Learn how to make a classic Denver omelette in just a few simple steps. This hearty breakfast dish is perfect for any occasion and will impress your friends and family. This omelette combines sweet bell peppers, onions, smoked ham, and gooey melted cheddar cheese.
It is the perfect weekend breakfast, and I love to serve them with pan-fried potatoes, applesauce muffins, or peach coffee cake.
Denver omelets are perfect for that weekend breakfast you have been longing for. Bell peppers, sweet onions, smoked ham, and cheddar cheese are simple tastes that meld perfectly.
What You’ll Need
- Olive oil: extra virgin
- Onion: sweet yellow
- Bell peppers: any color will work
- Ham: preferably sweet and smoked
- Eggs: I use both whole eggs and egg whites, but you can use all whole eggs
- Butter: salted or unsalted
- Cheddar cheese: white or sharp cheddar works best.
How to Make a Denver Omelette
This is just the summary version of the recipe. See the recipe card below for ingredients and complete instructions.
Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the onions and peppers. Cook until the vegetables begin browning on the edges, stirring several times. Add the chopped ham and cook for another couple of minutes. Remove the onions, peppers, and ham to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Next, whisk the eggs, egg whites, and water together. Heat one tablespoon of butter in an eight-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add half of the egg mixture to the pan, swirling to coat.
Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and cook until the eggs are set. Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over the omelette, turn off the burner, and cover loosely with the foil until the cheese melts. Add half the vegetables/ham mixture and fold the omelette closed, bringing one side over the other.
Repeat the procedure with the rest of the egg mixture, cheese, and veggies, creating another omelette.
Preparation Tips
- Use good quality white cheddar cheese. It does make a difference.
- Don’t overcook the eggs; cook just until set. A loose piece of aluminum foil helps them set perfectly.
- You can use any cheese or variety you like that melts well. Cheddar, provel, provolone, and Monterey Jack are just a few of my favorites with this omelet.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
To freeze, first cool completely. Then, wrap them in plastic and place them in a freezer zipper bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
More Breakfast Recipes
Classic Denver Omelette
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/2 red pepper finely diced
- 1/2 green pepper finely diced
- 5 slices lean ham chopped about 4 ounces
- 4 whole eggs
- 4 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons cool water
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and peppers. Cook them over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables start browning on the edges. Add ham and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and keep warm.
- Whisk eggs, egg whites and water,
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in an 8-inch non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add half the egg mixture to the pan. Cover the pan and cook until the eggs are set, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup cheese, turn off the burner, and allow the cheese to melt. Add half the veggies and fold the omelette closed, bringing one side over the other.
- Repeat the procedure with the rest of the egg mixture, cheese, and veggies.
Notes
- Use good quality white cheddar cheese. It does make a difference.
- Don’t overcook the eggs; cook just until set. A loose piece of aluminum foil helps them set perfectly.
- You can use any cheese or variety you like that melts well. Cheddar, provel, provolone, and Monterey Jack are just a few of my favorites with this omelet.
Nutrition
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Charlene M
Wow, easy and delicious recipe. Saving this to make again, thanks for sharing
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Charlene!
Anjali
This omelet turned out so well!! It was perfectly cooked, flavorful and was a great way to switch things up for breakfast today!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Anjali!
Dina and Bruce
Love that it is half eggs and half eggwhites!! Was so fluffy!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Dina and Bruce!
Paula
Excited to be able to make Denver omelets at home from now on! These are so good!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Paula! I agree!
Kushi
Simple and delicious omelet recipe. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Kushi!
Jonathan H
Filling, and hearty, I can’t wait for a cold morning in Denver with coffee and eggs with NO BREAD, LOL.
Jonathan H
No carbs no cabs.. my driver better enjoy them aswell.
SONIA
What makes the classic Denver omelette so unique is its versatility. It can be served with various sides, such as hash browns, toast, or fresh fruit, making it an excellent choice for any breakfast occasion. The ingredients are easy to find and can be adjusted to your preferences, making it a dish tailored to your taste. This is something I will eat every day.