An omelette, or omelet, is a dish made from lightly whisked eggs that are seasoned and quickly fried in a pan.
They are often filled with vegetables, infused with herbs or simply topped with heaps of Cheddar cheese.
This versatile dish can be served throughout the day but it’s most popular as a savoury breakfast option.
In this article, we look at the best way to make an omelette, what to serve with it as well and offer our most valuable cooking tips.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- Splash of milk, approx 2tsp
Method
How to make an omelette: Step 1
Crack the eggs into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, add the milk or water, and whisk with a fork until combined.
How to make an omelette: Step 2
Heat the butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium until melted and foaming.
How to make an omelette: Step 3
Pour in the egg mixture and as it starts to set on the base gently push the sides of the mixture towards the centre of the pan allowing the runny egg to flow to the edge of the pan. When the underneath is golden and the top is softly set you can proceed to the next step.
How to make an omelette: Step 4
Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, add any vegetables you would like to the top. Using a spatula, fold it in half and slide it onto a plate. You could also finish the omelette off under the grill but make sure you don’t put the frying pan fully into the oven as the plastic handles will melt.
How to make an omelette: Step 5
Sprinkle with ground pepper and serve with fresh salad leaves, chips, or crusty bread if liked.
Omelette pairings
A basic omelette is delicious but if you want to add some flavour to the dish, we’ve got plenty of recommendations.
Food Editor, Samuel Goldsmith likes the combination of gruyere and chestnut mushrooms, while Food Director Elisa Roche likes the approach of Maldivian and Sri Lanken chefs who finely chop their flavourings into a little mise-en-place.
Typical flavours include a combination of shallots, torn spinach leaves, green or red chillies, lemon juice, and a teaspoon of curry leaves.
Other tasty ingredients to try too include ham, bacon, peppers, chilli, tomatoes, chorizo, chicken, onion, smoked cheese, spinach, and more. For more recipe inspiration, take a look at our tasty omelette recipes.
What is the difference between an omelette and a Spanish omelette?
A Spanish omelette is a staple on many tapas menus and is a great example of humble, cheap ingredients being transformed into something incredibly delicious.
Traditionally made with just eggs and potatoes, other ingredients like onion are often included. Consequently, it’s thicker than a classic omelette and is served open rather than folded.
It is a fantastic lunch option or a light dinner because it can be enjoyed hot or cold.
What is the difference between an omelette and a frittata?
Frittata is the Italian equivalent of a Spanish omelette. Frittatas are thicker than omelettes and are cooked more gently in the frying pan. As a result, they take a little longer to cook but it’s only a matter of minutes.
The best way to cook a frittata is to start it off in a frying pan as you would a normal omelette but finish it in a hot oven to cook all the way through. Make sure the pan you choose is oven safe.
Top tips for making an omelette
Which eggs are best for making an omelette?
Look for eggs stamped with the Lion Quality mark because they are produced to the highest standards of food safety. Other brands of egg we use and love include Clarence Court and St Ewe.
