Breakfast

Ham and Swiss Omelet

A tender folded omelet filled with diced deli ham and nutty Swiss cheese, cooked in butter over medium-low heat. Two omelets in 15 minutes.

  • Prep5 min
  • Cook10 min
  • Total15 min
  • Servings2
  • Net carbs*2.7 g
  • LevelEasy

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A folded omelet filled with ham and melted cheese on a white plate
Photo: John Freeman, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A good ham and Swiss omelet is soft and pale yellow on the outside, with melted cheese and warm ham folded into the middle. It is a classic diner order that takes only a few minutes at home. Swiss cheese melts into long, creamy strands and brings a mild nutty flavor that pairs well with salty ham.

Most rubbery omelets come from a pan that is too hot. Medium-low heat lets the eggs set into soft curds without browning. Stir them gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds, then leave them alone so the bottom forms a smooth skin that will hold the filling when you fold it.

Ingredients

Makes 2 omelets (3 eggs each). Tap an item to check it off.

Equipment

  • 8-inch nonstick skillet
  • Whisk
  • Silicone spatula

Instructions

  1. Whisk 3 eggs with 1 tablespoon cream and half of the salt and pepper until frothy. Repeat in a second bowl for the second omelet.
  2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until it foams.
  3. Add half of the ham and warm it for 1 minute, then pour in one bowl of eggs.
  4. Stir gently for 30 seconds, then let the eggs cook undisturbed 2 to 3 minutes, until the top is barely wet.
  5. Scatter half of the Swiss and green onions over one side. Fold the omelet in half and cook 1 minute more to melt the cheese.
  6. Slide onto a warm plate. Repeat with the remaining butter, ham, eggs, cheese and green onions.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
541
Total carbs
3 g
Fiber
0.2 g
Net carbs
2.7 g
Protein
36.7 g
Fat
42.2 g

*These are estimates, calculated from the ingredient weights above and USDA FoodData Central data, divided by 2 servings. Net carbs = total carbs minus fiber. Values vary with brands, quantities, ingredient swaps and how you portion the dish. How we estimate nutrition.

Kitchen tips

  • Warm the plates in a low oven. Omelets lose heat fast on a cold plate.
  • If the top stays runny, cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds before folding.

Substitutions

  • Swiss → sharp cheddar Same amount. Bolder flavor and a little more carbs.
  • Deli ham → crumbled cooked bacon Use 4 slices. Smokier and richer.
  • Heavy cream → water Same amount. A lighter omelet with a slightly firmer texture.

Swaps change the nutrition estimate shown above.

Storage and reheating

Fridge
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep in an airtight container up to 2 days.
Freezer
Does not freeze well. The eggs turn watery and spongy after thawing.
Reheat
Microwave at 50% power for 45 to 60 seconds, or warm covered in a skillet over low heat for 3 minutes.

Questions cooks ask

Should I add milk or cream to omelet eggs?

A spoonful of cream makes the eggs more tender and forgiving. It is optional.

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