The Denver Omelet

The Denver omelet is a change of pace from a French omelet and is known for its firmer texture and caramelized flavor. It's one of the first foods I learned to cook professionally as a line cook in high school. Make it a complete lunch or dinner with arugula salad and toasted bread.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 491 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 large eggs
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ⅓ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons diced green bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons diced onion
• ¼ cup diced smoked ham

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Beat eggs in a small bowl until just combined; do not overbeat.

Step 2

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ham, onion, and bell pepper; season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until onions soften and ham begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in eggs. Mix briefly with a spatula while shaking the pan to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed. Quickly run the spatula along edges of omelet. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese and cayenne pepper over omelet.

Step 4

Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until top is still wet but not runny, about 5 minutes. Use a spatula to fold omelet in half and transfer it to a plate.