Easy Denver Omelet Recipe (Spicy Western Breakfast)

Start your morning out with this savory Denver omelet! Loaded with diced ham, onions, and peppers, and you can’t forget the cheese. A simple and easy breakfast recipe with eggs to fuel your body.

This delicious Denver omelet is very simple to make, and before you know it, you can make restaurant-quality omelets right in the comfort of your own home.

Want more delicious egg recipes to try out?  There are so many ways to serve eggs! One fun example is cloud eggs with cheese and chives, a great option for breakfast. Or go for a deviled egg pasta salad for something a little different.

Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Make some blueberry bagels as part of a breakfast buffet with savory bacon and cheddar scones. Or go healthy with papaya breakfast bowls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Even on a hectic morning, this Denver omelet recipe comes together in minutes, offering a fast, satisfying, hearty breakfast option.
• Highly Customizable: Feel free to play with the ingredients! Swap out the ham for bacon, or add mushrooms and spinach for a unique twist.
• Nutritious: This meal is packed with protein from eggs and ham, plus a serving of vegetables, keeping you full and energized.
• Family Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, it’s a versatile recipe that lets everyone choose and add their favorite ingredients.

What Is The Difference Between A Frittata And An Omelet?

While these are both egg-based recipes, the biggest difference is the method of cooking. Omelets are folded and cooked at higher heat, while a frittata is a mixture baked in the oven. Another difference is that an omelet often has a filling, whereas a frittata’s ingredients are mixed in with the eggs.

What’s in This Denver Omelet Recipe?

• Butter: A small dab of butter is used to cook the vegetables and ham, adding a rich flavor and ensuring the eggs don’t stick to the pan.
• Cooked Ham: The savory ham provides a slightly salty taste and a good dose of protein, making the omelet more filling and satisfying.
• Onion (White): Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor when cooked, bringing a depth of flavor to the omelet.
• Bell Pepper: Both red and green peppers have a crunchy texture and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that brightens up the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the ingredients’ natural flavors, making every bite perfectly seasoned.
• Eggs: The base of the omelet provides a high-quality protein that is fluffy and light, enveloping all of the fillings beautifully.
• Milk: A dash of milk makes the eggs more tender and adds a slight richness to the omelet.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the omelet, adding a creamy texture and a bold, sharp flavor that ties all the ingredients together.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

• Meat – Swap the ham with cooked diced bacon, ground sausage, Canadian bacon, or even go meatless.
• Eggs – I used whole large eggs, but you could easily use egg whites only if you want.
• Vegetables—Toss in diced mushrooms, garlic, green onions, or other ingredients. Spinach would be a great option.
• Cheese – Any variety of cheese works for the omelet recipe. Sharp cheddar is tangy, pepper jack offers a kick of spice, and so on.

How To Make A Classic Denver Omelette Recipe (step-by-step directions)

1. Add butter to a nonstick skillet on medium heat and allow it to melt. (Photo 1)
2. Cook the ham for a few minutes until it gets a golden brown sear. (Photo 2)
3. Add the vegetables to the skillet, cook until they soften, then remove the ham and vegetables from the skillet. (Photo 3)

1. Put the rest of the butter into the skillet.
2. Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet and cook according to the instructions provided. (Photo 4)
3. Once the egg is set and no longer runny, add the cooked ham, vegetables, and cheese on top of the egg mixture.
4. Continue cooking according to the instructions, and then fold the omelet in half to serve. (Photos 5, 6 & 7)

Recipe Tips

• Saute the veggies to soften them. This will bring out the flavor of the vegetables and give them a softer texture. If you don’t saute, the veggies will be raw and crunchy.
• If you overcook the eggs, they can become a bit rubbery on the outside.
• To help melt the cheese, place a lid on top of the pan for a minute.

Storing Tips 

If you don’t want to eat all the omelet right away, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days. Then, reheat it in the microwave when you are ready to eat.

The eggs will change in texture a bit once you reheat them in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful Denver omelet pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a traditional breakfast, consider serving it alongside warm, buttered toast and a side of crispy hash browns or lemon and dill potatoes and a steaming cup of coffee.

Or, make a delicious breakfast buffet and add your other favorite easy breakfast recipes, such as pumpkin French toast or fresh fruits.

More Breakfast Recipes You May Enjoy

• Copycat Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish
• 3-Ingredient Mini Waffle Skewers
• Savory Bacon And Cheddar Cheese Scones
• Sheet Pan Scrambled Eggs
• 7 Ingredient Air Fryer Sausage Kolaches
• See all of our tasty breakfast and brunch recipes!

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