Make Omelets More Filling With A Vegetable That Reaches Its Peak In The Fall

There is no season of the year in which an omelet doesn't fit. A delicate wrap of eggs is the perfect vessel for countless different combinations of fillings. As the weather cools, though, and we approach the season of the harvest, one unexpected vegetable appears on the list of ideal omelet fillings. Reaching its peak among the shorter days of fall, this time of year starts bringing butternut squash into kitchens and ovens across the country, with the remnants of those roasts delivering a delightful breakfast the next morning.

It is not likely to be a common sight among mainstream lists of the most popular omelet fillings, but winter squash pairs beautifully with this eggy dish. And it got "eggfluencer" Sarah Beth Tanner's seal of approval in the Daily Meal's list of the best omelet fillings. The delicate earthy sweetness of butternut squash combined with the caramelization and soft texture it takes on after a good roast make a surprisingly delightful complement to tender eggs. Just those two ingredients, plus a touch of salt, would be enough, but there are plenty of other ways to improve such an omelet as well.

If the idea of this omelet immediately ticks all the boxes, there is no reason that you can't roast a batch of butternut squash specifically for the purpose. Most of the time, though, this recipe is probably more likely to be the follow-up to a good dinner. Whether it was a simple maple roasted butternut squash or a Sichuan-style butternut squash stir fry, in both cases the leftovers are begging to be used in an easy yet elegant breakfast the next day.

Should there be other roasted veg left over from the night before, these would also likely go great in the omelet. If not, though, it is certainly worth thinking about both basic and creative omelet ingredients that might pair nicely with the squash. On the simpler side, things like sauteed onions and garlic, as well as fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme will never go awry. Another ingredient that benefits omelets of all stripes is cheese. Particularly with the sweetness of the squash, a bit of cheese is an excellent addition. This can be in the form of something like a briny crumbled feta, a tangy goat cheese, or a sharp gorgonzola — each lends a unique savor to the dish. A dollop of creamy, allium-rich Boursin can be an excellent omelet upgrade as well.

For further omelet inspiration, one need look no further than a good list of squash recipes. Meats that capably walk the sweet-savory line, like bacon and breakfast sausage, pair beautifully with the whole complement of winter squashes, making them an obvious pick for a carnivore-directed filling to finish the dish. With a breakfast meat, a complementary cheese, and a healthy scoop of roasted butternut squash, there isn't much more than an omelet could possibly ask for — but also don't let this trick be limited just to butternut. The squashes of fall are all fairly interchangeable in the kitchen. Next time there's leftover roasted pumpkin, acorn squash, kabocha, or any of the rest, you know what to do with it.

Static Media owns and operates Tasting Table and The Daily Meal.