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Home » Breakfast

Fluffy Pancetta Omelette

by Beth Lee · Published: Jun 17, 2021

139 shares
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pin image with beauty shot of omelette plus steps to make it

This fluffy pancetta omelette (omelet) is easy to make – no need to separate eggs! Spend your time prepping great filling ingredients instead. If you're an egg lover, check out all of my breakfast and brunch recipes.

Pancetta omelette on white plate with sliced avocado on top and shredded cheese.

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Why you'll love this recipe!

It's easy, flexible and will make the egg lovers in your house very happy!

This pancetta omelette recipe first appeared in June 2010 because of Father's Day. Despite my repeated chiding to my kids that “he’s not my father”, I ended up preparing breakfast for my husband with just some minimal sous chef assistance from his offspring.

Kind of my fault -- I suggested omelettes instead of the usual pancakes or waffles, which the kids could have cooked all by themselves. Oh well - the pancetta omelet turned out so yummy that hubby wanted a second helping.

Verdict from the guy that’s not my father? Best omelette he’s ever had and he’s actually the expert omelette maker in our house.

Ingredients you'll need

Ingredients for omelette in a glass bowl and on wooden board with text captions on each.

The "secret" ingredient in this omelet is pancetta. The other key is to prepare the other filling ingredients ahead of time just like they do at an omelette station in a restaurant. Don't try to cut corners. If you really want your omelette to come together in the best way once the eggs are poured into the pan, prep all of your filling ingredients first.

  • Pancetta: Pancetta is cured, but not smoked, pork belly. Bacon, on the other hand, is cured and smoked. I had Trader Joe's chopped pancetta, rather than typical slab bacon. So I sautéed it until it was crispy and brown. Then I used the rendered pancetta fat to sauté up some of the other filling ingredients.
  • Shallots: Chop them fine and saute them in some butter or oil. Regular onion will work here too.
  • Spinach or Arugula: The fresh greens add nutrition and wonderful contrasting color and texture. A quick saute will reduce the amount of water they might give off in the omelette.
  • Cheddar Cheese: We love our cheddar but other cheeses will work well here like Monterey Jack, goat, feta, cotija or swiss.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Use raw or give them a quick sear.

How to make this recipe

1. First saute your pancetta until it it brown and renders a bit of fat.

Pancetta cubes cooking in sauté pan on the stove.

2. Saute your shallot in the rendered pancetta fat.

Diced shallots cooking in sauté pan.

3. If that uses up your rendered fat, add a touch of butter or olive oil to your pan and quickly saute your baby spinach (or arugula) with a bit of salt and pepper. If the spinach releases any juices, drain the excess moisture so the omelette isn't watery.

4. Cut some grape tomatoes in half and saute them briefly with a little salt and pepper just to soften them a bit. (my daughter helped by cutting the tomatoes)

Cherry tomatoes in saute pan.

5. Add a little milk and salt and pepper to the eggs. My husband swears by using half and half or heavy cream. Others use just water. Whip with a whisk until frothy. Place an 8-inch non-stick pan on medium heat, pouring the three eggs into it.

Fluffy, bubbly, light yellow eggs in sauté pan on the stove.

6. Let the eggs cook for about a minute and then start pushing the sides in to let the uncooked egg float to the outside.

7. When the top has just a little bit of moisture left start layering in the filling - first the shallot, then pancetta, then spinach and tomatoes, and finally some shredded cheddar cheese.

Omelette in pan with fillings layered on top in a sauté pan cooking on the stove.

8. Then fold it over, either in the pan or if you are talented like my husband, you can artfully fold it right onto a plate.

Omelette going from pan to plate and folding in half in the process.

Expert Tips and FAQs

  1. Prepare your filling ingredients before you whip and start cooking the eggs. This eliminates excess water in veggies, adds flavor and makes the omelet-cooking process a snap!
  2. Hand beating your eggs until frothy and bubbly will yield a wonderfully fluffy omelet.
  3. The ingredients listed here work well together but you can adjust your filling ingredients to your own taste or to what you have on hand.
What's the difference between a French-style and American-style omelet?

