How to Make a Fluffy Omelet at Home Like a Pro

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An easy step-by-step guide for mastering the art of omelet-making
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An omelet is a delicious and satisfying breakfast, but cooking one can be a bit tricky at first. That's why we’ve compiled this step-by-step guide to help you become an omelet pro in no time with expert tips from personal chef Linda McNally. We’ve also included some yummy filling ideas for delicious omelets any time!

How do you make an omelet?

  1. Crack 3 eggs into a bowl and mix until combined.
  2. Chop your fillings and sauté them until cooked through.
  3. Heat oil in an 8-inch nonstick skillet, then pour in your egg mixture.
  4. Use a spatula to gently scramble the eggs.
  5. Allow the eggs to cook until the bottom is set and the top is slightly runny.
  6. Add your fillings to one half of the omelet, then fold the other half over it.
  7. Allow the omelet to cook for 1-2 more minutes, then slide it onto a plate.
Section 1 of 4:

How to Make an Omelette

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  1. McNally suggests adding a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1-2 tbsp (15-29 mL) of milk as well for some added flavor. Using a fork or a whisk, beat everything together until the yolks, whites, seasonings, and milk are thoroughly mixed.
    • If you don’t have any milk or prefer not to use it, that’s completely fine! It’s 100% optional, and you can still make a delicious omelet without it. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook an Omelette
    Eggs cook quickly, so it is best to select and cut up all of your ingredients prior to cooking your omelet. Once you’ve selected your fillings, chop them up into bite-sized pieces, and aim to have about ½ cup of filling for one 2-3 egg omelet. [2] Here are some common ingredients if you’re looking for inspiration:
    • Veggies: Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, asparagus, kale, roasted potatoes, hash browns
    • Meats: Bacon, ham, breakfast sausage, smoked salmon, chorizo
    • Cheeses: Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, gruyère, ricotta, feta
    • Herbs: Chives, parsley, dill, thyme, basil, cilantro
    • Other toppings: Avocado, pesto, hot sauce, sour cream, crushed red pepper
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook an Omelette
    You’ll want to sauté your meats and fresh veggies before adding them to your omelet. [3] To do this, simply add a bit of cooking oil to pan over medium heat. Next, add ½ cup of the chopped fillings of your choice (except for cheeses and herbs–you don’t need to pre-cook these), and sauté until the ingredients are cooked through and slightly browned.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook an Omelette
    Grab a clean 8’’ nonstick skillet to cook your eggs in. Heat 1 tbsp (14 g) of butter or 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil over medium heat, then pour your beaten egg mixture into the pan. Tilt your skillet around to make sure the eggs coat the entire bottom of it. [4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook an Omelette
    When the edges of the omelet start to set (become solid and look more cooked), use a rubber spatula to push the cooked outer portions of the egg toward the center of the omelet. As you do this, let the raw egg run toward the edges of the pan to fill those spaces. [5] Keep doing this until the bottom of the omelet is set, but the top is still slightly runny. [6]
    • Carefully lift one corner of the omelet with your spatula to see if the bottom holds together. If it does, it’s ready for your fillings.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Cook an Omelette
    When the eggs are firm on the bottom but still slightly runny on top, add ½ cup of fillings to one side of the omelet. [7] If you’re using shredded cheese, you can add it at this stage as well, or wait to top your finished omelet with it at the end, if you prefer.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Cook an Omelette
    Slip your spatula under the side of the omelet without any toppings on it, then carefully lift that side and fold it over the other side. [8] Your omelet should now look like half of a circle.
    • “You may need to use the spatula to help you hold the halves together until they cook for a minute,” adds McNally.
  8. Eggs cook very quickly, so this should only take a minute or two more. Hold your skillet just above your plate, and carefully tilt it so the omelet starts to slide. Use your spatula to help guide your omelet onto your plate, and that’s it! You have a delicious, perfectly-cooked omelet. [9]
    • Finish your omelet with freshly chopped herbs, such as chives or parsley, for an extra fancy touch. [10]
    • Sliced avocado is another yummy topping to try out.
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Section 2 of 4:

Omelet Cooking Tips

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  1. You might be tempted to stuff your omelet with tons of delicious fillings, but try to resist this impulse! If you overfill your omelet, it can easily fall apart when you’re trying to fold it and transfer it to your plate. For a 2-3 egg omelet, you shouldn’t use more than ½ cup of filling. [11]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook an Omelette
    Eggs cook very fast, so if you turn your burner up to medium-high or high heat, you risk ending up with a burnt omelet. Keep your heat in the low to medium range, and make sure to keep a close eye on your omelet while it’s cooking so you can adjust as needed.
  3. An 8-inch, nonstick skillet works best for cooking omelets. Eggs tend to stick pretty easily, so a nonstick pan can save you lots of frustration down the road. [12] You’ll also want to avoid using a pan that’s too large, since this may cause your eggs to spread out into a layer that’s too thin.
  4. When it comes to omelet fillings, the world is truly your oyster. Many people enjoy their omelets with crazy and unique flavor combos (like avocado and shrimp or bacon and pineapple). Just like pizza, omelets provide the culinary artist with a limitless canvas, so feel free to experiment!
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Section 3 of 4:

