{"id":2084684,"date":"2025-02-14T19:55:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-15T06:55:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=recipe&p=2084684"},"modified":"2025-03-07T07:54:50","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T13:54:50","slug":"denver-omelet","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/denver-omelet\/","title":{"rendered":"Denver Omelet"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Denver omelet, famous for being on the menu of every diner and breakfast restaurant worth its salt, is easier to whip up at home than you might think. This omelet<\/a> recipe has an ideal balance of eggs, ham and cheese, with that classic crunch that comes from onions and peppers. The only thing complicated about this flavorful combination of simple ingredients is the Denver omelet’s surprisingly intricate and conflicting origin stories.<\/p>\n One tale claims that resourceful pioneer women masked the flavor of about-to-go-bad eggs with a generous heap of onions; another theory suggests it evolved from egg foo young, a meal often eaten by Chinese railroad workers in the 1860s. There’s even a notion that it began as a sandwich in San Francisco before losing its bread along the way. The Denver omelet didn’t always contain cheese, but let’s be honest: Cheese makes everything better.<\/p>\n However it came to be, the Denver omelet is a classic that has stood the test of time. Once you get your bearings around making a fluffy omelet<\/a> (one alternative method is to separate the whites and yolks), it’s smooth sailing to breakfast.<\/p>\n In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper and smoked paprika (if using). Set the bowl aside.<\/p>\n Add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green pepper and ham, and cook for two to three minutes or until vegetables are slightly soft. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> A nonstick 8- or 10-inch pan is your best friend here, unless you enjoy the challenge of scraping eggs off the skillet. Much larger than that and you risk making a thin, crepe-like omelet.<\/p>\n Working in batches, coat the skillet with cooking spray. Add a quarter of the egg mixture to the skillet (mixture should set immediately at the edges). As the eggs set, push the cooked edges toward the center, letting the uncooked portion flow underneath. When the eggs are set, spoon a quarter of the vegetable mixture on half of the omelet, sprinkle it with 1\/4 cup cheese, and fold the other side over the filling.<\/p>\n Let the omelet cook for 30 to 60 seconds or until cheese has melted. Slide the omelet onto a plate. Repeat.<\/p>\n Egg dishes don’t age well, even if you do everything right. If you must store leftover Denver omelets, they can be safely kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.<\/p>\n If you must reheat an omelet, a microwave is the best option. But don’t go overboard. Cover it with a damp paper towel and reheat it for 30 to 45 seconds to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in a buttered pan on the stovetop for two to three minutes.<\/p>\n Making eggs looks easy, but they’re easy to mess up. Do keep a few key things in mind when making an omelet. First, whisk them like you mean it. The more air in the eggs, the fluffier the omelet, so don’t be shy about giving them a good beating. Second, you want to cook them over medium heat. If your burner is too high, you’ll have a dry, rubbery omelet on the outside and an undercooked center. Finally, as tempting as it is to load up on fillings, less is more: Too much filling and your omelet won’t fold properly. If you overdo it on your cheese and veggies, or you mess up your fold and flip, just call it a scramble; no one will know the difference.<\/p>\n Think diner delights when pairing up a Denver omelet. Crispy hash browns<\/a> are a must\u2014because eggs and potatoes are soulmates, and who are we to break them up? And buttery biscuits<\/a> are a breakfast requirement. Fresh fruit skewers<\/a> add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. And, of course, no breakfast is complete without a great drink\u2014a bold Bloody Mary<\/a> or a glass of fresh orange juice makes the whole meal feel just right.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A Denver omelet is pure breakfast bliss with fluffy eggs, ham, onions, peppers and cheese. Make it a full diner meal with toast, hash browns and coffee.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2115442,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304275,304287,306928,306910,304328,305271,304338,307033,303966,305003,307728,307389,304988,303887,306848,305014,305018,304268,307307,304026,305374,307698,307723,307383,304350,324623,304243,304020,304005,304150,303883,307614],"categories-v2":[308295,308300,309924,309906,308984,308481,309216,308992,310079,308495,308949,310690,310418,308935,308478,309603,308957,308959,259483,310342,308606,309381,310669,310685,310410,309001,309177,309586,308594,308549,309434,308476,310591],"coauthors":[343320],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Baked Omelette","post_link":"\/recipes\/oven-denver-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Baked-Omelette_EXPS_TOHD24_9221_AlejandroMonfort_5.jpg"},{"post_title":"Southwestern Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/southwestern-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps660_W101973175D11_15_6bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Fresh Corn Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/fresh-corn-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps167311_SD153321B02_04_3b-6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Potato Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/potato-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Potato-Omelet_EXPS_SDAM19_8973_E12_11_1b-8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Denver Omelet Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/denver-omelet-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Denver-Omelet-Salad_EXPS_THAM18_205824_D11_07_14b-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Tomato and Green Pepper Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/tomato-and-green-pepper-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Tomato-and-Green-Pepper-Omelet_exps114611_WSD1999447D12_08_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Western