Omelets

Breakfast

What's the Difference Between American and French Omelets?

If you've ever ordered an omelet in Europe, then you know you were served something very unlike the omelets we know and love in America.

If you've ever ordered an omelet in Europe, then you know you were served something very unlike the omelets we know and love in America. Many Americans feel squeamish about undercooked eggs (hello, risk of salmonella!), but that custardy, underdone quality is sought out in Europe. Whether you plan to cook one of the styles yourself or experience it at a European restaurant, here are the main differences between American and French omelets.

An American omelet, as pictured on the top, has a speckled golden crust from the pan, and the surface is uneven with craters. This effect occurs because, similar to how steak chars on a pan, the scrambled eggs are cooked over a high heat and left untouched until the eggs set. The round omelet is then folded in half and served. Often, the fillings like meat and vegetables are cooked into the eggs rather than added afterward.

Learn more about the French-style omelet when you keep reading.

Cooking Basics

The French Omelet: A Classic Breakfast Made Easy

Take your love of cooking eggs to the next level by trying your hand at a classic French omelet.

Take your love of cooking eggs to the next level by trying your hand at a classic French omelet. If you've never had one before, the difference between a French version and its American counterpart is simple: the French version is rolled, and thanks to a light hand and a shorter cooking time, it also has an oozy custard interior.

The basic recipe — which is little more than eggs cooked in butter with salt, pepper, and a garnish of chives — is so elemental that perfect execution is key. Learn how to make these fluffy, silky eggs when you watch our video, then print out the recipe and give it a try on your own.

Cooking Basics

Omelets: For Meat and Veggie Lovers

Once you've mastered the classic French omelet, take it to the next level with two customizable egg dishes: a fold-over, filled omelet and an oven-baked frittata.

Once you've mastered the classic French omelet, take it to the next level with two customizable egg dishes: a fold-over, filled omelet and an oven-baked frittata.

Turn to the fold-over omelet for a meal that comes together in mere minutes. Food host Brandi Milloy shows you how to construct a festive Spring vegetable fold-over version with asparagus, bright-green basil pesto, and fresh goat cheese. If you're looking for a heartier bite, then try another spin-off of the classic: the oven-baked frittata, which is made by sautéing bacon and aromatics in a cast-iron skillet, then sprinkling the dish with cheddar and popping it into the oven to finish.

The best part about these techniques? They open the door to infinite fillings, from vegetables to meats to cheeses and even seafood. Watch our video to get started.

recipes

One French Omelet, S'il Vous Plaît

Prepping a French omelet isn't beyond the average scrambler, but it may take a few tries before you're able to plate a colorless creation.


Prepping a French omelet isn't beyond the average scrambler, but it may take a few tries before you're able to plate a colorless creation. That's right; unlike an American omelet, the French omelet is most distinguished by its smooth, yellow exterior, devoid of any scorch marks from the pan.


In order to achieve this, you have to get both hands moving. One will constantly shake the pan while the other hand whisks the eggs in the pan. This method helps the eggs cook and coagulate uniformly. Just as the eggs start to set on the bottom of the pan, the omelet is folded and flipped onto a plate, despite the underdone center.


The exterior of the French omelet is as fluffy and soft as scrambled eggs, but cutting open the center will reveal an oozy custard, which is highly coveted. If you're afraid of a runny texture, have no fear! By constantly whisking the eggs as you cook them, there's no chance of them tasting slimy. To me, the texture resembles crème brûlée, which is pure heaven. After learning this method, I never want to eat my omelets any other way. Try the recipe for yourself.

Breakfast

Fresh Starts: Black Bean Omelet

I've been sticking to a double-whammy of a

Black Bean Omelet
I've been sticking to a double-whammy of a New Year's resolution: to eat healthy as well as on a budget. Every day starts with a wholesome, homemade breakfast — whether it's one that's on-the-go for weekdays, or a more involved (but still relaxed!) weekend brunch.

My latest Saturday a.m. staple is this unusual omelet, filled with cumin-laced black beans and crumbled feta. It's everything one could ask for in a breakfast — salty, creamy, and filling — but it clocks in at under 350 calories and about $1.50 per serving. You can't beat that! Want the recipe? Then read on.