Scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple loved by many for their simplicity and versatility. While eggs, salt, and pepper are the standard ingredients, there are many secret ingredients cooks swear by to take ordinary scrambled eggs to the next level. This article will explore some of the most popular secret ingredients to mix into scrambled eggs and explain how each one enhances the flavor and texture. From dairy products to fresh herbs and spices, these scrambled egg boosters can transform an everyday breakfast into something special without requiring much extra effort.
Why Add Secret Ingredients to Scrambled Eggs?
Adding extra ingredients to scrambled eggs serves multiple purposes:
- Enhances flavor – Secret ingredients introduce new tastes and aromas that make scrambled eggs more interesting.
- Improves texture – Certain mix-ins like cream or cheese can make scrambled eggs creamier, while herbs add freshness.
- Boosts nutrition – Ingredients like vegetables and cheese add extra vitamins, minerals, and protein to plain eggs.
- Adds variety – Secret enhancements allow you to create different flavor profiles every time you make eggs.
- Elevates presentation – Mix-ins like herbs make eggs look more restaurant-worthy.
Overall, incorporating a secret ingredient or two transforms basic scrambled eggs from mundane to gourmet with very little effort required. Even just a sprinkle of one special seasoning can make eggs taste totally new and exciting.
Dairy Ingredients
Dairy products pair extremely well with eggs to make them richer and creamier. Here are some of the top dairy options to mix into scrambled eggs:
Sour Cream
* Sour cream is tangy and lush, adding moisture and a subtle kick to scrambled eggs.
* For a six-egg scramble, stir in 1-3 tablespoons of full-fat sour cream at the end of cooking.
* Sour cream’s coolness balances out the eggs’ warmth.
* Adds a pleasing texture without making the eggs greasy.
* Slightly thickens the eggs.
Cream Cheese
* Full-fat cream cheese gives eggs a silky creaminess.
* For 6 eggs, use 1-2 ounces of softened cream cheese.
* Mix in once eggs are almost finished cooking.
* Adds richness without an overly cheesy flavor.
* Makes eggs fluffier.
Heavy Cream
* Heavy cream contributes a lushness and elegance to plain eggs.
* For a 6 egg scramble, stir in 2-3 tablespoons right before serving.
* The high fat content makes eggs extra creamy and decadent.
* Adds lightness rather than density.
* Infuses eggs with vanilla notes if using vanilla extract.
Cheddar Cheese
* Sharp cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor and orange hue.
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar per 6 eggs. Stir in just before eggs finish.
* Melts into eggs to create a creamy cheese sauce sort of texture.
* Adds more saturated fat, protein, and calcium compared to lighter dairy options.
* Use white cheddar for less dye without sacrificing flavor.
Cottage Cheese
* Cottage cheese integrates smoothly into eggs with its curds dissolving into creaminess.
* For 6 eggs, use 1/4-1/2 cup cottage cheese.
* Incorporates a fun, chunky texture.
* Low fat option compared to most cheeses, while still adding rich taste.
* Adds noticeable protein.
Parmesan
* Finely grated parmesan infuses eggs with its nutty, salty umami.
* 1-2 tablespoons parm per 6 egg scramble.
* Melts deliciously into the eggs.
* Stronger flavor than cheddar or mozzarella.
* Adds a Italian flair.
Feta
* Crumbled feta adds bursts of briny flavor and texture.
* Use about 1/4 cup per 6 eggs.
* Better to add towards the end so the feta doesn’t melt away completely.
* Greek flair with the saltiness working nicely against the egg creaminess.
* Tanginess helps cut richness of the eggs.
Monterey Jack
* Monterey Jack has a very mild flavor that melts deliciously into eggs.
* 1/4 cup shredded cheese per 6 egg portion.
* Adds creaminess without overpowering eggs’ natural flavor.
* Melts into a smooth, creamy consistency.
* Pepper Jack offers a spicy twist.
Herbs and Spices
Fresh or dried herbs are an easy way to elevate the flavor of scrambled eggs. Simply stir them in at the end for freshness and zing. Possible options include:
Fresh Chives
* 1-2 Tbsp sliced fresh chives per 6 egg scramble.
* Adds pops of oniony flavor and green flecks of color.
* Natural pairing with eggs.
* Most often used herb for finishing scrambled eggs.
* Very mild so doesn’t overpower eggs’ flavor.
Dried Dill
* 1 tsp dried dill weed per 6 eggs.
* Brings a taste of fresh dill’s tangy, grassy flavor.
* Floral, lemony notes complement eggs nicely.
* Feels bright and summery.
* Works well with additions like smoked salmon.
Tarragon
* 1 tsp dried tarragon per 6 eggs.
* Licorice-anise flavor pairs well with creamy eggs.
* Introduces a fancy flair.
* Brings out any vanilla notes.
* Goes nicely with additions like mushrooms.
Paprika
* 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for 6 eggs makes a savory, bold scramble.
* Adds a touch of heat and a rich, smoky taste.
* Brings lovely reddish hue that looks appetizing.
* Spanish smoked paprika imparts the most flavor.
* Add at the end so the spice doesn’t burn.
Salsa
* Jarred salsa works nicely as seasoning too.
* 1-2 Tbsp per egg scramble.
* Adds a tangy, vegetable flavor.
* Mix of spices like cumin, garlic, and chili powder.
* Fresh tomato notes.
* Can feel southwest inspired.
