheap meal can't be tasty? You really won’t feel like you are eating on the cheap when you’re enjoying a homemade omelette.

Ready? 😉

What is an Omelette?

An omelette (or omelet) is a dish made from beaten eggs that are pan-fried with butter or oil. Omelettes are usually folded around fillings such as cheese, onions or chives, mushrooms, vegetables, and meat. One of many reasons omelettes are so popular is that they can be customized to the taste preferences of each person. Love mushrooms and bacon? Add it to your omelette! Do you really enjoy cheese? Add as much as you like!

Omelettes are well-loved all around the world and commonly eaten in countries like China (egg foo young), Japan (omurice), Korea, the Philippines, Thailand (kai jeow), India, Indonesia, France, Italy, Spain, Iran, and the United States.

The French Omelette vs. the American Omelet

Although the Romans probably invented the omelette recipe, the French really perfected this method of cooking eggs.

French omelettes begin with beaten eggs (just like scrambled eggs). A pan is moved around constantly during cooking until the eggs are just beginning to set. When the eggs are fully cooked, the fillings are added (or not) and then the omelette is rolled and turned out onto a plate. Butter may be spread on the top!

Depending on the region, it often has a lightly browned surface. 

A French omelette can be made plain or filled, and might contain cheese or might not. Typically, herbs are finely chopped and then stirred into the eggs before cooking. It is more delicate and fluffier than its American counterpart. 

On the other hand, American omelettes will start out the same way... However,  as the eggs cook you will gently push back the firmed edges away from the sides of the pan with a spatula to let the runny eggs flow underneath and cook on the hot surface of the pan. Cheese is pretty much always expected in an American omelette, unless you specify “no cheese.”

American omelettes are also usually folded in half instead of rolled. As with most foods in the U.S., you are welcome to choose whatever you like for filling the omelette. We do so love personalized dishes that suit our own unique tastes!

Filling Ideas

When it comes to fillings, there are so many possibilities! Since an omelette is a single serving, you can choose what you like inside.

Here are some filling ideas:

• Cheese – Some great cheeses to have with omelettes are cheddar, American, feta, blue cheese, goat cheese, gruyere, and fontina. Even cream cheese can be a lovely add-on.
• Meat – Add pre-cooked meats to your omelette. Some options are crumbled sausage, sliced sausage like kielbasa, crumbled bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, shredded beef, sliced steak, or seasoned ground beef. Thinly sliced deli-style lunch meats also work well in an omelette for an easy filling.
• Chopped Vegetables and Other Fillings – You can add as many veggies as you like! Some can be added raw if sliced very thin and you like the crunch. Or you can use pre-cooked veggies, which suits my tastes better. Some great options are bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, caramelized onions, green onions or scallions, zucchini, yellow squash, shredded carrot, chopped tomatoes, roasted potatoes, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, avocado, asparagus, broccoli, roasted red peppers, or anything else you like. 
• Herbs – Add fresh or dried herbs to the egg mixture before you cook it, or sprinkle inside or on top of the omelette. Some faves are parsley and chives. A French omelette is often made with fresh parsley, tarragon, chives, and chervil and is known as Fines Herbes Omelette.

Combinations

Using some of the filling options above, I put together a list of tasty combinations you might want to try:

• Avocado, red bell peppers, and cream cheese
• Roasted potatoes, fresh herbs, and gruyere
• Crumbled cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, onions, chopped tomatoes, and cheddar cheese
• Sautéed red bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash with caramelized onions and feta cheese
• Sliced cooked steak, roasted potatoes, onions, and cheddar or blue cheese
• Fresh spinach, chopped tomato, and feta cheese
• Goat cheese, mushrooms, and fresh herbs

Great Toppings

With so many filling options to choose from, you might have thought we were done! But no—there are more ways to customize your omelette. Here are some great ideas to top omelettes with right before serving:

• Fresh herbs – A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds color and extra flavor.
• Sour cream or crème fraiche – The cool, creamy, rich flavor is delicious with the eggs and fillings.
• Sliced avocado – This is a personal favorite! Slice half an avocado and fan out slightly before laying on top or beside the omelette on the plate.
• Salsas and Sauces -- just pour a salsa or your favorite sauce on top for added flavor. Pico de gallo, salsa verde, hollandaise, etc are a few good options!

How to Make an Omelette Easy (3 ways)

Find out 3 ways on how to cook an omelette below.

On the Stovetop

Don't feel overwhelmed with all of the possibilities! The process of making a good egg omelette is very simple and straightforward. 

STEP 1: Beat the eggs

Using a fork or a whisk, beat three eggs per omelette with one teaspoon of water and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Beat the eggs well to incorporate air. SEE PIC. 1.