Omelet Casserole","post_link":"\/recipes\/western-omelet-casserole\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Western-Omelet-Casserole_EXPS_SDON16_73293_B06_08_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Fiesta Time Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/fiesta-time-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/exps164723_HCK163687C07_17_1b-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cheddar Hash Brown Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/cheddar-hash-brown-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Cheddar-Hash-Brown-Omelet_EXPS_BMZ20_22178_B10_22_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Corned Beef Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/corned-beef-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Corned-Beef-Omelet_exps20221_W101973175C10_07_5bC_RMS-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Western Omelet Sandwich","post_link":"\/recipes\/western-omelet-sandwich\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps14010_RX10154C52-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Apple Cinnamon Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/apple-cinnamon-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Apple-Cinnamon-Omelet_exps114612_WSD1999447A12_08_1b_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Baked Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/baked-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Farmhouse Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/farmhouse-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps5396_CS1681C1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chili Bean Cheese Omelet","post_link":"\/recipes\/chili-bean-cheese-omelet\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps19437_TH10301D23C-1.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Denver-Omelet_EXPS_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6.jpg","long_pin_file":{"ID":2121140,"id":2121140,"title":"Denver Omelet Ft25 276379 Ec 0205 6 Long Pin","filename":"Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6_Long-Pin.jpg","filesize":318022,"url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6_Long-Pin.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?attachment_id=2121140","alt":"Denver Omelet","author":"7948","description":"","caption":"","name":"denver-omelet_ft25_276379_ec_0205_6_long-pin","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":2118006,"date":"2025-03-05 08:56:38","modified":"2025-03-05 08:56:56","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1000,"height":1500,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6_Long-Pin.jpg?resize=150,150","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6_Long-Pin.jpg?fit=300,300","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6_Long-Pin.jpg?fit=768,0","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":0,"large":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6_Long-Pin.jpg?fit=700,1024","large-width":700,"large-height":1024,"web-stories-poster-portrait":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6_Long-Pin.jpg?resize=640,853","web-stories-poster-portrait-width":640,"web-stories-poster-portrait-height":853,"web-stories-publisher-logo":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6_Long-Pin.jpg?resize=96,96","web-stories-publisher-logo-width":96,"web-stories-publisher-logo-height":96,"web-stories-thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6_Long-Pin.jpg?fit=150,9999","web-stories-thumbnail-width":150,"web-stories-thumbnail-height":9999}},"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/denver-omelet\/","name":"Denver Omelet","datePublished":"2025-02-14","dateModified":"2025-02-14","prepTime":"PT10M","cookTime":"PT20M","totalTime":"PT30M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Denver-Omelet_EXPS_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Breakfast","Brunch"],"description":"With fluffy eggs, smoky ham, cheese and a sprinkle of peppers and onions, the classic Denver omelet ticks all the breakfast boxes.","recipeIngredient":["8 large eggs, beaten","1\/2 teaspoon salt","1\/4 teaspoon pepper","1\/8 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional","2 tablespoons butter","1\/2 cup finely chopped onion","1\/2 finely cup chopped green pepper","1\/2 cup diced fully cooked ham","1 cup shredded cheddar cheese"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Whisk the eggs","text":"In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper and smoked paprika (if using). Set the bowl aside.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_2.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Heat ham and veggies","text":"Add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green pepper and ham, and cook for two to three minutes or until vegetables are slightly soft. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Editor's Tip: A nonstick 8- or 10-inch pan is your best friend here, unless you enjoy the challenge of scraping eggs off the skillet. Much larger than that and you risk making a thin, crepe-like omelet.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_3.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Build your omelet","text":"Working in batches, coat the skillet with cooking spray. Add a quarter of the egg mixture to the skillet (mixture should set immediately at the edges). As the eggs set, push the cooked edges toward the center, letting the uncooked portion flow underneath. When the eggs are set, spoon a quarter of the vegetable mixture on half of the omelet, sprinkle it with 1\/4 cup cheese, and fold the other side over the filling. Let the omelet cook for 30 to 60 seconds or until cheese has melted. Slide the omelet onto a plate. Repeat.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Denver-Omelet_FT25_276379_EC_0205_4-1.jpg"}],"recipeYield":"4 omelets","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Kate McKiernan"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 342 calories","fatContent":"25g fat (12g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"426mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"880mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"4g carbohydrate (2g sugars","fiberContent":"1g fiber)","proteinContent":"23g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":0,"reviewCount":0,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"North America"},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"276379","romance_copy_dek":"With fluffy eggs, smoky ham, cheese and a sprinkle of peppers and onions, the classic Denver omelet ticks all the breakfast boxes.