Delicious Filling Combinations To Try Out

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  1. To prepare your caramelized mushrooms, McNally recommends adding avocado oil to a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then adding your sliced mushrooms with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir the mushrooms until they’re thoroughly coated with oil, salt and pepper, then let them sit for a couple minutes. “You can tell the mushrooms are caramelizing when they begin to turn golden brown on the edges—this is where a lot of flavor develops,” says McNally.
    • As your mushrooms finish cooking, crack 3 eggs into a bowl and add a pinch of salt, pepper, a little bit of milk, and a handful of either parmesan or cheddar cheese (whichever you prefer).
    • Use your spatula to lay all the mushrooms evenly on the bottom of the pan, then pour your beaten egg mixture over the top.
    • “Gently swirl the eggs around so you achieve a perfect circle of egg in your pan, then wait 2-3 minutes before doing anything else,” says McNally. “Once you see the edges start to form and keep their shape, carefully flip one half of the omelet on top of the other.”
    • “Cover and let it cook for a few more minutes and done! You’ve got yourself a delicious, tasty mushroom omelet,” she says.
  2. This classic filling combo is commonly referred to as a “Denver Omelet,” and it’s a staple in many diners. [13] To prepare it, simply chop the onions, bell peppers, and ham into bite size pieces, sauté them, then cook your omelet according to the instructions above.
    • If you’re a vegetarian, this combination tastes just as delicious without the ham!
  3. For a unique option, try out a mediterranean-inspired omelet. Halved cherry tomatoes, chopped asparagus, spinach, and feta cheese make a delicious filling combo, and you can also add some dried oregano for added flavor. [14]
  4. If you’re a fan of Italian food, try filling your omelet with roasted tomatoes, pesto sauce, and fresh mozzarella. [15] Top with chopped basil, and voila! You have a fresh and flavorful omelet inspired by Italian cuisine.
    • If you’d like, you can also use chopped sundried tomatoes instead of roasted tomatoes. [16]
  5. This Tex-Mex inspired combo makes for a delicious and satisfying omelet. [17] You can also top your omelet with a wide array of delicious ingredients, like sliced avocado, pico de gallo, sour cream, and hot sauce, for lots of added flavor.
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Section 4 of 4:

French vs. American Omelet

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  1. French omelets are typically a little creamy and custard-y on the inside, rather than cooked all the way through. They also have a cylinder-like shape, achieved by either rolling the omelet or folding each of the sides in toward the middle. American omelets, on the other hand, feature fluffy eggs that are cooked through with no runniness, and they’re folded in half into a semi-circle shape. [18]
    • The recipe above is for an American-style omelet, which is generally considered to be easier to cook for home chefs.


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  • Question
    What kind of cheese is needed?
    Community Answer
    Any cheese that suits your liking. Four cheese blend is one good choice.
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  • Question
    Can I just use egg whites in these recipes?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can use egg whites with any omelette recipe. Most people prefer the yolk for the flavor and added color.
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  • Question
    Can I use a half boiled egg?
    Community Answer
    No. Use raw eggs to make an omelette.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If the omelette is being cooked in an oven-safe pan, place the pan under a grill for the last few minutes to cook the top of the omelette quicker and give it a crispy texture on top.
      • Whisk the egg a lot so it gets a lot of air in it (this will give you a fluffy texture). Finish them off with red pepper flakes for a little touch of heat.
      • Add your milk slowly. If you add too much milk it'll reduce the taste and flavor of the omelette. You can always add more!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a24892843/how-to-make-omelet/
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/omelet-recipe-23395435
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/omelet-recipe-23395435
      4. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/clap-ludo-lefebvre
      5. ↑ https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a24892843/how-to-make-omelet/
      6. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/clap-ludo-lefebvre
      7. ↑ https://www.eggs.ca/recipes/basic-omelette
      8. ↑ https://www.eggs.ca/recipes/basic-omelette
      9. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/omelet-recipe-23395435
      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/omelet-recipe-23395435
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/omelet-recipe-23395435
      3. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/articles/how-to-make-the-perfect-omelet-a-step-by-step-guide
      4. ↑ https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023378-denver-omelet
      5. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/80046/my-big-fat-greek-omelet/
      6. ↑ https://eggs.ab.ca/cooking/tomato-pesto-omelette/
      7. ↑ https://eggs.ab.ca/cooking/tomato-pesto-omelette/
      8. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chorizo-potato-cheese-omelette
      9. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/omelet-recipe-23395435

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cook a filled omelette, beat your eggs with a fork or a whisk, then melt a little butter in a hot skillet. Pour the eggs into the skillet and cook them for several minutes. When the eggs are firm on the bottom, add all of the fillings except for the cheese. When the eggs bubble on top, flip the omelette and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese into the center of the omelette, then use the spatula to gently fold the omelette in half. Slide the omelette onto a plate and serve. Read on to learn how to make a French herb omelette.

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