10 Creative Ingredients That Belong In Your Omelets

There are so many delicious ways to turn eggs into a hearty, protein-packed meal, and one of our favorites is whipping up a fluffy, golden omelet. In its simplest form, this fuss-free brunch dish can be made by cooking beaten eggs in a buttery skillet, sprinkling over shredded cheese, and folding everything in half. But, there's also plenty of opportunity to craft something even more satisfying by throwing in a selection of veggies, proteins, and bold flavor-boosters.

On the veggie front, classic omelet additions include sauteed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Protein-wise, we often see diced ham, crumbled bacon, or breakfast sausage tucked inside, and while shredded cheddar is a go-to, experimenting with tangy cheeses like feta or goat cheese is always a good idea. However, as tasty as these popular picks can be, they only scratch the surface of the humble omelet's versatility. Those tender eggs are the perfect base for enhancing with an array of transformative ingredients that can introduce unexpected flavors and textures, and elevate your omelet into a standout meal.

Most of these unique add-ins are simple store-bought foods that require zero prep before you toss them into the skillet, and some you'll likely already have on hand in your fridge or pantry. So, if you're craving something beyond the basics, get ready to shake up your approach to omelet-making with exciting new upgrades.

It's America's favorite pizza topping, and there's no reason why you can't add spicy, smoky slices of pepperoni to an omelet, too. In fact, this simple addition tastes incredible alongside the mild, creamy eggs, adding plenty of richness, savory depth, and a satisfying chewy texture.

There are a few different ways to incorporate pepperoni into an omelet. First, you'll want to cook the beaten eggs in the skillet as normal. Then, you can either arrange the thinly sliced pepperoni rounds on top or chop them up into smaller pieces and scatter them over for more even distribution.

A whole host of other ingredients will complement the meaty slices, too. Try adding sauteed onions or mushrooms, or fresh diced tomatoes into the mix, or spicing things up with a dash of hot sauce. Cheese is also a no-brainer; cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack are all top picks. You could even go all out with a pizza-style omelet, adding shredded mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh basil along with the pepperoni, for a melty, indulgent finish. Feel free to pair the cured meat with other proteins, such as shredded chicken or sauteed sausage.

A can of chili can help you craft a variety of hearty meals, from loaded baked potatoes to classic chili dogs, nachos, and crowd-pleasing layered casseroles. And, it also makes an excellent addition to an omelet. This convenient pantry staple typically consists of savory ground beef in a rich, spicy sauce, with beans and other veggies like bell peppers or corn bringing their wholesome bite. The chili requires nothing more than a quick heat through on the stovetop or in the microwave, and it's ready to enjoy, making it a wonderfully convenient option for elevating your eggs.

To craft a chili omelet, cook the egg base as normal, and spread the hot canned chili on top once the eggs have almost fully set. Now is the perfect time to throw in some extras, such as shredded cheddar, pickled jalapeños, or diced tomatoes. If you'd like to incorporate onions, bell peppers, or other veggies, try sauteing these in the pan beforehand, setting them aside while you cook the eggs, and adding them back in along with the chili.

Now, you can fold the omelet over and transfer it to your plate, finishing it off with any fresh toppings that take your fancy. Think cilantro, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, or a dollop of cooling sour cream.

Creamy, herby Boursin elevates just about anything it touches, and an omelet is no exception. This beloved soft cheese adds heaps of richness to the eggs, giving them an indulgent boost by creating an irresistible melt-in-the-mouth middle.

A popular approach to making Boursin omelet is one inspired by the hit TV show, "The Bear," in which one of the main characters whips up this cheesy, French-style delight. The dish begins the usual way, with the eggs gently beaten, and you can also mix in some finely chopped chives at this point if desired. With the eggs cooked in the pan until almost set, the Boursin is piped or spooned in a line down the center of the circle. Then, you can fold the omelet over and transfer it to a plate. To finish your omelet in true "The Bear" fashion, a crispy garnish is a must. Crushed potato chips or crackers work especially well, but a scattering of extra chopped chives will add a lovely pop of color, too.

Of course, you can absolutely deviate from this classic method if preferred. Boursin can also be whisked directly into the eggs before cooking, dolloped on top as a melty finishing touch, or paired with other mix-ins like sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or ham to build a more well-rounded meal.

To make an omelet into a more filling meal that would fit right in on the dinner table, consider stuffing it with fried rice. This technique is a hit in Japan, where omurice has long been a staple of the yoshoku scene, which highlights Western-style Japanese dishes. The outer layer of egg is gently cooked to fluffy perfection, while the rice within is flavored with tangy, umami-rich ingredients like ketchup and soy sauce, and often enhanced with chopped chicken and veggies. Peas, onions, bell peppers, and finely sliced cabbage will all work great here, and feel free to switch the chicken out for ham, shrimp, or tofu.

A fried rice omelet is a fantastic option if you've got some leftovers from dinner the night before, or you're simply craving a comforting, Asian-inspired dish that makes the very best of basic store-cupboard ingredients. Some omurice recipes advise straining the beaten eggs through a fine mesh strainer to remove any stringy parts, which yields a delightfully silky, tender omelet. You can prep everything in one pan here, too, first frying the rice in the skillet, then setting it aside while you start cooking the eggs. Pile your rice mixture on top in a football-shaped mound, then fold the egg layer over it, before flipping your wholesome rice-stuffed parcel onto a plate. It'll taste amazing with a drizzle of hot sauce, ketchup, or sriracha mayo.

This beloved Korean condiment is loaded with bold, tangy flavor, and it complements the mild, creamy taste of eggs brilliantly. Kimchi is made by brining and fermenting vegetables like Napa cabbage and radish with an aromatic chili-garlic paste. The resulting mixture is a favorite for adding crunch and a hit of spicy, umami depth to rice and noodles, but it's often overlooked as an omelet filling. Here, it cuts through the richness of the eggs and other savory or cheesy add-ins, helping you craft a balanced brunch while injecting a welcomed dose of fiber and probiotic goodness.