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Denver Omelet","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"8 large eggs, beaten","IngredientText":"8 large eggs, beaten"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon salt","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon salt"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon pepper","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon pepper"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/8 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional","IngredientText":"1\/8 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 tablespoons butter","IngredientText":"2 tablespoons butter"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup finely chopped onion","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup finely chopped onion"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 finely cup chopped green pepper","IngredientText":"1\/2 finely cup chopped green pepper"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup diced fully cooked ham","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup diced fully cooked ham"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup shredded cheddar cheese","IngredientText":"1 cup shredded cheddar cheese"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Denver-Omelet_EXPS_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6.jpg","RecipeId":276379,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Denver Omelet Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Denver-Omelet_EXPS_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Francine","Lastname":"Lizotte","City":"Langley","StateDescription":"British Columbia","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep\/Total Time: 30 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":4,"MaximumServingQuantity":4,"Yield":"4 omelets.","DigitalTitle":"Denver Omelet","SubmittedTitle":"DENVER OMELET ","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":0,"WebPublishedDate":"2\/14\/2025 7:55:55 PM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_FT25_276379_EC_0205_8.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":10,"CookTimeInMinutes":20,"TotalTimeInMinutes":30,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Denver Omelet","OriginalSourceProject":"Denver Omelet","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"A tasty omelet that thrives on its simplicity, it's a classic breakfast that never gets old. You can enjoy this cheesy egg delicacy for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. \u2014Francine Lizotte, Langley, British Columbia","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper and smoked paprika, if desired. Set aside.","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":" Heat butter in a large skillet to medium heat. Add onion, pepper and ham; cook 2-3 minutes or until vegetables are slightly soft. Transfer mixture to a bowl.","SequenceNo":2},{"Direction":" Working in batches, coat skillet with cooking spray. Add 1\/4 of the egg mixture to skillet (mixture should set immediately at edges). As eggs set, push cooked edges toward the center, letting uncooked portion flow underneath. When the eggs are set, spoon 1\/4 of the vegetable mixture on one half of the omelet; sprinkle with 1\/4 cup cheese; fold other side over filling. Let cook 30-60 seconds or until cheese has melted. Slide omelet onto a plate. Repeat.","SequenceNo":3}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[],"Cuisine":[],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Easy","ID":304338},{"Name":"Quick","ID":304350},{"Name":"Cuisines","ID":305271},{"Name":"North America","ID":305374},{"Name":"Gear","ID":303966},{"Name":"Non-stick Skillet","ID":304026},{"Name":"Skillet","ID":304020},{"Name":"Stovetop Cookware","ID":304005},{"Name":"Health & Wellness","ID":304988},{"Name":"Gluten-Free","ID":305003},{"Name":"Keto Diet","ID":305014},{"Name":"Low-Carb","ID":305018},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Cheddar Cheese","ID":306928},{"Name":"Cheese","ID":306910},{"Name":"Eggs","ID":307033},{"Name":"Green Peppers","ID":307728},{"Name":"Ham","ID":307389},{"Name":"Meat & Poultry","ID":307307},{"Name":"Onions","ID":307698},{"Name":"Peppers","ID":307723},{"Name":"Pork","ID":307383},{"Name":"Vegetables","ID":307614},{"Name":"Meal Types","ID":304268},{"Name":"Breakfast","ID":304275},{"Name":"Brunch","ID":304287},{"Name":"Techniques","ID":304150},{"Name":"Sauteing","ID":304243},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":16,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1 omelet: 342 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 426mg cholesterol, 880mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.","NoOfRatings":0,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Denver-Omelet_EXPS_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Denver-Omelet_EXPS_FT25_276379_EC_0205_6.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":true,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Denver Omelet"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\nDenver Omelet Ingredients<\/h2>\n
Ellie Crowley for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Whisk the eggs<\/h3>\n
Ellie Crowley for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Heat ham and veggies<\/h3>\n
Ellie Crowley for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Build your omelet<\/h3>\n
Ellie Crowley for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Ellie Crowley for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Ellie Crowley for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Denver Omelet Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store a Denver Omelet<\/h2>\n
How do you reheat a Denver omelet?<\/h3>\n
Denver Omelet Tips<\/h2>\n
Ellie Crowley for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
What are some key tricks to making a perfect omelet?<\/h3>\n
What can you serve with a Denver omelet?<\/h3>\n