How to Make a Fluffy Omelet at Home Like a Pro

An omelet is a delicious and satisfying breakfast, but cooking one can be a bit tricky at first. That's why we’ve compiled this step-by-step guide to help you become an omelet pro in no time with expert tips from personal chef Linda McNally. We’ve also included some yummy filling ideas for delicious omelets any time!

How do you make an omelet?

Crack 3 eggs into a bowl and mix until combined.
Chop your fillings and sauté them until cooked through.
Heat oil in an 8-inch nonstick skillet, then pour in your egg mixture.
Use a spatula to gently scramble the eggs.
Allow the eggs to cook until the bottom is set and the top is slightly runny.
Add your fillings to one half of the omelet, then fold the other half over it.
Allow the omelet to cook for 1-2 more minutes, then slide it onto a plate.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Make an Omelette

Download Article

1
Crack 3 eggs into a bowl and whisk them together. McNally suggests adding a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1-2 tbsp (15-29 mL) of milk as well for some added flavor. Using a fork or a whisk, beat everything together until the yolks, whites, seasonings, and milk are thoroughly mixed.
- If you don’t have any milk or prefer not to use it, that’s completely fine! It’s 100% optional, and you can still make a delicious omelet without it.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
2
Prepare any fillings you want to use. Eggs cook quickly, so it is best to select and cut up all of your ingredients prior to cooking your omelet. Once you’ve selected your fillings, chop them up into bite-sized pieces, and aim to have about ½ cup of filling for one 2-3 egg omelet.^{[2]
X
Research source} Here are some common ingredients if you’re looking for inspiration:
- Veggies: Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, asparagus, kale, roasted potatoes, hash browns
- Meats: Bacon, ham, breakfast sausage, smoked salmon, chorizo
- Cheeses: Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, gruyère, ricotta, feta
- Herbs: Chives, parsley, dill, thyme, basil, cilantro
- Other toppings: Avocado, pesto, hot sauce, sour cream, crushed red pepper
Advertisement
You’ll want to sauté your meats and fresh veggies before adding them to your omelet.^{[3]
X
Research source} To do this, simply add a bit of cooking oil to pan over medium heat. Next, add ½ cup of the chopped fillings of your choice (except for cheeses and herbs–you don’t need to pre-cook these), and sauté until the ingredients are cooked through and slightly browned.
Grab a clean 8’’ nonstick skillet to cook your eggs in. Heat 1 tbsp (14 g) of butter or 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil over medium heat, then pour your beaten egg mixture into the pan. Tilt your skillet around to make sure the eggs coat the entire bottom of it.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Let the edges of the omelet set, then use a spatula to gently push them inward. When the edges of the omelet start to set (become solid and look more cooked), use a rubber spatula to push the cooked outer portions of the egg toward the center of the omelet. As you do this, let the raw egg run toward the edges of the pan to fill those spaces.^{[5]
X
Research source} Keep doing this until the bottom of the omelet is set, but the top is still slightly runny.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Carefully lift one corner of the omelet with your spatula to see if the bottom holds together. If it does, it’s ready for your fillings.
When the eggs are firm on the bottom but still slightly runny on top, add ½ cup of fillings to one side of the omelet.^{[7]
X
Research source} If you’re using shredded cheese, you can add it at this stage as well, or wait to top your finished omelet with it at the end, if you prefer.
7
Use your spatula to fold your omelet in half. Slip your spatula under the side of the omelet without any toppings on it, then carefully lift that side and fold it over the other side.^{[8]
X
Research source} Your omelet should now look like half of a circle.
- “You may need to use the spatula to help you hold the halves together until they cook for a minute,” adds McNally.
8
Let your omelet set, then carefully slide it onto a plate. Eggs cook very quickly, so this should only take a minute or two more. Hold your skillet just above your plate, and carefully tilt it so the omelet starts to slide. Use your spatula to help guide your omelet onto your plate, and that’s it! You have a delicious, perfectly-cooked omelet.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Finish your omelet with freshly chopped herbs, such as chives or parsley, for an extra fancy touch.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
- Sliced avocado is another yummy topping to try out.

Section 2 of 4:

Omelet Cooking Tips

Download Article

You might be tempted to stuff your omelet with tons of delicious fillings, but try to resist this impulse! If you overfill your omelet, it can easily fall apart when you’re trying to fold it and transfer it to your plate. For a 2-3 egg omelet, you shouldn’t use more than ½ cup of filling.^{[11]
X
Research source}
Eggs cook very fast, so if you turn your burner up to medium-high or high heat, you risk ending up with a burnt omelet. Keep your heat in the low to medium range, and make sure to keep a close eye on your omelet while it’s cooking so you can adjust as needed.
An 8-inch, nonstick skillet works best for cooking omelets. Eggs tend to stick pretty easily, so a nonstick pan can save you lots of frustration down the road.^{[12]
X
Research source} You’ll also want to avoid using a pan that’s too large, since this may cause your eggs to spread out into a layer that’s too thin.
When it comes to omelet fillings, the world is truly your oyster. Many people enjoy their omelets with crazy and unique flavor combos (like avocado and shrimp or bacon and pineapple). Just like pizza, omelets provide the culinary artist with a limitless canvas, so feel free to experiment!