If you have ever watched Jacques Pepin or Julia Child make an omelette, you'll notice this omelet looks nothing like theirs. Theirs are lemon yellow, not brown on the outside. They are not puffy and not filled with other ingredients, generally. Their omelettes are the classic French style omelette. My recipe is definitely an American style omelette.

To cook a French style omelette, you use high heat and constantly stir the eggs and continually move the pan. For this omelet, the eggs are whipped to a frenzy before you pour them in a pan, set on medium heat.

What's the difference between an omelet and an omelette!

"Omelet" is the American spelling of the word and "omelette" is the traditional British and French spelling. Both words are describing the same thing, though as I mentioned above, there are different techniques used. In the end, it's all about what you prefer for both the spelling and the style of cooking it!

A fluffy pancetta omelet with sriracha sauce, cheddar cheese, and avocado on top.

What to serve with an omelette

Well a good slice of toast is a must so consider baking some homemade bread since this omelette is so easy to make!

  • Toasted challah (egg bread) is always a winner. Try this no-rise version or a traditional 2-rise loaf.
  • This potato bread makes the best sandwiches and toast!
  • Need a gluten-free option? These gluten free bagels are amazing.
  • And for a little fun - try topping the toast or bagels with fresh fruit. This is a great job for the kids in the house.

Other great breakfast recipes

Love egg dishes? Other great ones to try are this shakshuka recipe or my basic fritatta recipe! And be sure to check out my other breakfast recipes below.

  • Matzo granola in a small canning jar with a decorative string and a wooden spoon of granola on the side.
    Matzo Granola for Passover or Anytime!
  • Pumpkin banana muffins on a pumpkin shaped plate with a muffin tin of muffins next to it.
    Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Pecans
  • Close up of round challah with honey in the center and a piece with honey on top.
    Round Challah for Rosh Hashanah
  • Two cheese latkes on an off white plate with syrup on top.
    Cheese Latkes: Crispy Cottage Cheese Pancakes  

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P.S. If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and/or a review in the comment section below. I so appreciate your feedback! AND find more inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Signup for my email list, too!

angle shot of omelet with avocado sliced on top and cherry tomatoes on the side

Fluffy Pancetta Omelette (Omelet)

Beth Lee
This fluffy pancetta omelette (omelet) is easy to make – no need to separate eggs! Spend your time preparing great filling ingredients instead. You'll love the flavors in this recipe but you can make it your own, using the techniques as described.
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 629 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon milk can also use cream or water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 oz diced pancetta I used the pre-chopped variety from Trader Joe’s
  • 1 small shallot diced or ¼ cup diced onion
  • ½ ounce fresh spinach leaves about a handful (or use arugula)
  • 5 cherry or grape tomatoes sliced in half or quarters
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese about 1 ounce
  • ½ avocado, sliced optional
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or enough to coat the 6 or 8-inch omelette pan

Instructions
 

  • Saute the pancetta in the pan you will use for the omelette – 8 inch saute pan works great. Once crispy and tinged with brown on the edges, remove it from the pan and add in the shallot or onion to saute until translucent.
  • Then, if you want, you can quickly saute up the spinach (or arugula) to remove a bit of the water from it so it doesn’t make your omelette soggy. If there isn’t much fat left in the pan, add olive oil or butter.
  • For the tomatoes, use them uncooked or give them a quick sear – they will taste great either way.
  • Mix the eggs well with the milk and salt and pepper. Beat them with a whisk until they are bubbly and lighter yellow in color.
  • Add a bit of butter to the pan on medium heat. When it is bubbling, add the eggs.
  • Let them cook for about a minute and then start pushing the sides in to let the uncooked egg float to the outside.
  • When the top has just a little bit of moisture left, start layering in the fillings – the pancetta, spinach, tomatoes and finally some shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
  • Then either fold it in half in the pan or if you are as talented as my husband (aka Dormant Chef), slide the omelette right out of the pan onto a plate. Serve with toast and fresh fruit.