STEP 2: Melt the butter (or add oil instead, or a mixture of both)

Meanwhile, heat a non-stick pan (about 7-inch diameter) over medium heat. Melt the butter over medium heat (if pan is hot enough, it will sizzle) or add oil or a mixture of both, and keep the temperature when cooking the eggs on medium so that the bottom doesn’t get too brown or overcooked.

STEP 3: Add the eggs

After adding eggs, use a heatproof silicone spatula to gently bring the edges towards the center for the first 20 seconds. SEE PIC. 2 Then tilt the pan briefly to let the eggs even out, form a circle, and cook flat. Then tilt the pan again while lifting up the edge with a spatula to allow the uncooked liquid egg to drip down underneath the cooked egg. After up to one minute you will notice the edges of the omelette start to get solid and set.

STEP 4: Fill the omelette

When the eggs begin to set, add the filling (shredded cheese for example)—but don’t overstuff the omelette. Cook for a few more seconds. SEE PIC. 3

STEP 5: Fold and serve

Using a silicone spatula, gently lift edges and agitate the pan to make sure omelette is not sticking to the pan. Fold the omelette in half. SEE PIC. 4 Gently slide it onto a plate, with the help of a silicone spatula if needed. Keep the plate close to the pan. Garnish with your preferred toppings, if you wish.

In the Microwave

• Cooking an omelette in the microwave is not the best option, but it can work in a pinch. An omelette in a mug is a great meal on the go!
• Simply spray the inside of a microwave-safe mug with non-stick cooking spray and pour in 2 eggs beaten together with 1 tablespoon of milk. Drop-in any filling items that you like (some cooked meat, cheese, veggies, salt, and pepper), then microwave on high for 30 seconds.
• Stir the omelette and microwave again for another 30 seconds. Give it one last stir and microwave for a final 30 seconds, or until the omelette in a mug is set.

In the Oven 

• To bake an omelette in the oven, beat 8 eggs together with ¼ cup of milk. Add your desired mix-in ingredients, such as meat, veggies, and cheese, then pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish.
• Bake the omelette at 400 degrees F for about 25 minutes or until puffy and lightly browned around the edges. Slice into wedges like a pie and serve.

The Best Pan to Use

Be sure to use a really good non-stick skillet. You don’t want to use a pan that is really scratched up or one that food tends to stick to easily. 

For a 2-egg omelette, you need a non-stick 7-inch frying pan. For a 3-egg omelette, use a non-stick 8-inch frying pan. If you prefer yours thin, use a slightly larger pan. 

What Type of Spatula to Use When Cooking an Omelette

The spatula you choose is a really crucial factor in how well you’ll be able to fold or roll your omelette without scratching the no-stick pan.

Moreover, make sure you select a heat-resistant spatula that can withstand direct contact with the hot pan. A silicone spatula is best -- as metal can be really rough on the eggs and tear the omelette, while the silicone will be much gentler.

Omelettes for Dinner

Omelettes are not just for breakfast! Although we often think of egg dishes like breakfast food, omelettes are a quick and healthy dish to serve for lunch or dinner. Add a side salad of fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic for a delish and filling dinner in a snap!

Best Tips for the Perfect Omelette

There are some tried and true ways to ensure you have the best omelette. Some of these have been mentioned in detail above. Here is an easy-to-follow list to a perfect omelette that you don’t want to forget:

• Select the right tools – use a good non-stick frying pan and a heat-proof soft spatula.
• Beat the eggs well to incorporate air for a fluffy omelette.
• Cook over medium-low to medium heat. If the heat is too high, the eggs will cook too quickly in some areas and begin to brown.
• Move the pan around while cooking to cook the eggs evenly.
• Add the filling of your choice – be sure to have it ready and waiting next to the stove to add at just the right moment. Otherwise, your eggs might overcook while you go to get the filling ingredients.
• Do not over-stuff! With so many tasty filling options, you may find it hard to hold back. But over-filling the omelette will cause it to crack and become scrambled eggs. Be very careful to not over-stuff your omelette.
• Fold the omelette gently, then wiggle it a bit in the pan to make sure it is not sticking. Slide the finished omelette gently onto the plate.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftover omelette in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, depending on what fillings you use. Some fillings may release liquid and cause the leftover omelette to be somewhat soggy. Eggs do not freeze well, so it’s best to only chill in the fridge.

To reheat, place the omelette on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on high in 30-second intervals until warm. Another option would be to re-heat in a skillet over medium heat.

Other Egg Recipes:

• Sunny side up eggs
• How to hard boil eggs
• Bife a cavalo (steak and eggs)
• Breakfast egg cups
• Berry cloud eggs
• Fio de ovos
• Pumpkin deviled eggs
• Quindim

 

PIN & ENJOY!