Denver Omelette

Start your day with a classic that has stood the test of time: the Denver omelette!

The salty ham, sweet onions, crisp bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms create a symphony of flavors. 

The key is to not overbeat the eggs and to keep the heat on medium-low when cooking. This ensures a fluffy, moist texture that melts in your mouth.

It’s a classic for a reason, folks!

Why You’ll Love This Denver Omelette

Rich History: The Denver omelette has a fascinating backstory tied to cowboys, gold prospectors, and Chinese immigrants in the American Old West. It’s a dish with a unique cultural heritage.

Perfect Balance: The combination of sautéed ham, onions, bell peppers, and melty cheddar cheese creates a tasty blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

Easy Preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, the Denver Omelette is surprisingly easy to make. It requires only a few ingredients and simple cooking techniques.

Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe makes a generous serving and can be easily shared with others. It’s perfect for a family breakfast or a brunch gathering.

Ingredients

• Large Eggs: The star of the show, these eggs create the fluffy, protein-packed base of your omelette.
  
• Butter: A tablespoon of butter adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking in the skillet.
  
• Smoked Ham: Diced, smoked ham brings a savory, smoky flavor to every bite.
  
• Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These classic Denver Omelette veggies add a pop of color and a crisp, fresh taste.
  
• Mushrooms: They contribute an earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture to the dish.
  
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: It adds a sharp, tangy flavor and gooey texture that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
  
• Cayenne Pepper: It gives your omelette a subtle kick of heat.
  
• Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and bring the dish together.

How to Make a Denver Omelette

This recipe couldn’t be easier!

1. Prepare the eggs. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until just combined. Be careful not to overbeat them.

2. SAUTÉ INGREDIENTS. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the diced ham, onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the ingredients, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and the ham starts to caramelize, which should take around 5 minutes.

3. Add the eggs. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the whisked eggs into the skillet. Using a spatula, gently mix the ingredients while shaking the pan to ensure an even distribution.

4. Prevent sticking. Quickly run the spatula along the edges of the omelette to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

5. Add cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper over the surface of the omelette.

6. Cook the omelette. Continue cooking the omelette, shaking the pan occasionally, until the top is set but still slightly wet, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the omelette dry and rubbery.

7. Fold and serve. Carefully fold the omelette in half using a spatula and slide onto a serving plate. Serve hot for a delicious, hearty breakfast.

Tips for the Best Denver Omelette

Follow these tips to perfect your omelette technique.

• Whisk lightly. Avoid overbeating the eggs to keep them tender and fluffy.

• Butter evenly. Melt the butter evenly in the skillet to prevent sticking and add a rich flavor.

• Get a step ahead. Sauté the ham, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms before adding them to the eggs to release moisture and enhance flavor.

• Get the timing right. Add the shredded Cheddar cheese and cayenne pepper just before the eggs are fully set to allow the cheese to melt properly.

• Don’t overcook! Cook until the top is set but still slightly wet to keep the omelette moist and tender.

How to Store

It’s unlikely that you’ll have leftovers. But if you make the omelette for meal prep, here’s how to store it.

To Store: Place the leftover Denver Omelette in an air-tight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Ensure it is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

To Freeze: Wrap the cooled omelette tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating instructions above.

To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or in a preheated oven at 300-325°F for about 10-15 minutes. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out during reheating.