Video

Notes

  1. Prepare your filling ingredients before you whip and start cooking the eggs. This eliminates excess water in veggies, adds flavor and makes the omelet-cooking process a snap!
  2. Hand beating your eggs until frothy and bubbly will yield a wonderfully fluffy omelet.
  3. The ingredients listed here work well together but you can adjust your filling ingredients to your own taste or to what you have on hand.

Nutrition

Calories: 629kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 31gFat: 48gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 540mgSodium: 1745mgPotassium: 1089mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 3180IUVitamin C: 27.6mgCalcium: 321mgIron: 4mg
Keyword omelet, omelette, pancetta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Beth Lee in red apron looking at vegetables on cutting board

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  1. Rachel C

    August 06, 2010 at 7:07 am

    Stopping by from SITS and almost sorry I did (I mean that in a nice way!) Five minutes after waking up this morning I went straight to work, no breakfast yet and that omlette looks AMAZING!

    Reply
  2. Jessica @ One Shiny Star

    June 26, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    I'm jealous! We don't even have a trader joe's!

    Reply
  3. Mama Lisha

    June 26, 2010 at 11:58 am

    Visiting from SITS. We love omlettes for dinner also... does look yummy!

    Reply
  4. Diva

    June 26, 2010 at 11:45 am

    Visiting from SITS. That omelette looks amazing!!!!

    Reply
  5. Libby

    June 25, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    Wow that looks good. Your blog is so lovely and easy to ready. Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog.

    Reply
  6. Heather

    June 25, 2010 at 9:36 am

    Hello yummy! That looks fantastic! Thank you for sharing! Stopping by from SITS!

    Reply
  7. Simply Life

    June 25, 2010 at 4:43 am

    YuM! That looks great!

    Reply
  8. Mariah

    June 24, 2010 at 7:05 am

    Well I know what I want for breakfast now! That looks awesome and with the pancetta?? Heaven. I am so glad you were in front of me at SITS today!!

    Reply
  9. Lamb

    June 23, 2010 at 8:09 pm

    OMG, that does look yummy! Isn't Trader Joes wonderful? I just had dinner...but since that is healthy, it really wouldn't be that bad to go make this right now, right?

    My post for Mom Sexy Prom 2010 is up! Come to the prom with me: http://lambaround.blogspot.com

    Reply
  10. small burst

    June 22, 2010 at 9:32 pm

    i lovw omelettes. i can have them for dinner too. BTW, thanks for stopping by on my SITS day and making me feel special! Oh and thanks for the Kalbe recipe tips!

    Reply
  11. Cindy

    June 21, 2010 at 9:49 am

    It does look OMG Yummy! Fred is also our resident omelette maker. It's a great suggestion to jazz it up with savory ingredient combinations. For a Japanese version try using umeboshi and nori.

    Reply
    • omgyummy

      June 22, 2010 at 8:07 am

      That's a really interesting suggestion Cindy! For my readers that don't know - umeboshi is a dried pickled plum that you can find in Japanese food stores. It is supposed to be really healthy for you because of it's high alkalinity and is said to be useful to cure a hangover. Nori is dried seaweed and can also be found in Japanese food stores and often in the Asian section of your regular grocery store.

      Reply
  12. Irene Saiger

    June 21, 2010 at 9:31 am

    Very sweet!

    Irene

    Reply
  13. Kate

    June 21, 2010 at 5:55 am

    Oh wow! This looks awesome! I fed my husband--CHEERIOS! hahaha

    And your comment over at my place was hilarious!!!
    And it is so true!

    Thanks for stopping by Mommy Monolgues!

    Reply
  14. Kaleigh

    June 20, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    This sounds so yummy...I will definitely add it to my breakfast menu! I love the spinach and pancetta combo.

    Reply
  15. Jaime-Ann

    June 20, 2010 at 8:44 pm

    This sounds so yummy - I almost wouldn't want to share.... hehehe!

    Reply
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Hi! I’m Beth Lee. In 2010, I realized I prefer pita chips to memory chips and started this blog. My family is a mix of Jewish/Hawaiian/Korean heritage and my food reflects our diversity. My virtual kitchen is always open. Let’s cook together! 

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