Denver Omelet - An Epic Breakfast Treat Stacked with Goodness

Forget plain old eggs - take your breakfast up a notch with the king of all omelets, the Denver omelet! This hearty, decadent omelet is stacked with cheese, meat, veggies and more. Made just right, it's a meal that will fuel your whole day. Read on to learn all the secrets behind crafting the ultimate diner-style Denver omelet at home.

What is a Denver Omelet?

A Denver omelet is an stuffed omelet filled with cheese, ham, onions, green peppers and sometimes other extras. The fillings are cooked directly in the eggs, so every bite contains a perfect morsel of each component.

This hearty omelet contrasts soft scrambled eggs with crunchy veggies, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese. Accented with seasoned salt and pepper, it's a complete meal any time of day!

History of the Denver Omelet

While its exact origins are debated, the Denver omelet gained fame at restaurants and diners in Denver, Colorado in the early 20th century. It remains a staple menu item and regional specialty in the city today.

How to Order at a Diner

To order a classic Denver omelet in a restaurant, ask for it filled with ham, onions, green peppers, and cheddar or American cheese. Some places may call it a "Western" omelet instead.

Making Restaurant Worthy Denver Omelets at Home

With just a few extra steps, you can enjoy diner-style Denver omelets from your own kitchen:

Ingredients

• Eggs - at least 3 per omelet
• Ham, diced
• Onions, diced
• Green bell peppers, diced
• Shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Sauté onions and peppers in butter or oil until tender.

2. Add diced ham and continue cooking 2-3 minutes.

3. Whisk eggs with seasoning. Pour into pan and cook until slightly set.

4. Lift edges to allow uncooked egg to contact pan.

5. Sprinkle fillings and cheese atop one half of omelet.

6. Fold omelet over fillings and cook until eggs are set.

7. Slide omelet onto plate, cut into wedges, and enjoy!

Tips for Fluffy Diner-Worthy Results

• Use a nonstick pan and plenty of butter or oil
• Let eggs set before adding fillings
• Cook over medium-low heat to prevent burning
• Add a splash of milk or water to make eggs extra fluffy
• Cover pan when cooking filled omelet

Unique Fillings and Variations

While ham, cheese, onions and green peppers are classic, you can customize your Denver omelet with other fillings like:

• Bacon, sausage, or turkey
• Mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, or broccoli
• Jalapeños or salsa for a spicy kick
• Avocado, caramelized onions, or hash browns
• Sharp cheddar, feta, or pepper jack cheese

Make it a Denver Omelet Bar

For a fun brunch, set up a DIY Denver omelet bar so guests can build their own. Provide:

• Prepared eggs or an omelet station
• Diced ham, bacon, sausage, etc.
• Sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms and more
• Shredded cheese
• Hot sauce and other condiments

Let guests get creative stacking their omelets!

Even More Epic Omelet Ideas

Once you've mastered the art of the Denver omelet, try your hand at more over-the-top omelet recipes:

• Philly cheesesteak omelet - With sliced steak and melted cheese
• Breakfast taco omelet - Filled with salsa, onions, peppers and sausage
• Greek omelet - Feta, tomatoes, olives, and spinach
• Pizza omelet - Pepperoni, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese
• Chicken fajita omelet - Grilled chicken, peppers, onions, and salsa

The Denver Omelet - A Diner Classic You Can Make at Home

Whether you're craving a diner-style breakfast or want an impressive brunch dish, the Denver omelet delivers. Loaded with all your favorite fillings inside fluffy eggs, it makes the ultimate hearty meal any time of day. The next time you have a hankering for an over-the-top omelet, look no further than this coveted classic!

FAQs

Where did the Denver omelet originate?

While the exact origins are unclear, the Denver omelet gained popularity in restaurants in Denver, Colorado in the early 1900s.

What's the difference between an omelet and scrambled eggs?

An omelet is cooked gently to keep the eggs tender and rolled around a filling. Scrambled eggs are broken into small curds and stirred constantly.

Is a Denver omelet healthy?

It can be when made with lean fillings like chicken or turkey bacon and low-fat cheese. Go easy on butter and oil when cooking.

Can you make a Denver omelet without ham?

Absolutely! Substitute any cooked meat like bacon, sausage, chicken, or steak.

How do you make an omelet super fluffy?

Gently whisk eggs just until blended, don't overbeat. Cook on medium-low heat and add a bit of milk or water to add air.