Vegetable Mix-Ins
Adding veggies to scrambled eggs is an easy way to sneak more produce into breakfast. Almost any vegetable complements eggs’ creamy texture. Frontrunners include:
Sautéed Onions
* 1/4 cup onions, sautéed until caramelized, per 6 eggs.
* Adds savory, sweet depth without much veggie flavor.
* Caramelized onion jam can also add nice onion taste.
* Cook into the eggs as they scramble.
* Can feel indulgent from the extra fat of the onions.
Diced Tomatoes
* Fresh tomatoes add juiciness, acidity, and vegetal flavor.
* For 6 eggs, use 1/4 to 1/2 cup diced tomatoes.
* Add towards end of cooking so they don’t overcook.
* Cherry or grape tomatoes work nicely halved or quartered.
* Play up tomato flavor by pairing with basil.
Spinach
* Handful of chopped spinach or full leaf – cooks down.
* Add during last 30 sec – 1 min of scrambling so it wilts but doesn’t overcook.
* Fresh veggie flavor and color contrast.
* Healthy way to get extra greens in.
* Goes well with feta cheese.
Salsa
* 1-4 Tbsp, to taste.
* Fresh tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro flavors.
* Adds a touch of heat.
* Popular scramble boosting ingredient.
* Buy or make your own.
Roasted Red Peppers
* 1/4 cup diced roasted peppers per 6 eggs.
* Sweet and smoky notes.
* Pretty flecks of red.
* Works well with southwestern spices.
* Introduces creaminess.
Meats
While not traditional, adding meats to scrambled eggs can provide a hearty, savory breakfast. Bacon and sausage are most popular, but there are other options too.
Crumbled Bacon
* 2-3 slices crumbled bacon per 6 eggs.
* Cook bacon first, leave some fat to cook eggs in.
* Smoky, salty, savory bacon flavor permeates the eggs.
* Adds crunch and texture contrast.
* Makes eggs more filling as a meal.
Ground Breakfast Sausage
* About 3 oz (1/2 cup) cooked crumbled sausage per 6 eggs.
* Cook sausage first, then cook eggs in the drippings.
*Savory, spiced meat flavor.
* Can use spicy or mild sausage.
* Turkey sausage is a leaner option.
Diced Ham
* 1/4 cup diced cooked ham.
* Adds salty, smoky pork flavor.
* Works well with cheese like cheddar or Gruyere.
* Can use regular or smoked ham.
* Makes eggs feel more like a lunch dish.
Chopped Prosciutto
* 2 slices finely chopped adds savory depth.
* Saltiness balances out the eggs.
* Fancier than plain ham.
* A little goes a long way strongly flavored.
* Crisps up into little salty bits.
Seafood
Eggs pair deliciously with seafood, especially brunch classics like lox, crab, and shrimp. A little bit of seafood takes eggs to luxurious heights.
Smoked Salmon
* 2-3 oz finely chopped smoked salmon for 6 eggs.
* Silky, salty, smoky flavor.
* Makes eggs feel elegant and rich.
* Lovely pink flecks.
* Often paired with dill.
Lump Crabmeat
* 1/4-1/3 cup lump crabmeat, picked over for shells.
* Delicate sweet crab flavor with creamy texture.
* Works well with Old Bay seasoning.
* Fancy and slightly indulgent.
* Flakes add appealing texture.
Shrimp
* About 8-12 small shrimp, coarsely chopped.
* Briefly cook shrimp first, then add to eggs towards end.
* Sweet brininess complements creamy eggs.
* Adds pops of protein.
* Feels elegant yet simple.
Unique Flavorings
Beyond popular mix-ins, some unique ingredients offer new ways to spice up scrambled eggs. Get creative with flavors like honey, pesto, or maple syrup.
Honey
* 1 tsp honey per 6 eggs.
* Mix in after cooking for glistening sweetness.
* floral notes and viscosity work well with creamy eggs.
* Adds subtle sweetness to balance out any saltiness.
* Can drizzle more honey on top of plated eggs too.
Pesto
* 1-2 Tbsp pesto per 6 eggs.
* Swirl in basil, pine nut, garlic, olive oil flavors.
* Fresh herbal taste and richness.
* Works well tossed through finished scrambled eggs.
* Bright green flecks.
Maple Syrup
* 1-2 tsp pure maple syrup per 6 eggs.
* Mix in at the end for candied flavor.
* Maple notes complement eggs’ creaminess.
* Makes eggs taste almost like dessert!
* Brown sugar could provide similar effect.
Sriracha
* 1/2 to 1 tsp per 6 eggs, to taste.
* Mix in sriracha after cooking for heat.
* Provides the perfect level of kick.
* Garlic, vinegar, chili flavors cut richness.
* Gives a pink speckled hue.
Salsa Verde
* 1-2 Tbsp per 6 eggs.
* Tomatillo, chili, cilantro flavors.
* Adds pleasant heat and acidity.
* Pairs well with Mexican style additions.
* Store bought or homemade work.
Conclusion
While basic scrambled eggs are delicious on their own, adding a secret ingredient takes them to the next level. Ingredients like cheese, herbs, and vegetables introduce new flavors and textures that make scrambled eggs special. When you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to epic eggs, stir in one of these popular add-ins. From creamy dairy to fresh herbs and vegetables, the possibilities for customizing plain scrambled eggs are endless. A little creativity can transform this breakfast staple into something new and delicious every day. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors to discover your own signature scrambled egg specialty.