Section 3 of 4:

Delicious Filling Combinations To Try Out

Download Article

1
Caramelized mushrooms and cheese To prepare your caramelized mushrooms, McNally recommends adding avocado oil to a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then adding your sliced mushrooms with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir the mushrooms until they’re thoroughly coated with oil, salt and pepper, then let them sit for a couple minutes. “You can tell the mushrooms are caramelizing when they begin to turn golden brown on the edges—this is where a lot of flavor develops,” says McNally.
- As your mushrooms finish cooking, crack 3 eggs into a bowl and add a pinch of salt, pepper, a little bit of milk, and a handful of either parmesan or cheddar cheese (whichever you prefer).
- Use your spatula to lay all the mushrooms evenly on the bottom of the pan, then pour your beaten egg mixture over the top.
- “Gently swirl the eggs around so you achieve a perfect circle of egg in your pan, then wait 2-3 minutes before doing anything else,” says McNally. “Once you see the edges start to form and keep their shape, carefully flip one half of the omelet on top of the other.”
- “Cover and let it cook for a few more minutes and done! You’ve got yourself a delicious, tasty mushroom omelet,” she says.
2
Onions, bell peppers, ham, and cheddar This classic filling combo is commonly referred to as a “Denver Omelet,” and it’s a staple in many diners.^{[13]
X
Research source} To prepare it, simply chop the onions, bell peppers, and ham into bite size pieces, sauté them, then cook your omelet according to the instructions above.
- If you’re a vegetarian, this combination tastes just as delicious without the ham!
For a unique option, try out a mediterranean-inspired omelet. Halved cherry tomatoes, chopped asparagus, spinach, and feta cheese make a delicious filling combo, and you can also add some dried oregano for added flavor.^{[14]
X
Research source}
4
Roasted tomato, mozzarella, basil, and pesto If you’re a fan of Italian food, try filling your omelet with roasted tomatoes, pesto sauce, and fresh mozzarella.^{[15]
X
Research source} Top with chopped basil, and voila! You have a fresh and flavorful omelet inspired by Italian cuisine.
- If you’d like, you can also use chopped sundried tomatoes instead of roasted tomatoes.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
This Tex-Mex inspired combo makes for a delicious and satisfying omelet.^{[17]
X
Research source} You can also top your omelet with a wide array of delicious ingredients, like sliced avocado, pico de gallo, sour cream, and hot sauce, for lots of added flavor.

Section 4 of 4:

French vs. American Omelet

Download Article

French and American omelets have different shapes and textures. French omelets are typically a little creamy and custard-y on the inside, rather than cooked all the way through. They also have a cylinder-like shape, achieved by either rolling the omelet or folding each of the sides in toward the middle. American omelets, on the other hand, feature fluffy eggs that are cooked through with no runniness, and they’re folded in half into a semi-circle shape.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- The recipe above is for an American-style omelet, which is generally considered to be easier to cook for home chefs.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What kind of cheese is needed?

Community Answer

Any cheese that suits your liking. Four cheese blend is one good choice.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 23
Question

Can I just use egg whites in these recipes?

Community Answer

Yes. You can use egg whites with any omelette recipe. Most people prefer the yolk for the flavor and added color.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 25
Question

Can I use a half boiled egg?

Community Answer

No. Use raw eggs to make an omelette.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 18 Helpful 20

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

All additions should be pre-cooked. This is especially true for meats.

Thanks
Helpful 328 Not Helpful 108
For maximum fluffiness, mix the egg whites and yolks separately, and wait to blend them together until right before cooking.

Thanks
Helpful 184 Not Helpful 87
Instead of using milk, you can also use a small amount (one tablespoon or so) of sour cream.

Thanks
Helpful 161 Not Helpful 80

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If the omelette is being cooked in an oven-safe pan, place the pan under a grill for the last few minutes to cook the top of the omelette quicker and give it a crispy texture on top.
Whisk the egg a lot so it gets a lot of air in it (this will give you a fluffy texture). Finish them off with red pepper flakes for a little touch of heat.
Add your milk slowly. If you add too much milk it'll reduce the taste and flavor of the omelette. You can always add more!

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!