This tutorial on how to make an omelet comes in handy for weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Follow the step-by-step photos for the perfect omelet.
Knowing how to make an omelet is a cooking skill you will use over and over again. We love a great omelet bar for brunch. Give your guests a choice of multiple fillings (see suggestions below) while you act as short-order cook.
An omelet can be made in less than a minute, as I learned firsthand from one of the best. That would be Howard Helmer, World's Fastest Omelet Maker. Howard, a man with a zest for life (and eggs), is in the Guinness Book of World Records for making 427 omelets in 30 minutes. Seriously.
My top tips
- The trick to the method is using a nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Do not add the butter or oil until the pan is piping hot.
- As soon as the egg hits the pan, it should start bubbling and this is when you leap into action.
- Make sure to have everything - spatula, fillings and a plate - at the ready because that omelet will be done in a flash.
How to make an omelet
In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons water (feel free to use milk or cream if you prefer). This is enough for one omelet. If you are making multiple omelets, whisk all the eggs and water together in one bowl and use a 4-ounce (standard) ladle to portion out enough of the egg mixture for each omelet.
Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be very hot before adding the egg. Add a small pat of butter or just enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
Add egg mixture to pan and, with a heat-resistant spatula, immediately start to push the egg from the bottom of the pan, tipping the pan to move uncooked egg into empty spots so that all of the egg gets cooked.

When the egg is mostly cooked, but still slightly liquid on top, add the fillings to the left side of the omelet. (If you are left-handed and will be flipping the omelet in the opposite direction, add the fillings to the right side of the omelet.)

Slide the spatula under the right side of the omelet (left side if you are left-handed) and fold the egg over the fillings. Slide the omelet onto a plate and serve immediately. Repeat with remaining egg mixture.
That's it! Now you know how to make an omelet. The perfect omelet!

Omelet filling ideas
Meat/Beans:
- Bacon
- Black Beans
- Ham
- Sausage
- Shrimp
- Smoked Salmon
Vegetables
- Bell peppers
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Sauteed zucchini
- Spinach
- Tomato
Cheese
- Cheddar
- Fresh mozzarella
- Goat cheese
- Gorgonzola
Herbs
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Tarragon
Printable Recipe
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How to Make an Omelet
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water or use milk
- Butter or oil for the pan
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. (See Note below for making multiple omelets.)
- Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be very hot before adding the egg. Add a small pat of butter or just enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add egg mixture to pan and, with a heat-resistant spatula, immediately start to push the egg from the bottom of the pan, tipping the pan to move uncooked egg into empty spots so that all of the egg gets cooked.
- When the egg is mostly cooked, but still slightly liquid on top, add the fillings to the left side of the omelet. (If you are left-handed and will be flipping the omelet in the opposite direction, add the fillings to the right side of the omelet.)
- Slide the spatula under the right side of the omelet (left side if you are left-handed) and fold the egg over the fillings. Slide the omelet onto a plate and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.







Salad in a Jar
I can see instantly what I've been doing wrong. Looks like I need to make sure my pan is really hot before I start. Thanks for the easy instructions.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I was making the same mistake before I learned this method. Even though you have to move quickly when the pan is so hot, it is a nearly fool-proof method.
Drick
so great and clear instructions on making a really good omelet - well done... might add though, some of us still use stainless steel and keeping the omelet pan well clean, smooth surfaced helps a lot...
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Drick. That's a great tip for those who prefer to use stainless steel.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen
Looks fantastic, I do love omelets, and this is another great how-to!
Mushrooms Canada
Wonderful step-by-step tips Dara! I looove omelets... with lots of cheese and mushrooms of course 😉
- Brittany
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Ah yes, there's nothing better than an omelet packed with mushrooms.
Amanda
Great description Dara, and a beautiful omelet 🙂 I love making egg white omelets with chopped bell pepper, onions and mushrooms with some swiss or smoked gouda 🙂 mmm!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
You're making me hungry, Amanda. Smoked cheeses do work so well in omelets.
Katrina
I love omelets! Mine always turn out sticky and messy, but I will definitely try your method. Love this!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Katrina, I had plenty of omelet issues before I learned this method. Hopefully this works well for you, too.
Guava
Very yummy looking with great suggestions for fillings and easy to follow technique. I love having an omelet for dinner too with a salad on the side!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Absolutely. That is the perfect quick meal.
marla
Great tips Dara & this is perfect for guests. People love to pick & choose their own fillings.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I agree. It's always fun to see what combinations of fillings that guests enjoy.
claudia lamascolo/aka pegasuslegend
What a gorgeous photo... awesome instructions... and tips... yummy~
Kalynskitchen
Very fun post, and your omelet looks delicious!