This Classic Denver Omelette brings it all together with sweet bell peppers, onions, smoked ham, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. It is the perfect weekend breakfast, and I love to serve it with Homemade Hash Browns or Roasted Rosemary Potatoes.
Denver omelettes are perfect for that weekend breakfast you have been longing for. Although we often make these delectable treats during the week as well. Peppers, onions, ham, and cheese, are simple tastes that meld together perfectly….like Abbott & Costello. If you are a young-in, I am sure you are shaking your head right now thinking, who in the heck is she talking about?
How do you make a Denver Omelette?
Start by chopping your onion, pepper, and ham. Then heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the onions and peppers. Cook until the vegetables start to brown on the edges stirring several times. Now add the chopped ham and cook for another couple of minutes. Remove the onions, peppers, and ham to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Next, whisk the eggs, egg whites, and water together. Heat one tablespoon of butter in an eight-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add half of the egg mixture to the pan swirling to coat. Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and cook until the eggs set. This will take approximately two to three minutes. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the omelette, turn off burner, cover loosely with the foil again and allow the cheese to melt. Finally add half of the vegetables/ham mixture and fold the omelet closed bringing one side over the other.
Repeat the procedure with the rest of the egg mixture, cheese and veggies creating another omelette.
Helpful tips for making an epic Denver Omelette
- Cut your onions, peppers, and ham fairly fine so you get a variety in every bite.
- Use good quality white cheddar cheese. It really does make a difference.
- Don’t overcook the eggs, as they should be cooked just until set. A loose piece of aluminum foil helps them set perfectly.
- You can use any kind of cheese or variety of cheese that you like that melts well. Cheddar, provel, provolone, and Monterey Jack are just a few of my favorites with this omelet.
- I find that the freshly shredded cheese tastes far better than the pre-shredded kind. Sure, it is a little bit more work, but if it tastes better, isn’t it worth it?
Now doesn’t that look yummy. Now where in world did the Denver omelette get it’s name and originate from. Well everyone has lots of different answers and ideas but the one that makes the most sense is that the cowboys would cook these out on the range while rustling cattle and horses. It is also referred to as the “Western Omelette.” It is a wonderful combination of flavors and quite easy to make in a pinch. So treat yourself and the whole cattle range if you are up to it!
Other breakfast recipes you will love!
- On the Go Sausage Cheddar Breakfast Muffins
- Caramelized Onion Ham Broccoli Quiche
- Cheesy Pepper Asparagus Breakfast Casserole
- Smoked Salmon Patties with Dill Mayonnaise
- Perfect Eggs Benedict
Classic Denver Omelette
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/2 red pepper finely diced
- 1/2 green pepper finely diced
- 5 slices lean ham chopped about 4 ounces
- 4 whole eggs
- 4 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons cool water
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and peppers. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until vegetables start browning on edges. Add ham and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and keep warm.
- Whisk eggs, egg whites and water,
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in 8 inch non stick skillet over medium low heat. Add half the egg mixture to pan. Cover the pan and cook until the eggs set approximately 2-3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup cheese, turn off the burner and allow the cheese to melt. Add half the veggies and fold the omelette closed bringing one side over the other.
- Repeat procedure with the rest of the egg mixture, cheese and veggies.
Notes
- Cut your onions, peppers, and ham fairly fine so you get a variety in every bite.
- Use good quality white cheddar cheese. It really does make a difference.
- Don't overcook the eggs, as they should be cooked just until set. A loose piece of aluminum foil helps them set perfectly.
- You can use any kind of cheese or variety of cheese that you like that melts well. Cheddar, provel, provolone, and Monterey Jack are just a few of my favorites with this omelet.
- I find that the freshly shredded cheese tastes far better than the pre-shredded kind. Sure, it is a little bit more work, but if it tastes better, isn't it worth it?
Nutrition
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Jonathan H
Filling, and hearty, I can’t wait for a cold morning in Denver with coffee and eggs with NO BREAD, LOL.
Jonathan H
No carbs no cabs.. my driver better enjoy them aswell.
SONIA
What makes the classic Denver omelette so unique is its versatility. It can be served with various sides, such as hash browns, toast, or fresh fruit, making it an excellent choice for any breakfast occasion. The ingredients are easy to find and can be adjusted to your preferences, making it a dish tailored to your taste. This is something I will eat every day.
Fransic
This was so yummy! Healthy ingredients and delicious. How can you go wrong? Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe!
Neely Moldovan
Oh this looks delish! I love making omelettes! I actually do them for lunch a ton!
