If breakfast had a greatest hits album, the Denver omelet would definitely be on it—savory ham, sweet bell peppers, sharp cheddar cheese, and fluffy eggs all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to sit a little longer at the table, maybe even pour a second cup of coffee.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This Baked Denver Omelet is like your favorite diner order, but without the wait and in a much more comfy setting (hello, pajamas!). It’s cozy, satisfying, and oh-so-easy. Whether you’re feeding a weekend brunch crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish has you covered. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become part of your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love Baked Denver Omelet
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Baked Denver Omelet
Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s packed with wholesome goodness and layered with flavor, all using ingredients that are easy to find and even easier to love.
Eggs: The base of this omelet. They bake into a light, fluffy texture that’s comforting and satisfying.
Ham: Adds savory, salty bites throughout the dish. You can use diced cooked ham or leftover holiday ham if you have some on hand.
Bell Peppers: A mix of colors adds sweetness and a pop of brightness that complements the richness of the eggs and ham.
Onions: They bring that subtle sharpness that rounds out the flavor and makes every bite interesting.
Cheddar Cheese: Because no omelet is complete without melty, gooey cheese. Sharp cheddar gives the best contrast to the other ingredients.
Milk: Just a splash helps make the eggs even fluffier and gives the whole dish a smooth, creamy finish.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential. These basics bring out the best in all the ingredients.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures even baking and that golden top we all love.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Then stir in the chopped ham, diced bell peppers, onions, and cheese. Mix just until everything is well distributed—no overmixing here!
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This keeps the omelet from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the egg mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread everything out evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is slightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Finishing Touches: Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This short rest makes it easier to serve and allows the flavors to settle beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve warm. Whether solo or with your favorite sides, this baked omelet is always a winner.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 230
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Baked Denver Omelet
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the omelet.
Crusty Bread: Toast up a few slices of sourdough or serve with warm biscuits to soak up every last bite.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little extra flair.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed spinach are great ways to round out the meal.
As a Standalone: It’s satisfying enough to be the star of the show—just garnish with chopped chives or parsley and dig in.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and ham the night before to save time in the morning.
Spice It Up: Try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika for a little kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use dairy-free milk and cheese if you’re keeping it lactose-free, or swap in plant-based meat alternatives.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Double the Batch: Make two at once and freeze one for later. Just slice, wrap, and freeze individual portions for easy breakfasts all week.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ham with bacon or sausage?
A1: Absolutely! Both make delicious swaps and bring their own twist to the flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble it the night before and refrigerate, then pop it in the oven in the morning.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight first.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: In the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely—just use a larger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Q7: Can I make this vegetarian?
A7: Sure thing! Just skip the ham or use a vegetarian alternative like sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Q8: What cheese works best besides cheddar?
A8: Monterey Jack, Swiss, or feta are all great choices depending on your flavor preferences.
Q9: Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
A9: Yes, though the texture will be a little lighter. Great option if you’re watching cholesterol.
Q10: Is this kid-friendly?
A10: Totally! Just use milder veggies if needed, and skip any spicy seasonings.
Whether you’re brunching it up on a lazy weekend or meal prepping like a champ, this Baked Denver Omelet brings big flavor with minimal effort. It’s warm, filling, and endlessly adaptable—everything a good recipe should be. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a household favorite.
Print
Baked Denver Omelet
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Denver Omelet is a delicious twist on the classic, with a mix of colorful peppers, ham, and plenty of melted cheese. The addition of jalapeno adds a modern, spicy kick, and it’s all baked in one dish for an easy, fuss-free breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped (approximately 2/3 cup)
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped (approximately 1/3 cup)
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded if desired, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces diced cooked ham, approximately 1 cup
- 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, sharp, medium or mild
- 6 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk, or half-and-half
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 10-inch round baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Heat butter over medium heat in a skillet or sauté pan. Add the onion, red and green bell peppers, and cook for 3-4 minutes just to soften.
- Add the jalapeno and cook for 30 seconds. Season vegetables with salt and black pepper. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and let cool slightly.
- Add the diced ham and cheeses and stir to distribute evenly.
- Whisk eggs and milk (or half-and-half) together. Pour over the vegetable-ham-cheese combination.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until set and lightly browned on top. Cut into 6 to 8 wedges and serve.
Notes
- Feel free to customize this omelet by adding extra veggies, like mushrooms or spinach, or using different cheeses like Swiss or feta.
- If you prefer a milder version, skip the jalapeno or use less of it.
- Great for meal prepping! Make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 215mg