Western Omelet

Finely diced ham, bell pepper, onion, and cheddar make a classic folded omelet with a tender egg exterior and a practical four-batch plan.

28 min

4 individual omelets

A softly golden Western omelet is folded around diced ham, green pepper, onion, and melted cheddar, with toast alongside.

Ingredients

8 large eggs

4 oz fully cooked ham, finely diced

1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced

1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced

1 tbsp neutral oil

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 tsp cold water

Equipment

Chef's knife · Cutting board · Large skillet · Nonstick skillet · Mixing bowl · Whisk · Flexible spatula

Protect the tender eggs

Keep the skillet at medium-low and take the eggs off the heat as soon as they are set; their remaining warmth will finish the center.

Cook to order

The individual-batch plan keeps each omelet hot and folded neatly. Serve it as it leaves the skillet.

Set up the filling

01. Dice the ham, bell pepper, and onion finely, shred cheddar, and set up separate egg bowls so each omelet can cook in sequence.

02. Cook the filling in oil with salt and pepper until moisture evaporates and the onion softens; a dry pan keeps the folded eggs from getting soggy.

Portion and cook

03. Divide the warm filling into four portions and hold it close to the stove for quick assembly.

04. Whisk each small egg portion only when it is ready to cook, just until the yolk and white blend.

Fold each omelet

05. Melt butter over medium-low heat and gently move the eggs until the edge sets and the center has only a faint sheen.

06. Add one portion of filling and cheddar to half, fold, and let the residual heat soften the cheese without browning the eggs.

Repeat and serve

07. Plate the first omelet, then repeat with the remaining bowls and portions; wipe out any stuck egg before the next batch.

08. Serve each folded omelet promptly with toast or hash browns instead of covering tightly, which would trap steam.