Cheese And Egg Whites: Perfect Pairing For Breakfast

There are many types of cheese that go well with egg whites, especially when made into an omelette. Some cheeses that can be used are feta, goat cheese, cheddar, gouda, parmesan, and cottage cheese. For a more elevated taste, Gruyere, Morbier, Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Comte, and Ossau Vielle are also recommended.

Parmesan, feta, goat cheese, or cheddar with egg whites

Parmesan

Parmesan is a popular cheese to pair with egg whites. One way to prepare this combination is to fry eggs and sprinkle grated Parmesan on them a minute before flipping, then do the same on the other side. This method only takes a minute and adds a crisp, salty layer to the eggs. You can also try a "crispy Parmesan eggs" recipe, where you fry eggs on a bed of grated Parmesan to create a crispy, golden brown edge.

Feta

Feta is another cheese that goes well with egg whites. You can scramble eggs with vegetables like onions and tomatoes, and then add feta to the mix. This combination is tasty, though you may want to add extra feta for a more pronounced flavor.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a tangy and creamy addition to scrambled eggs. You can add it to the eggs just as they finish cooking, so it melts into them. Goat cheese is also very melty, so it can prevent scrambled eggs from becoming dry and rubbery.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a common addition to egg white sandwiches, often paired with turkey bacon and an English muffin. This combination is a copycat of Starbucks' egg white breakfast sandwich, which can be easily recreated at home.

Spinach and cottage cheese with egg whites

This yolkless combination of spinach and cottage cheese with egg whites is a healthy, protein-rich meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. It is simple to make and can be easily customised with additional ingredients.

Ingredients

The ingredients required for this recipe are:

• Egg whites
• Spinach
• Cottage cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Optional Ingredients

You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture, such as:

• Garlic powder
• Scallions
• Cherry tomatoes
• Other vegetables (e.g. onions, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers)
• Meat (e.g. bacon, smoked salmon, ham)
• Fresh herbs (e.g. basil, parsley, dill)

Method

• Whisk together the egg whites with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings (e.g. garlic powder) until frothy.
• In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese, spinach, and grated Parmesan.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted and tender, seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Pour in the egg white mixture and cook until nearly set, using a spatula to pull the sides towards the centre to allow uncooked egg whites to run underneath.
• Dollop the cottage cheese mixture on top of the omelette and sprinkle with additional Parmesan.
• Gently slide the omelette onto a serving plate, folding it over by tipping the skillet slightly.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips and Variations

• For a fluffier omelette, beat the egg whites well and cook on medium-low heat.
• Fresh egg whites are recommended for better taste and fluffier texture.
• If you prefer a more substantial meal, you can add meat or other vegetables to the filling.
• You can also bake the mixture in the oven for a casserole-style dish.
• To make ahead, assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before cooking.

How to make a 3-cheese egg white omelette

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
• 1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Olive oil spray
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, feta, goat cheese, or parmesan)

Optional Ingredients

• Fresh herbs like basil, dill, parsley, cilantro, or chives
• Sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and broccoli
• Pre-cooked meats like chopped bacon and ham

Utensils

• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Non-stick skillet
• Heatproof spatula
• Plate

Method

• In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk the egg whites with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until frothy.
• Lightly spray a non-stick skillet with olive oil and heat over medium heat.
• Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and scatter the tomatoes and scallions on top.
• As the edges start to set, reduce the heat to medium-low. Gently and repeatedly lift the edges of the omelette and tilt the skillet to allow the uncooked egg whites to slide to the bottom of the pan and cook.
• When the bottom is cooked and the top is no longer runny, carefully flip the omelette.
• Sprinkle the omelette with your choice of shredded cheese.
• Fold the omelette in half and slide it onto a plate.

Tips

• For a fluffier omelette, beat the egg whites well and cook on medium-low heat.
• Fresh egg whites will taste better and result in a fluffier omelette than egg whites from a carton.
• If you want to get creative, you can add fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, or pre-cooked meats to your omelette.

Cheeses to avoid with egg whites

While there are no specific cheeses to avoid with egg whites, there are some cheeses that are better suited for egg dishes with yolk. For example, in ingredient-heavy egg dishes, cheeses like feta, fresh goat cheese, or sharp pecorino are excellent choices. The salty and punchy flavours of cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese can also be used, but they will compete with the eggs for the centre stage.

When it comes to egg whites, it is essential to enhance their flavour with tasty fillings, as they are almost flavourless on their own. Thus, it is recommended to use cheeses that complement the egg whites without overpowering them.

Best cheeses for a classic or elevated omelette

Omelettes are a great way to start your day, and with the right ingredients, they can be absolutely delicious. While you can make an omelette with just eggs, cheese is a common addition that can add flavour, texture, and protein to your meal. Here are some of the best cheeses to use for a classic or elevated omelette:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for omelettes, as it melts well and has a sharp, distinct flavour. It can be used in classic combinations such as with ham and tomatoes or elevated with herbs and spices.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a versatile cheese that can be grated or shredded and used in omelettes. It has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. It pairs well with vegetables like spinach and tomatoes and can add a salty, nutty taste to your omelette.

Feta

Feta is a Greek cheese that crumbles easily and has a salty, tangy flavour. It is a great option for omelettes, adding a creamy texture and a punch of flavour. Feta goes well with vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is a soft, creamy cheese with a tangy flavour. It adds a rich, creamy texture to omelettes and pairs well with herbs and spices. Goat cheese can be used in place of feta for a slightly milder flavour.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It melts easily and is a good choice for those who want a creamy, gooey omelette. It can be used on its own or paired with other cheeses like cheddar for a more complex flavour.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a classic Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. It melts beautifully and adds a touch of elegance to any omelette. Gruyere pairs well with herbs and spices and can be used in place of cheddar for a more sophisticated taste.

When choosing cheese for your omelette, consider the flavour profile you want to create and the texture you prefer. Remember that a little cheese goes a long way, so you don't need to use too much to get the desired taste and consistency. Enjoy experimenting with different cheeses and finding your perfect omelette combination!

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