Denver Omelet Recipe

The omelet is universally acknowledged as being delicious. They are easy to make for even the most challenged of cooks (such as myself) and they can be filled with everything from ham to cheese to peppers to mushrooms. It’s basically a full English breakfast combined into one! There are many variations on the omelet but a favorite among omelet lovers in the know is the Denver omelet. It is known for its firmer texture and mouth-watering caramelized flavors, and should definitely be added to your cooking repertoire. Throughout history, it has been speculated that the first variation of the Denver omelet was originally served on bread as a sandwich, created by cattle drivers in the American West or by Chinese railroad cooks in the 19th century. Over time, a breadless version of the omelet was created, and it became known as the Denver omelet. Anyway, history lesson completed, here is the ultimate Denver omelet recipe for those wishing to give their tastebuds a real treat!

Denver Omelet Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ¼ cup diced smoked ham

• 2 tablespoons diced onion

• 2 tablespoons diced green bell pepper

• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• ⅓ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Method:

1. Start by beating the eggs until just combined. Be careful not to over-beat!

2. Melt some butter in a skillet over heat and add the ham, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper and continue to cook over medium-high heat until the onions start to soften and the ham starts to caramelize. This should take about 5 minutes.

3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the eggs. Quickly mix with a spatula while shaking the pan to make sure all the ingredients are distributed evenly. Briefly run the spatula along the sides of the omelet.

4. Sprinkle a generous portion of cheddar cheese (you measure cheese with your heart, not your head), and some cayenne pepper. Shaking the pan occasionally, cook until the top is still wet (but not runny), for about 5 minutes. Using the spatula, fold the omelet in half and transfer it to a plate. Enjoy!

Baked Denver Omelet Recipe

If you want to try a slight variation on the above Denver omelet recipe, then try out this baked version. It yields 4 times as many servings so is perfect for those who wish to cook a Denver omelet recipe for the whole family!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ½ onion, chopped

• ½ green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup chopped cooked ham

• 8 eggs

• ¼ cup milk

• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and grease a 10-inch round baking dish.

2. Next, you need to melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Throw in the bell pepper and the onion and stir until nice and soft. Stir in the ham and continue cooking until heated through (roughly 5 minutes more.)

3. Beat together the milk and eggs in a large-sized bowl. Then stir in the cheese and ham mixture, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Pour this mixture into a prepared baking dish.

4. Bake in a preheated oven until eggs are browned and puffy, this should take about 25 minutes. Serve warm.

Vegan Denver Omelet Quesadilla

This Denver omelet recipe delivers all of the flavors of a classic Denver omelet but in vegan form. It's loaded with eggy tofu, diced onion, bell pepper slices, spinach leaves, and vegan cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of vacuum-sealed, super firm tofu

• 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

• Kala namak (black salt) & pepper, to taste

• 1 whole wheat tortilla

• 1 1/2 slices Follow Your Heart cheese, American or Provolone

• Pinch of red bell pepper slices, diced onion, & baby spinach leaves

• Guacamole and/or salsa

Method:

1. Cut two slabs of tofu into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices and place them in a lightly oiled skillet until brown on each side.

2. When one side is done, sprinkle it with black pepper, granulated onion, and nutritional yeast flakes. Flip, and season the other side. Then move to a plate.

3. Put the tortilla in the skillet, sprinkling one side with vegan cheese, onion, red pepper bel slices, spinach, eggy tofu, and more cheese. Fold the empty tortilla half over it.

4. Cook until the cheese has melted and both sides are toasty brown.

Denver Omelet Recipe: What To Serve It With

While the Denver omelet can definitely hold its own as either a breakfast, lunch, or dinner dish, there’s no reason why it can’t be served with some added extras. Here are some ideas of what to serve with your Denver omelet recipe.

1. Sauteed mushrooms with a big knob of butter, wilted spinach, charred crusty bread, pan-fried Roma cherry tomato, avocado slices, and a protein of your choice.

   • If you want to squeeze in some of your five-a-day along with a little protein, then this is a great way to do so. The charred bread brings the Denver omelet recipe back to its roots but the Roma cherry tomatoes, wilted spinach, and avocado slices keep it fresh and modern. The beauty of this one is that it is perfect for any of your three meals, but personally, I’d have it as a big old brunch!

2. A radicchio salad with a light olive and apple vinegar dressing.

   • Omelets are soggy, salty, and yellow, so this bright pink radicchio salad is the perfect accompaniment. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and on the opposite side of the color spectrum.

3. Arugula salad and toasted bread

   • If you want your Denver omelet recipe to still take center stage, then try this arugula salad and toasted bread recipe. It may be simple but this definitely doesn’t mean it’s boring!