An omelette is a dish made from beaten eggs cooked in a frying pan. It is a popular breakfast food found all over the world in many variations. But can an omelette also be considered a side dish? There are good arguments on both sides of this culinary debate.
Quick Answer
An omelette can certainly function as a side dish, but is more commonly known as a main course, especially for breakfast. Ultimately, whether an omelette is a side dish or not depends on how it is prepared, what ingredients are used, and how it is served.
Omelette as a Main Dish
There are several reasons why omelettes are typically considered a main dish rather than a side:
- Omelettes are filling and nutrient dense, containing eggs, vegetables, cheese, meats and more. A properly portioned omelette provides a complete mini-meal.
- Omelettes are often served as the anchor of a breakfast plate, surrounded by sides like toast, potatoes, or fruit.
- Omelettes can function as sandwich fillers served between slices of bread, a clear main dish format.
- Most restaurants list omelettes as a main course breakfast option rather than a side.
- Omelette recipes are usually listed along with other egg dishes like fried eggs and scrambled eggs in cookbooks and websites.
So in most traditional contexts, omelettes clearly qualify as a main dish. But the lines can blur under certain circumstances.
When an Omelette Acts as a Side Dish
There are some cases where an omelette may cross over into side dish territory:
- A small omelette can complement a heartier main like steak or roasted chicken when served at breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Appetizer-sized omelette rolls or omelette bites make for ideal passed hors d’oeuvres at parties.
- Omelettes work well as part of a brunch buffet spread alongside other side dishes.
- Egg white omelettes are a popular low-calorie side dish option for those monitoring their weight.
- Some restaurants offer a la carte omelette options that customers can order as a side.
So while not the norm, an omelette certainly can provide a tasty, protein-packed side in the right context.
Factors that Impact Status
Whether an omelette functions as a main dish or a side dish depends on several key factors:
Ingredients Used
A hearty omelette made with meats, cheeses, vegetables and thick fluffy eggs is more likely to be viewed as a main dish. A simpler, lighter omelette may more easily crossover as a side.
Serving Size
A large, multi-egg omelette is a clear main. A petite one-egg omelette may more readily function as a side.
Timing
Omelettes served for breakfast or brunch are likely to be thought of as mains. Omelettes offered as a lunch or dinner side are less expected.
Preparation Method
Formal plated omelettes tend to be seen as entrees, while casually served bite-sized omelettes may act as appetizers.
Accompaniments
Omelettes served with common breakfast sides like toast and potatoes make natural main dishes. Omelettes served beside heavier dishes take on a side dish role.
So in essence, context is everything when it comes to defining an omelette’s role.
Nutritional Profile
Omelettes are packed with nutritional value, which is why they make both hearty main dishes and healthy side dishes:
Calories
A 3-egg omelette contains approximately 300 calories. Smaller 1-2 egg omelettes range from 80-200 calories.
Protein
Eggs provide high quality protein with all 9 essential amino acids. A 3-egg omelette has around 20-25g protein.
Fat
Omelettes contain both healthy unsaturated fats from the eggs, along with saturated fat from cheese and meats. An average omelette has 15-20g fat.
Micronutrients
Omelettes supply a range of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, folate, selenium, iron and zinc. Add-ins like veggies boost this further.
So omelettes make nutritious choices either as standalone meals or as low-calorie, protein-packed sides.
Nutrition Facts Table
| Nutrient | 3 Egg Omelette |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 3g |
Popular Omelette Styles
Omelettes are so versatile, they come in dozens of recipe variations that range from plain and simple to elaborately stuffed. Here are some of the most popular styles:
Classic French Omelette
This archetypal version contains lightly seasoned eggs and fines herbes, the French term for herbs like parsley, chives, tarragon and chervil. Delicate and refined.
Frittata
Similar to an omelette but not folded over, the frittata is cooked gently on both sides and often finished under a broiler. Great for serving slices.
Spanish Omelette
These hearty omelettes contain sliced potatoes or potato puree, lots of olive oil and onions. Some versions also include peppers and chorizo.
Greek Omelette
Feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, onions, herbs and spices give these omelettes their Mediterranean flare. Some recipes add gyro meat.
Indian Omelette
These aromatic omelettes are filled with spicy chilies, onions, tomatoes, herbs like cilantro, ginger and garam masala. May include curry powder.
Denver Omelette
This American diner-style omelette features ham, bell peppers, onions and cheddar cheese. Often served with toast or breakfast potatoes.
The possibilities for creative omelette flavor combinations are virtually endless!
Omelette-Centric Dishes
Beyond stand-alone plated omelettes, these egg dishes get incorporated into recipes like:
- Omelette sandwiches – Omelettes served between sliced bread or biscuits make convenient hand-held breakfasts.
- Omelette pies – Puffed omelette baked with savory fillings in a pie crust yields a sliceable meal.
- Eggah -Layers of thin omelette stacked with fillings into a tall, impressive cake.
- Omelette rolls – Thin rolled omelette logs sliced into pinwheels hold a variety of stuffings.
- Omelette pizza – Flat omelette crust with cheese, sauce and toppings stand in for traditional dough.
So omelettes prove endlessly adaptable both as the star attraction of a dish and as a key ingredient in creative recipes.
Simple Omelette Recipe
Here is a basic 3-egg omelette recipe that’s easy to modify with your own favorite fillings:
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 2 Tbsp butter or oil
- 2 Tbsp milk or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fillings of your choice (cheese, veggies, meat etc.)
Directions:
- Crack eggs into a bowl, add milk or water, salt and pepper.
- Whisk together thoroughly until fully combined.
- Melt butter or heat oil in a small frying pan over medium heat.
- Pour in egg mixture. Cook, lifting edge to allow uncooked egg to reach the bottom.
- When omelette is mostly set but still moist on top, place desired fillings on one half.
- Fold omelette in half enclosing the fillings.
- Cook 1-2 minutes more to finish setting the eggs.
- Slide omelette onto plate and enjoy!
This basic recipe can be customized with virtually any omelette fillings you crave – get creative!
Conclusion
While omelettes are most commonly considered a main dish, especially at breakfast, they can readily function as a side too. Smaller, simpler omelettes complement hearty mains nicely at lunch or dinner. Omelettes also make great shareable appetizers. Ultimately, an omelette can take on a starring or supporting role depending on how it’s prepared, sauced, filled and served. However you choose to utilize them, omelettes are a deliciously versatile high-protein option!