Scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple loved by many. While eggs, milk, butter, and salt and pepper are the base ingredients, there are many ways to customize your scramble by adding extras. So what do you put in a scramble? The possibilities are endless, but some classic mix-ins include cheese, vegetables, meats, and fresh herbs.
What are the basic ingredients for scrambled eggs?
The basic ingredients for scrambled eggs are:
– Eggs – The key component! Scrambled eggs start with eggs, typically chicken eggs. The number of eggs depends on how many servings you need.
– Milk or cream – Adding a splash of milk or heavy cream makes the eggs fluffier and lighter. Milk also helps prevent overcooking.
– Butter – Butter is essential for adding richness and preventing the eggs from sticking to the pan. A knob of butter is melted in the pan before the beaten eggs are added.
– Salt and pepper – Salt and pepper are must-have seasonings. Salt enhances the flavor while pepper adds a touch of spice.
So in summary, the core scrambled egg ingredients are eggs, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. With just these simple ingredients, you can make delicious creamy scrambled eggs.
What types of cheese can you add?
Adding cheese takes scrambled eggs to the next level. Here are some of the most popular cheese choices:
– Cheddar – A classic option. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy flavor.
– Monterey Jack – Mild and melty, it integrates nicely into the eggs.
– Feta – Crumbled feta gives you a burst of salty flavor in each bite.
– Goat cheese – Creamy goat cheese softens into the eggs.
– Parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty, aromatic quality.
– American – Processed American cheese makes the creamiest, smoothest scrambled eggs.
– Mexican-style cheeses like queso fresco or Oaxaca also work very well.
The cheese can be shredded, crumbled, or diced and stirred in towards the end of cooking so it melts evenly. Use as much or as little cheese as you want depending on your tastes.
What vegetables work well in a scramble?
Adding vegetables to scrambled eggs boosts nutrition and texture. Some excellent veggie mix-ins include:
– Onion – Diced yellow, white, or red onion caramelizes nicely and adds flavor.
– Tomato – Diced fresh tomatoes or cherry tomatoes add sweetness.
– Bell pepper – Chopped red, yellow, orange, or green peppers add crispness.
– Mushroom – Sliced mushrooms add an earthy element.
– Spinach – Fresh spinach wilts down and blends in once cooked.
– Broccoli – Small broccoli florets add color and crunch.
– Asparagus – Chopped grilled asparagus is a delicious choice.
– Avocado – Diced avocado makes the eggs extra creamy.
– Potato – Diced potato or hash browns work well.
– Zucchini, kale, parsley, and roasted veggies like cauliflower or butternut squash also pair nicely with scrambled eggs.
What meats and protein can be added?
In addition to vegetables, scrambled eggs can be loaded with extra protein from meat:
– Bacon – Chopped crispy bacon is a breakfast favorite.
– Ham – Diced ham adds a smoky, salty flavor.
– Sausage – Cooked crumbled sausage adds hearty richness.
– Chorizo – Spicy crumbled Mexican chorizo amps up the flavor.
– Prosciutto – Crispy chopped prosciutto adds a savory accent.
– Chicken – Shredded cooked chicken breast works well.
– Turkey, salami, and pepperoni also make tasty additions.
For a seafood lover’s scramble, mix in cooked shrimp, crab, smoked salmon, or lobster. The possibilities are endless for taking scrambled eggs to a protein-packed level.
What fresh herbs can you include?
Fresh herbs are an easy way to elevate scrambled eggs. Consider stirring any of these into the eggs:
– Chives – Chopped chives lend color and a mild onion flavor.
– Basil – Basil, especially Thai basil, adds a peppery zing.
– Cilantro – Coriander leaves give a freshness and aromatic quality.
– Parsley – Curly or flat leaf parsley has an herbal quality.
– Dill – Fragrant chopped dill boosts the flavor.
– Tarragon – Licorice-like tarragon has a distinctive taste.
– Oregano or marjoram – These robust Mediterranean herbs pack a punch.
– Rosemary – Finely chopped rosemary has a pine-like aroma.
– Thyme – Lemony thyme enhances the eggs’ flavor.
– Sage – Earthy sage leaves add woodsy notes.
Herbs not only season the eggs, but also make them visually appealing with flecks of green.
What are some creative scramble mix-ins?
Once you’ve mastered the basics, get creative with unique scramble mix-ins like:
– Salsa – Add a spoonful of tomato salsa for a Mexican twist.
– Caramelized onions – Sweet caramelized onions add depth of flavor.
– Roasted red peppers – Diced roasted peppers contribute a smoky quality.
– Sun-dried tomatoes – Intense sun-dried tomato bits add tang.
– Pesto – A dollop of basil pesto swirls in tons of flavor.
– Guacamole – Fold in fresh guac for creaminess.