Brisbane
It is an amazing-tasting dish, a few things I would not have put in the dish, but I’m pleasantly surprised.
Natalie
Beautiful! I love a good omelette but I’ve never heard of a Denver omelette. This is maybe one to add to the books for when I have a day off.
Alita Pacio
Such a great omelet! One of my favorites. I make it all the time.
LisaLisa
We love a good omelette in our home sometimes I make them for breakfast and dinner! Kids love them!
Debbie
I love a great Denver omelette. It’s my go to for breakfast when eating out. This is the perfect recipe for a home version.
Krystle
I love ordering this out, thanks for showing me up to make it at home. We love it on Saturday mornings with your hashbrowns.
Beti
This is my favorite omelet!! I am definitely making this again over the weekend!!
katerina
I would love this for breakfast!! It looks and sounds incredibly delicious!
Erin
That is the perfect breakfast! It was a huge hit in my house!
Erik
Totally been craving omelets lately, so this was perfect! Love the filling.
Amanda
This is my favorite omelet ever! So many different flavors and textures.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Amanda! Glad that you like it!
Trey Louis
Your recipe was deelish! Thx for posting – I’ll be having one this morning.
FYI: “Rustling” means stealing. I think the word you were looking for is “wrangling” – a common tender foot mistake… 😉
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the heads up Trey! I will correct that.
Pearl
We had this for dinner. Very easy and delicious. Did not have enough ham so I used bacon. Yum!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Pearl! So glad that you liked it!
Betsy
This is a GREAT lo FODMAP recipe if I use green onion for the onion in this! I forgot about Denver omelets. This is a wonderful recipe and I’m so glad I found it!!
Katie
Looks so good! I know my family will go crazy over this.
Sara
Started my day off right with this recipe; hands down, the best omelette I have ever had! Easily, a new favorite breakfast dish!
Jess
Omelets are my favorite breakfast food and this one does not disappoint!
Bintu
Now this sounds like my kind of breakfast – absolutely delicious and with all my favourite foods!
Roxana
This would be great for a brunch. Filling and lots of flavorful ingredients. I love a good omelet recipe.
Beth
This is our favourite weekend breakfast! So hearty and filling and most importantly tasty!
Sydnie
This looks like a great recipe to try for breakfast! YUM!
Beth
This looks, and I’m sure smells, amazing! I know what I want for my birthday breakfast now!
Gina
5 stars for sure!!! Delish!
Meagen
This is my husbands favorite breakfast recipe. So delicious and easy. Perfect for even busy mornings!
Bear King
I’ll have you know that cowboys did not rustle cattle out on the range. Cowboys herded, rustlers rustled. Thanks much for the great recipe.
Bear
Farah
Shockingly, I made my first ever plain omelette last week. This looks like the natural next step! Great flavors!
Megan
This is totally my kind of meal. I may be from Australia but I think I can manage to rustle up one of these. Thanks for sharing.
Sapana
Such a delicious breakfast to make on the weekends!
Anita
Such a great breakfast to wake up to. Definitely super easy and super delicious. This and a cup of black coffee and I’m a happy gal. 🙂
Sues
Ooh I’ve always loved Denver omelets, but I’ve never made my own at home. Weekend breakfast has been decided!!
Laura Reese
I have not mastered the omelet until this recipe. I think cutting the veggies thin does make a huge difference! The flavors work beautifully together.
Natalie
I am so excited for breakfast!! Omelets are the best & this is packed with flavor & easy!
Katie
Okay, this omelet was just INCREDIBLE! Such an easy recipe to follow and it turned out so delicious! Will be making again and again!
Krissy
I love a good classic omelette and this one was great!
Sammy
I know what I will be having for breakfast tomorrow; what a great way to start my day!
Jocelyn
I’m always looking for egg recipes to make for breakfast! Our family loved this omelet!
Laura Reese
This omelet looks simple and delicious.
Amy
What a great omelet! Thanks for this recipe.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! So glad that you liked it!
Tanya
I can’t wait to make these for my husband, he loves Denver omelets!
April
That is the best looking omelette I ever did see. Yum!!
Angie
This looks so good! I love a good classic omelette!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Me too Angie!
Krista
I do love a good omelet! Cannot wait to try this!
Cathy
Such a perfect omelette!
Catalina
Looks easy and so tasty! I will make it tomorrow!
Katerina
I love how easy and delicious this is!! A must make!
Jade Manning
That is my breakfast sorted!! Yes!!