Classic Omelette

Here’s how to make an omelette! This French technique makes an omelette recipe just the way Julia Child would…and it cooks up in seconds.

Here’s a classic egg technique every home cook should master: how to make an omelette! This recipe is one of the first things we learned to cook from Julia Child. It makes for the most delicious omelette you’ve ever had: classic French style, with a golden exterior, soft interior, and loads of savory flavor. Here’s our adaptation of Julia’s classic technique. It really does make the best omelette recipe imaginable.

Omelette ingredients & equipment

Here at A Couple Cooks, we started watching Julia’s black and white TV show when we first were learning to cook. Julia was the perfect teacher for two new cooks, encouraging us that anyone could cook an omelette if we had the “courage of our convictions.” Turns out, she was right! You’ll just need a few specific ingredients and equipment before you start. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best classic omelette:

• 8- or 10-inch non-stick skillet: Non-stick is easiest for sliding out the eggs. These pan sizes make just the right size: don’t try any larger. (The best spatula for non-stick? Use a nylon spatula.)
• Eggs: The recipe below is for one serving. It cooks in just 30 seconds, so you can make them to order.
• Water: Water helps to give a lighter and more tender texture to the eggs.
• Butter: We prefer cooking eggs in butter: it adds a nutty, savory flavor and turns it a lovely golden brown color.
• Shredded cheese (optional): Cheese adds even more flavor: we like it with a mix of cheddar and Parmesan for the best nuance in flavor.
• Other filling ingredients: There are lots more filling ideas! See below.

How to make an omelette: basic concept!

Let’s talk about the basic concept for how to make an omelette before you scroll down to the recipe below. Here are a few things to note:

• The omelette cooks in 30 seconds! This recipe is so quick to cook, so you’ll want to make sure to do one thing first.
• Read the ENTIRE recipe before starting. We admit: sometimes we get impatient and start cooking a recipe before reading the entire thing. With this technique, it’s very, very important to read the instructions first!
• The basic concept is as follows: You’ll melt butter over medium high heat. Add the eggs and cook just until a skin forms, about 10 to 15 seconds. Add the fillings, then start to shake the pan to roll the eggs up and over the cheese. Cook another 10 to 15 seconds where the outside is pale golden and the interior is soft and creamy. Roll it out onto a plate and you’re done!

Maybe this is a little different from what you’re used to? Let’s talk about the two main types of omelettes…

French omelette vs American omelette

There are two main styles of omelette: French and American. We prefer French, because the eggs are a little softer and more flavorful. What’s the difference?

• French omelette: A French omelette is pale yellow on the outside, with a slightly runny center. The eggs are cooked a shorter amount of time by shaking the pan, and then the omelette is rolled up into a cylinder.
• American omelette: An American omelette is golden brown and a little crispy on the outside, and the eggs are cooked longer than the French style. It’s served folded in half over the toppings that are on the inside.

Can you turn this French omelette recipe into an American one? Yes! Pour the eggs into the pan and let them for 1 to 1 ½ minutes without touching them. Then turn the heat to low, add cheese, and fold it in half over itself. The top should be golden brown.

Why add water to an omelette?

Why is water a necessary ingredient in an omelette? Adding a bit of water to eggs while whisking can create a smoother and more cohesive mixture, which is especially important for omelettes and scrambled eggs. It can also help the eggs to cook evenly. However, make sure to only add the amount listed in the recipe below: otherwise, the flavor and texture can become diluted.

Omelette filling ideas

This basic omelette recipe is pure perfection, in our minds. Take a bite and it’s instantly savory, with a creamy interior and the perfect salty zing of cheese. Really, we couldn’t stop eating it when we made this one. We promise: it will absolutely wow anyone you make it for! Want to step it up even more? There are so many different types of omelette fillings. Just make sure to cook the ingredients in advance. Here are some ideas to play with:

• Sauteed mushrooms: try these Sauteed Mushrooms with Herbs
• Ham and cheese: Try it with cheddar or Swiss
• Sauteed peppers: Add Sauteed Peppers (dice make an easy filling)
• Tomatoes: Add diced raw tomatoes or even better, blistered tomatoes
• Goat cheese: This soft cheese adds even more creamy goodness. Go to Goat Cheese Omelette.
• Sauteed greens: Try it with Sauteed Spinach, Sauteed Kale or Sauteed Rainbow Chard
• Artichoke hearts: Did someone say spinach artichoke?
• Prosciutto or pancetta: Add cured ham or pancetta for a savory zing
• Smoked salmon: Try smoked salmon, feta and dill (yum!). Go to Smoked Salmon Omelette.

Make it a meal

The best part about an omelette? As Julia Child would say: you can serve it for any meal! That’s right: the omelette recipe works for breakfast, brunch, an elegant lunch, or a simple dinner. In fact, there’s a whole Julia Child episode about making them for a dinner party with different toppings for everyone! To round out the meal, here are some ideas for side dishes:

• Green salad: A simple arugula salad is perfect, or try fennel orange salad, asparagus salad, or celery salad
• Potatoes: Add pan fried potatoes or oven hash browns
• Beans: Add elegant white beans or borlotti beans
• Lentil salad: Add lentil salad with feta or French lentil salad for a French flair
• Sauteed or roasted vegetables: Add baked asparagus with Parmesan, ultimate sauteed vegetables, or epic roasted broccoli.
• Bread: Add sourdough bread, no knead bread, or better yet: a classic French baguette.

What else would you serve with it? Let us know your recipe ideas!

More ways to cook eggs

Want to cook eggs all the ways? Here are a few more basic methods for how to cook eggs:

• Hard boiled eggs, steamed hard boiled eggs or soft boiled eggs
• Poached eggs
• Baked eggs
• How to fry an egg: Sunny side up, Over easy, Over medium, or Over hard

01

How to Fry an Egg

02

Sunny Side Up Eggs

03

Simple Baked Eggs

04

Goat Cheese Omelette

This omelette recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free.

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