Denver Omelette Egg Muffins

These easy, delicious Denver Omelette Egg Muffins (or Western omelette) are perfect for both lazy weekend brunches and busy weekday mornings. Fluffy, oven-baked eggs are packed with tender mushrooms, crisp green bell peppers, savory onions, smoked ham, and finished with melty, sharp cheddar for mouthwatering flavor in every bite. These are ideal for meal prep; these delicious egg muffins make breakfast a breeze all week long.

Let’s face it life is busy. Any recipe that makes cooking easier is extremely helpful. This protein-packed breakfast recipe is one of them. Weekends are for rest, relaxation and recharge.  This is one of my favorite breakfast recipes for a lazy weekend.  If you are on the same vibe as me, I also suggest Baked Chorizo egg bites, Baked oatmeal and Weekend breakfast casserole. All baked, giving you the time to enjoy that second or third cup of coffee. 

Ingredients you’ll need

• Large or extra-large eggs
• Green bell pepper or red bell pepper.
• Ham – deli ham works perfectly!
• Onions – white or green onions work great.
• Mushrooms – baby bellas are my favorite because they don’t release a lot of liquid, but any mushroom will work.
• Cheddar cheese – Monterey Jack cheese works great. Any freshly grated, sharp cheese works perfectly.  
• Butter
• Non-stick baking/cooking spray. Use good quality like La Tourangelle.
• Half & half or milk 
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper

Suggested equipment 

• Muffin tin 
• Medium-sized bowl
• Whisk
• Medmium non-stick pan.

How to make Denver omelette egg muffins

Aside from a little bit of chopping, this recipe is easy to make. Bakes in 20 minutes, and has plenty of leftovers.  I used a half-sized muffin tin; for a full tin, simply double the recipe.  This will yield enough egg muffins to freeze and enjoy later. 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 
2. In a medium bowl, add the eggs, half-and-half, and spices. Whisk gently until combined.
3. Dice the bell pepper, onions, mushrooms, and ham into small pieces.  
4. Using a non-stick pan, add the butter. Add the vegetables—Saute for about 5 minutes or until tender.
5. Once the veggies are tender, remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
6. Add the ham to the egg mixture, then add the vegetables. Stir until evenly combined.
7. Spray the muffin tin generously with cooking/baking spray. 
8. Pour the egg mixture into the muffin tin cups.
9. Top with cheese.
10. Bake for 20 minutes. 
11. You can use a toothpick to check the doneness of the egg muffins.  

Allow the egg muffins to cool for a few minutes. They should release from the pan with minimal effort. You can use a small offset spatula to loosen the egg muffins if needed. 

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

• Store these tasty egg muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
• To freeze, arrange them face-up in a zip-type bag.  Place the plastic bag on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the egg muffins, seal the bag. Pop in the freezer. Once they. are frozen, remove them from the baking sheet.
• To reheat: Microwave a egg muffin for about 30 seconds.  These can be reheated in the oven for 10 minutes at 350F preheated oven. 

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a Denver and Western omelette?

They are the same omelette, just depends where you are at in the U.S. Both are typically made with diced ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese.  The “Denver omelette” is a popular dish in the West, commonly found in many diners and even featured in cookbooks. The Western omelette is also used to describe this tasty breakfast classic,  but not as widely as the Denver omelette.  While you can substitute any of these ingredients to customize to your taste, the flavors are quintessentially classic. 

Baking tips

How to keep egg muffins from sticking to muffin pans? – You must generously spray or grease the pan so that the eggs don’t stick. After I spray the pan, I use my finger to ensure the entire cup has been coated. 

How to use silicone muffin pans for baking egg muffins. – You still need to grease silicone pans even though they are technically non-stick. I prefer using butter for silicone pans, as the spray’s residue may adhere to the pan over time. 

How to make my egg muffins or egg bites fluffy? – milk is the key to making a fluffier egg bite or egg muffin. 

Other tried and true tips

Can I use egg whites? Yes, you can use store-bought egg whites or substitute two egg whites for one whole egg or 2 tablespoons of egg white liquid. 

Can I use pre-shredded cheese? You can, but it doesn’t have the same meltability as fresh shredded cheese. I highly recommend freshly shredded cheese.

Serving suggestions

My favorite way of enjoying these Denver omelette Egg muffins is with some Tabasco and a side of avocado for a low-carb/keto breakfast.   These are excellent to serve for brunch, where you might have a lot of breakfast options.  

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