Here’s how to make an omelette! This French technique makes an omelet recipe just like Julia Child would… and it’s ready in seconds.
Here’s a classic egg technique every home cook should master: How to Make an Omelet! It’s one of the first things Alex and I learned to cook from Julia Child. We started seeing it in black and white when we were learning to cook. Julia was the perfect teacher for two new chefs, encouraging us that if we had the “courage of our belief” anyone could cook an omelette. And this recipe? This applies to the the tastiest omelet you’ve ever eaten: Classic French style, with a golden exterior, soft interior and full of savory flavors. Here’s our version of Julia’s classic technique, and it really makes the best omelette recipe imaginable.
Omelette ingredients and equipment
Before you begin, you’ll need a few specific ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you need to make the best classic omelette:
- 8 or 10 inch nonstick pan: Nonstick is easiest for gliding eggs. These pan sizes are just the right size: do not try larger ones. (Best non-stick spatula? Use a nylon spatula.)
- eggs: The following recipe is for one serving. It cooks in just 30 seconds so you can make them to order.
- Water: The water gives the eggs a lighter and more tender texture.
- Butter: We prefer to cook the eggs in butter: this gives a nutty taste and flavor and gives it a nice golden color.
- Grated Cheese (optional): The cheese adds even more flavor: we like it with a mix of cheddar and parmesan for the best flavor nuance.
- Other ingredients for the filling: There are many more filling ideas! See below.
How to Make an Omelet: Basic Concept!
Before scrolling through the recipe below, let’s talk about the basic concept of making an omelette. Here are some points to consider:
- The omelette cooks in 30 seconds! This recipe is so quick to make, there’s one thing you should do first.
- Read the ENTIRE recipe before you begin. We’ll admit it: sometimes we get impatient and start cooking a recipe before we’ve read it in its entirety. With this technique it is very, very important to read the instructions first!
- The basic concept is as follows: You will melt the butter over medium heat. Add the eggs and cook until a skin forms, about 10 to 15 seconds. Add the toppings, then start shaking the pan to roll the eggs over the cheese. Bake an additional 10-15 seconds, the outside being lightly golden and the inside soft and creamy. Spread it on a plate and voila!
Maybe it’s a little different than what you’re used to? Let’s talk about the two main types of omelets…
French Omelet vs. American Omelet
There are two main types of omelets: French and American. We prefer French as the eggs are a bit softer and tastier. What are the differences?
- French omelet: A French omelette is pale yellow on the outside with a slightly runny center. Eggs are cooked shorter by shaking the pan, then the omelet is rolled into a cylinder.
- American Omelet: An American omelette is golden on the outside and slightly crispy, and the eggs are cooked longer than the French style. It is served folded in half on top of the fillings that are inside.
Can you turn this French omelet recipe into an American recipe? Yes! Pour the eggs into the pan and let stand without touching for 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Then reduce the heat, add the cheese and fold in half. The top should be golden brown.
Ideas for filling omelettes
This easy omelet recipe is pure perfection in our eyes. Take a bite and it’s instantly flavorful, with a creamy interior and the perfect salty note of cheese. Really, we couldn’t stop eating it while making this one. We promise it will delight everyone you make it for! Do you want to intensify it? There are so many different types of omelette fillings. Just make sure you cook the ingredients ahead of time. Here are some ideas to play with:
Make it a meal
The best thing about an omelet? As Julia Child would say: you can serve it with any meal! That’s right: the omelette recipe works for breakfast, brunch, elegant lunches or simple dinners. In fact, there’s an entire episode of Julia Child about them getting ready for a dinner party with different toppings for everyone! To round off the meal, here are a few side dish ideas:
What else would you serve with it? Share your recipe ideas with us!
Other ways to cook eggs
Do you want to cook eggs whole? Here are some basic methods of cooking eggs:
This omelet recipe is…
Vegetarian and gluten free.
The description
Here’s how to make an omelet! This French technique makes an omelet recipe just like Julia Child would… and it’s ready in seconds.
- 2 eggs
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 grind freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon the water
- ½ tbsp butter
- ¼ cup shredded cheese, ideally 2 tablespoons grated cheddar and parmesan
- Additional filling ingredients, if desired (see above)
- *Read all instructions before you start! Whisk eggs: In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Using a fork, whisk vigorously with kosher salt, pepper, and water.
- To melt the butter: Heat a small 8-inch or 10-inch nonstick skillet to just under high heat, with the pan handle toward you. Add the butter and toss the pan to coat well. Wait until the butter begins to foam with large bubbles but is not yet golden, then pour in the eggs.
- Cook Omelette (0 to 15 seconds): When a skin just forms after 10-15 seconds, add the cheese (and other ingredients for the filling) in a line from left to right. Quickly insert a small spatula under the outside edge of the omelette to loosen it from the pan. Pull eggs to the top, shake and tilt pan to spread and cook uncooked eggs. Using the spatula, roll the eggs over the cheese; it will be messy on purpose!
- Cook the omelette (15 to 30 seconds): Cook an additional 10 to 15 seconds, until barely set; The outside should be light golden and the inside should be soft and creamy. For a tougher omelette, cook a few seconds longer. turn off the fire
- Turn the omelet out onto a plate: To take out the omelette, hold a plate in one hand. Then, grab the pan with your right hand, thumbs up, and quickly flip the pan on the plate so the omelette rolls into the center of the plate and folds into a rolled shape. Serve immediately.
Remarks
*The cooking process is quick so be sure to read everything before you start.
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Cook
- Kitchen: French
- Diet: vegetarian
Keywords: Omelet, how to cook an omelette, omelet recipe
