Western Omelette – Easy Classic Recipe

First Published: Jun 25, 2023 by Sandra · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases with no additional cost to you.

The classic Western omelette is a delicious fusion of flavors, combining the richness of eggs with the smoky notes of ham and the sweetness of sautéed onion, and bell peppers. This is an herbal jazzed up version that incorporates the flavors of fresh chives and Italian parsley. You can omit them, of course, but the extra flavor they provide is well worth the effort!

If you have a big day ahead, a hearty omelette will give you a great start. It’s also the perfect option for a leisurely weekend brunch!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

The ingredient list is very simple. You can save yourself some time in the morning by prepping everything in advance.

• Large eggs.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Since the ham is salty enough, you really just need a pinch of salt and even less pepper. This omelette already has a ton of flavor!
• Fresh parsley. Flat leaf or Italian parsley. Don’t be like me and buy the curly leaf kind! 😀 When I first got into cooking, I didn’t know that curly leaf parsley is mostly just used as a garnish. Flat leaf parsley is used for cooking. 🙂 You can substitute dried parsley, but use less. Personally, I prefer the flavor of fresh parsley in this dish.
• Fresh chives. Same comment as above. Dried is fine, but use about half the amount called for in this recipe.
• Diced ham. I like to buy the pre-diced packets that you can often find in the breakfast meats section of the grocery store. It’s a bit pricier, but the convenience is worth it if you you’re pressed for time like I usually am.
• Bell peppers. Diced. Any color. Green is classic, but for a fun and festive omelette, use red, yellow, orange, and green. Make ahead tip: Dice it the night before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• White onion. Diced. Some may argue with me on this and say that dicing by hand is best, but I love to use my food processor for this purpose. I really, really, really don’t like crying over my onions! 😀 Those crazy tricks like chopping under running water don’t work for me, so the food processor it is!
• Shredded cheddar cheese. It’s worth the effort to buy block cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-grated cheese contains an additive that prevents it from clumping in the bag. Unfortunately, it also prevents it from melting evenly. The food processor comes in handy for this as well!
• Butter. Salted.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Substitutions

Here are some substitutions you can consider for the ingredients in this Western omelette:

• Protein Substitutions: Instead of ham, you can use cooked bacon, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like tempeh, tofu, or mushrooms.
• Vegetable Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, you can substitute them with other veggies like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Replace onions with shallots or scallions for a milder flavor.
• Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheese or are lactose intolerant, you can omit the cheese altogether. The omelette will still taste amazing!
• Herb Substitutions: If you prefer different herbs or don’t have parsley and chives on hand, you can try using basil, cilantro, thyme, rosemary, or oregano to add a unique flavor to your omelette.
• Spice Substitutions: Customize the flavor by adding spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to give your omelette a different dimension.

Remember, substitutions can vary based on dietary restrictions and personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking. Enjoy exploring new flavors and textures in your Western omelette!

Variations

If you don’t mind tinkering with a classic, here are a few variations to try with your Western omelette:

• Southwestern Twist: Add a touch of spice by incorporating diced jalapeños or green chilies into your omelette. Sprinkle a touch of cumin or chili powder for some Southwestern-inspired flavor.
• Cheesy Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the bell peppers and onions for a hearty and earthy twist. Use a combination of cheeses like Swiss and Gruyere to complement the mushroom flavor.
• Smoky and Spicy: Boost the smoky flavor by substituting the diced ham with smoked sausage or chorizo. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an extra kick.
• Tex-Mex Fusion: Infuse Tex-Mex flavors by incorporating diced cooked chicken or ground beef seasoned with taco spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Serve it with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side.

Equipment

• Non-stick Skillet: A medium-sized non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking the omelette. It ensures even heat distribution and prevents the omelette from sticking to the pan.
• Whisk or Fork: You’ll need a whisk or fork to beat the eggs and combine them with the milk/cream, salt, and pepper. This helps to incorporate air and create a fluffy texture. A blender on low for a few seconds does a nice job but it may not be worth the trouble to dirty your blender jar for such a simple task.
• Cutting Board and Knife: A cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for dicing the ham, bell peppers, and onions.
• Food Processor: While it’s not strictly necessary to make this recipe, it sure does come in handy for finely chopping the onion and grating the cheese!
• Spatula: A spatula, preferably a heat-resistant and non-stick spatula, is useful for gently lifting and folding the omelette during cooking.
• Cheese Grater (Optional): If you’re using block cheese, a cheese grater will come in handy for shredding the cheddar cheese. We used our food processor for this task. It gets the job done in no time, but a box grater will work just fine. Pre-shredded cheese is fine in a pinch, but it won’t melt as well because it contains an additive that prevents clumping.
• Mixing Bowl (Optional): While not essential, a mixing bowl can be useful for whisking the eggs and other ingredients together before pouring them into the skillet.
• Serving Plate: Finally, have a plate ready to transfer your cooked omelette for serving.

Storage

It’s best to consume this omelette immediately after cooking it. To save time in the morning, chop the vegetables the night before and store them in a food storage bag in the refrigerator.

FAQ

Pairing

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