You can either add kimchi to an omelet as it is, simply scattering it over the nearly-set egg layer with any extras of your choice (it tastes great with a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta!). Or, if you're after a more tender texture, saute the kimchi in a little oil or butter beforehand, perhaps with some extra veggies like green onions, peas, or finely chopped broccoli florets. This nutritious mixture can then be folded inside the omelet as normal.

If you're focusing on other fillings, kimchi also works great as a garnish. Try using it to liven up a classic ham, cheddar, and mushroom omelet, or add freshness to a fried rice omelet, where it would complement the other Asian-inspired flavors perfectly.

Adding seafood to an omelet feels undeniably fancy, but this filling is a remarkably hassle-free pick. Reach for prepared or canned lump crab meat, and there aren't any extra cooking or chopping steps to contend with. Just flake the crab meat over your eggs as they cook, and you're left with a light, elegant omelet. The subtle, briny flavor of the crab meat helps those fluffy eggs shine, adding protein to your plate without making things heavy.

To further enhance the crab-egg pairing, we recommend combining the tender chunks of crab meat with one or two other ingredients for endless possibilities. Crab tastes delicious with fresh, minced herbs like chives or parsley, as well as sharp or creamy cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella, and queso fresco. Spicy seasonings like Old Bay or cayenne pepper will also make ideal accompaniments, while a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the whole dish and bring all of the flavors together. 

There is a range of complementary toppings to choose from, too, including creamy sliced avocado, fresh microgreens, or crispy fried onions. To really amp up the sophisticated vibes, you could even finish your omelet with a blanket of luscious hollandaise sauce.

Chorizo is a powerful flavor-enhancer, perfect for giving omelets a deeply savory, smoky, and spicy edge. Its rich taste makes it an incredibly satisfying addition to the eggs, fitting in seamlessly alongside other popular cheese and veggie add-ins.

Both Spanish and Mexican varieties of chorizo can work well here. The former has a firm texture ideal for slicing, and comes ready to eat, since it's already been smoked and cured. Mexican chorizo, on the other hand, has a softer, more crumbly texture and requires cooking before it can be enjoyed. So, if you want to keep your prep to a minimum, just scatter finely diced Spanish chorizo atop your omelet before folding. Or, give Mexican chorizo a quick saute before you incorporate it.

Chorizo can hold its own as a standalone filling ingredient, but it'll pair beautifully with other ingredients too. We love whipping up a spicy chorizo omelet with fresh spinach, red bell pepper, diced red chile, and shredded cheddar cheese, for a bold, colorful twist on the brunch-time favorite. Pepper Jack cheese and sliced jalapeños can also help you build extra heat, while cubed sauteed potatoes are ideal for crafting a hearty, Spanish-style chorizo omelet.

Full of punchy, sweet-tart deliciousness, sun-dried tomatoes will introduce a welcome dose of complexity that'll make your omelet feel special with minimal effort. They offer a more concentrated taste and chewier texture than fresh tomatoes, and they won't add excess moisture, so you can pack in plenty of robust Mediterranean flavor without risking soggy eggs. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are generally more tender, meaning they can be finely sliced and added to the omelet as they are. Dry-packed versions, however, will benefit from a brief saute before you throw them in.

Creamy, tangy cheeses like feta or goat cheese make exceptional pairings for the sun-dried tomatoes, as do milder, meltier picks like mozzarella and ricotta. Fresh, Mediterranean-inspired additions like basil, olives, and garlic are also fitting accompaniments. To enhance the aromatic depth of your omelet, try combining the tomatoes with sauteed onion, or add a touch of elegance with diced artichoke hearts or a handful of peppery arugula.

You can always rely on pesto to make a dish more exciting. This herby green sauce is bursting with the mouth-watering notes of fragrant basil, aromatic garlic, rich Parmesan cheese, and toasty nuts. It can transform basic eggs into something altogether more vibrant in an instant. A spoonful brings color, aroma, and depth of flavor all at once, dramatically upgrading your omelet without the need to increase your prep time.

If convenience is key, grabbing a store-bought pesto is totally acceptable here, but making your own batch from scratch is easier than you'd think, and will likely yield a fresher, more flavorful sauce. To spruce up your omelet, you can either drizzle the pesto inside before folding the eggs over, or spoon it on top as a vibrant garnish before serving. And, it can be used in combination with other filling ingredients, too. Think shredded chicken, diced ham, extra cheese, or fresh cherry tomatoes, which will all do an excellent job of complementing the pesto's fresh, savory profile.

Creamy, melty cheeses are usually the go-to when crafting an omelet, but there's a firmer, non-melting cheese that also shines when folded inside tender, pan-fried eggs. Halloumi is an underrated and totally game-changing omelet filling, bringing a rich, salty taste and slightly chewy texture that makes for a satisfying contrast to the soft eggs. It's also a great alternative to feta, offering a milder flavor for those who want something less tangy but just as savory. 

For the most even distribution, it's best to grate the halloumi and scatter it into the omelet much like you would with other firm varieties of cheese. Another approach is to slice the halloumi and pan-fry it until golden and crisp on the outside, but soft and squeaky in the middle. Then, you can layer the pieces on top of the egg before folding. For a more layered finish, use halloumi alongside other fresh ingredients like Mediterranean veggies, herbs, or leafy greens. Two classic pairings for the cheese are sweet and spicy chili jam and hot honey, so feel free to add a generous dollop or drizzle atop the finished omelet before serving to balance that delicious salty richness.