Cheese Omelette: The Perfect Side Dish Pairings

Omelettes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. While there are many variations of the omelette, the French and American styles are the most common. The French omelette is cooked on moderate heat and has a smooth, silky exterior with little to no browning, while the American omelette is cooked on medium-low heat and the edges are lifted from the sides of the pan. The cheese omelette is a popular choice, with cheddar, Monterey Jack, goat cheese, and feta cheese being some of the most commonly used cheeses. In addition to cheese, omelettes can also be filled with vegetables, herbs, and meat.

Cheese types: cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, gouda, feta, etc

There are several types of cheese that go well with an omelette, including cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, gouda, feta, and Emmentaler.

Cheddar is a popular choice for omelettes as it melts well and adds sharpness. It can be paired with bacon, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also add spices like chilli powder and Italian herbs to enhance the flavour.

Mozzarella is another cheese that melts well and can be used to make a fluffy, soft, and pillowy omelette. It can be paired with grilled veggies, wrapped in a roti or tortilla, or served in a sandwich.

Feta is a Greek cheese often used in omelettes, especially when paired with fresh mint. It is a good source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals. A Greek omelette with feta cheese can be served with a salad and bread for a light dinner or breakfast.

Gouda, a Dutch cheese, can be added to a simple herb omelette to create a flavourful and savoury dish. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil complement the gouda well.

Pepper jack is a variety of Monterey cheese with a peppery zing that can add flavour to an omelette. It goes well with bacon, mushrooms, and black olives.

Emmentaler is a type of Swiss cheese that can be used in a classic cheese omelette. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavour and melts well.

Omelette fillings: vegetables, herbs, meat, etc

Omelettes are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, herbs, meat, and more. Here are some ideas for omelette fillings to pair with cheese:

Vegetables

• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped bell peppers
• Diced onions
• Cubed potatoes (these should be sautéed before adding to the omelette)
• Avocado
• Spinach
• Cherry tomatoes
• Leftover ratatouille

Herbs

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Scallions
• Chives
• Basil

Meat

• Chopped crispy cooked bacon
• Diced ham
• Sausage
• Canadian bacon
• Chicken
• Turkey

Other

You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. Some popular choices include cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, goat cheese, and feta.

Omelette styles: French, American, Japanese, Greek, etc

French Omelette

The French take their omelettes very seriously. The ideal French omelette is very pale yellow, almost impossibly even in shape, and just barely set on the inside. It is rolled rather than folded. The rolled omelette is served "nicely rolled, and with the ends nicely folded". To achieve this, gently mix lightly beaten eggs in a pan on low heat until curds begin to form. Then, use a fork to lift the side of the omelette closest to you and gently roll it up.

Some French chefs prefer a folded omelette, like the one served at La Mère Poulard, a restaurant in Mont Saint-Michel. Their puffy omelette is cooked over a very hot, open flame on just one side until it is puffy but barely set, and then folded only when it is being plated.

American Omelette

The American-style omelette is made in an 8" non-stick skillet with sloped edges. The eggs are beaten thoroughly and then cooked, constantly moving the cooked egg curds to the centre of the pan to allow the runny portion to cook smoothly. Fillings are added when the eggs have set. The omelette is then folded and served hot.

Japanese Omelette

A Japanese-style omelette, or okonomiyaki, combines rich savoury flavours with nutritious ingredients. It is made with eggs, dark soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chilli, spring onions, cauliflower, pak choi, cornflour, lime juice, and cucumber. The omelette is served with a cucumber and spring onion salad, drizzled with oyster sauce.

Greek Omelette

A Greek omelette is made with halved grape tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, feta cheese, spinach, and olive oil. The eggs are whisked and then mixed with spinach, oregano, salt, and pepper. The omelette is cooked in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and then folded and served.

A cheese omelette is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Ham
• Herbs
• Buffalo Wings
• Blue Cheese
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Spinach
• Tomato
• Feta Cheese

Best cookware: non-stick pans, wooden utensils, etc

When making a cheese omelette, it's important to keep the temperature low to prevent the omelette from turning brown. The best cookware to use is a small, non-stick pan. Non-stick pans are essential for cooking eggs as they are notoriously sticky. Eggs can leave a crusty, unsightly residue that is nearly impossible to clean off.

The best non-stick pans for omelettes include the Zwilling Non-Stick Frying Pan, the Thomas Keller Insignia TITUM Nonstick Sauté Pans, the Caraway Frying Pan, and the All-Clad Hard Anodized Fry Pans. These pans are slick and lightweight, with gently sloped sides that make flipping an omelette easy. They also have slip-free handles that remain cool, even on high heat.

When using a non-stick pan, it is important to use soft utensils such as wooden or silicone tools to prevent scratching the non-stick surface. Cast iron and stainless steel pans are also suitable for making omelettes, but they require more maintenance and are more difficult to clean.

Now, let's talk about what goes well with a cheese omelette. Here are some ideas for side dishes and ingredients:

• Herbs
• Vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and onions
• Meat such as bacon, sausage, or turkey
• Spices such as smoked paprika, garlic, or chives
• Different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda, or a combination of cheeses

Serving suggestions: best enjoyed for breakfast or brunch

A cheese omelette is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but it is particularly well-suited for breakfast or brunch. Here are some ideas to elevate your cheese omelette and make it a more substantial morning meal:

Choose your cheese

The type of cheese you select can significantly impact the flavour and texture of your omelette. For a classic French omelette, opt for grated Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and provide a smooth and creamy texture. If you prefer an American-style omelette, cheddar is a popular choice, offering a solid flavour that pairs well with eggs. You can also experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, goat cheese, feta, or even a blend of multiple cheeses for a more complex taste.

Vegetable additions

To add some extra nutrition and flavour to your omelette, consider incorporating vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, diced onions, cubed potatoes are excellent choices. Just be sure to sauté them lightly before adding them to your omelette to ensure they are cooked through. You can also include some fresh herbs like parsley or scallions, adding them towards the end of the cooking process to retain their flavour and colour.

Meat options

If you're a meat lover, you can transform your cheese omelette into a heartier meal by including chopped crispy bacon or diced ham. For a Western omelette, combine green bell pepper, onion, and ham, while a Denver omelette typically features green bell pepper, onion, Canadian bacon, and cheddar cheese. These savoury additions will leave you feeling satisfied and energised for the day ahead.

Side dishes and beverages

To round out your breakfast or brunch, consider serving your cheese omelette with some side dishes and refreshing beverages. Avocado, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted potatoes can complement your omelette nicely. You can also offer some toast or bagels on the side for a more filling meal. In terms of drinks, freshly squeezed orange juice or a mimosa can add a touch of elegance to your morning or midday feast.

Remember, when preparing your cheese omelette, it's important to keep the temperature on the low side to achieve the best results. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and creating your own signature cheese omelette!

Frequently asked questions