– Hummus – Swirling in hummus adds an earthy note.
– Roasted garlic – For garlic lovers, add mellow roasted garlic.
– Olives – Sliced olives provide a briny contrast.
– Pickles – A few chopped dill pickles add crunch and tang.
Once you get creative, there are so many ways to customize your perfect scramble!
What should you avoid putting in a scramble?
While you can get creative with mix-ins, there are a few ingredients best avoided when making scrambled eggs:
– Raw greens like kale or spinach – These will overcook and lose texture. Lightly cook them first.
– Watery vegetables like cucumber or zucchini – These release liquid while cooking and make eggs watery.
– Large uncooked vegetable chunks – Cut vegetables small so they cook through.
– Too many mix-ins – Use a moderate amount so flavors don’t compete. Eggs should be the star.
– Sugar or honey – Adding sweeteners makes eggs taste strange.
– Strong tropical fruits like pineapple – These don’t complement eggs’ flavor. Berries are a better fruit choice.
– Large meat chunks – Finely chop or crumble meats so they blend into the eggs.
– Too much salt – It’s easy to over-salt eggs, so season carefully.
Following these guidelines helps ensure your scramble turns out fluffy and flavorful.
What are good scramble serving ideas?
While scrambled eggs are great on their own, here are some tasty ways to serve them:
– Breakfast tacos or burritos – Scrambled eggs rolled up in a tortilla with salsa make a handheld breakfast.
– Breakfast bowls – Serve eggs over rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes as a base.
– Eggs Benedict – Poached eggs and ham over English muffins draped in hollandaise sauce.
– Breakfast sandwiches – Eggs, cheese, and meat stacked between bread or a biscuit or bagel.
– Breakfast nachos – Pile scrambled eggs over tortilla chips with beans, cheese, salsa, and more.
– Breakfast pizza – Bake scrambled egg mixture over a crust with veggies and bacon.
– Breakfast casserole – Mix eggs into a casserole with ingredients like hashbrowns, sausage, and cheddar.
– Eggs in a hole – Cook eggs inside a hole cut in bread, aka “toad in a hole.”
– Scrambled egg wraps – Wrap eggs in a whole wheat tortilla with veggies.
However you serve them up, scrambled eggs filled with cheesy, meaty, or veggie goodness make a stellar breakfast or brunch. Get creative with how you put them together!
What are some easy shortcuts for scrambled eggs?
Scrambled eggs can be simplified by using a few shortcuts:
– Buy pre-chopped veggies – Purchase a stir-fry veggie mix rather than chopping your own.
– Use pre-shredded cheese – Skip grating and buy preshredded cheese off the shelf.
– Use lower-fat ingredients – Opt for low-fat milk and reduced fat cheese to lighten the dish.
– Purchase cooked crumbled meat – Look for pre-cooked sausage, bacon, or chorizo to save time.
– Choose quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or tomatoes.
– Use pasteurized eggs for safety if serving those with compromised immunity.
– Make and freeze individual portions so you can quickly reheat.
– Purchase pre-made salsa or guac instead of making from scratch.
– Use a nonstick pan so you don’t have to grease.
– Cook eggs in a microwave with nonstick spray to save time.
Finding where to take shortcuts helps streamline the process of making fabulous scrambles!
What tips make the best scrambled eggs?
Use these tips for light, fluffy scrambled egg perfection:
– Use day-old eggs – Eggs separate more easily when they are a day old.
– Crack eggs into a separate bowl first – This allows you to remove shell pieces before adding eggs to the pan.
– Whisk vigorously – Whisking incorporates air for a fluffier texture.
– Add milk or cream – This contributes moisture and fat for extra rich eggs.
– Use moderate heat – Cook eggs over medium low heat to prevent overcooking.
– Cook while stirring constantly – Stirring creates small soft curds rather than rubbery chunks.
– Pull pan on and off heat – Regulating heat as needed prevents overcooking.
– Don’t overfill the pan – Cook eggs in batches if needed to allow proper cooking.
– Season at the end – Salt earlier makes eggs watery. Pepper at the end adds flavor.
– Take them off heat before fully set – Residual heat will finish cooking the eggs.
With these easy tips, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-worthy scrambled eggs.
Conclusion
A simple plate of scrambled eggs can easily become a gourmet breakfast or brunch option with the right mix-ins. While cheese, vegetables, and meat are classic additions, let your creativity run wild. Salsa, pesto, roasted veggies, guacamole, and fresh herbs all help eggs stand out. Just be sure to avoid watery produce and overmixing to keep eggs light and fluffy. Serving eggs in a sandwich, burrito, casserole, or bowl takes them to the next level. With a few shortcuts and cooking tips, you’ll have the perfect scramble every time. So get cracking with your own signature creation!