Omelette is a fantastic and world-renowned egg dish that is the perfect way to begin the day with a filling and nutritious breakfast, but can you reheat an omelet? The answer is yes!

This is great news because, firstly, they are so versatile as the eggs can be seasoned with herbs and spices and combined with cooked meats, cheese, and chopped vegetables.

This is why it varies, from country to country. It can be seasoned with local flavors, cheeses, meats, and vegetables suitable for a particular cuisine.

For example, a Bombay omelette compared to a French omelette will taste and look different and perhaps made differently in the pan. Still, the core fundamentals remain the same, which is why this dish is so unique.

If you are cooking an omelette at home, they can be personalized and made how you want, for example:

• If you want your omelet to be protein-packed, you can add more cooked meats or eggs.
• If you prefer it spicy and hot, you can add jalapeños, chilies, and chili powders.
• Or even if you prefer it cheesy, you can add various cheeses to make it flavorsome.

Of course, you cannot beat a freshly made omelette, which you have cooked or has been made for you by a chef.

However, what if you have a busy lifestyle and do not have time, or do not have the luxury to eat out every morning?

As there are various ways you can make this dish, it is worth understanding how to reheat an omelette or whether it is even possible.

If you are wondering whether it is safe to reheat or meal prep it for the week, then the good news is that you can indeed prep and reheat an omelette, for the week or months ahead.

Step-By-Step way to reheat an omelette

Step one: Make your omelette

Although there are various techniques and ways to make an omelet, the same principle applies which is:

• Whisk the eggs in your bowl, and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil or butter to your frying pan over medium heat.
• Pour the eggs into the pan, and allow them to firm up.
• Add your toppings.
• Use your spatula to slightly lift the edges, and then gently fold it.
• Continue to cook it until you feel it has been fully cooked.

This is the most basic method but it can vary depending on the toppings you will use and the way you prefer your omelette to taste.

Step Two: store your omelette

After you cook your omelet, it is important to store it correctly as this will impact how it will taste after you reheat it, and more importantly, to keep it safe.

This begins by following the two-hour rule, which is to allow it to cool down, within two hours, before you store in your fridge or freezer.

You do not want to allow it to sit at room temperature for more than two hours, and fortunately, it should be cooled down by then, which makes it easier for storing it safely.

You can store your omelet in the fridge or freezer, which can be reheated for a later date.

In the fridge, it will last up to 3 to 4 days, while in the freezer it will last up to 2 to 4 months.

If you are using cooked meats with your omelette, it will still be fine for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, or 2 to 4 months in the freezer, but do bear in mind the best before dates and storage instructions.

For example, if you add cooked chicken breast pieces or smoked salmon to your omelette, you should check the best before date and storage instructions on the packaging just to be safe.

If you add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms to your omelette, do ensure that it is fresh too.

Fridge storage

Omelettes can last up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge which is ideal if you want to make it for the week ahead.

The key to keeping it fresh, for up to 4 days, is by using an air-tight container or zip lock bag once it has cooled down.

I use an air-tight glass container because it is reusable and odor-free.

Ziplock bags are handy for storing an omelette because they are incredibly air-tight and can be handy for batch cooking.

If you are planning to reheat omelette for just the next day or within 24 hours, then you can wrap it in foil too.

You can also write down the date on the zip lock bag, which is a safe way to keep it stored, and knowing whether it will be safe to reheat.

Freezer storage

Omelettes can last up to 2 to 4 months in the freezer which is ideal if you are planning to batch cook a load that can save you time and money.

However, I would recommend not freezing it for too long.

Surprisingly, it holds up well in the freezer. I had to test this out before posting this article because I usually store mine in the fridge.

If you look at the freezer section in your local supermarket, you might come across frozen omelettes, which are commonly made from pasteurized liquid eggs.

However, it is less expensive and better to do it yourself as you have control over your ingredients.

Step three: Reheat your omelette

If you are planning to reheat a frozen omelette, then you should let it thaw at room temperature on a plate, or overnight in the refrigerator.

The latter is more common, as it is timed perfectly, for breakfast.

Once thawed, or if you are planning to reheat an omelette from the fridge, you can use these steps below.

Method one: Microwave

The easiest, quickest, and most convenient way is by reheating your omelette in the microwave, which can be handy if your work has one.

This is how to reheat it in the microwave:

1. Wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwavable plate. If you have a microwave food cover that will be handy to use too, but do not worry if you do not have this.
2. Heat it on a low setting for 1 minute, turn it over, and heat it for another minute. If you are using a powerful microwave then ensure you reduce the time to 30-40 seconds each way.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Method two: Hob / Stove top

You can also use your hob or stovetop, which is also an easy and quick way, and usually how I reheat mine.

The reason why I prefer this method is because I feel that I have more control of the heat temperature and cook it the same way that it was originally cooked.

This is how to reheat an omelette on the hob:

1. Preheat your large frying pan and add your preferred cooking oil or butter, but only use a small amount.
2. Add your omelette to your frying pan and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Method three: Oven

You can bake and reheat the omelette in the oven which takes slightly longer than using the microwave or hob, but still works great.

This is how to reheat an omelette in the oven:

1. Pre-heat your oven and set it to 180c / 350 f.
2. Place on parchment paper and heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Serve and enjoy!

So, which method is the best?

All these methods work, and they have their pros and cons for each scenario, which means it does depend on how you plan to reheat.

I personally prefer using my frying pan because it gives me more control to reheat my omelette perfectly.

However, the most convenient way is definitely the microwave because most work places have one and it is very simple.

are eggs safe to reheat?

Eggs are safe to reheat, but it is important to understand how to prep, store, reheat and serve them.

This post by the FDA, covers it all, and after you read this, it will be easier to understand how to safely handle eggs.

Why reheat an omelette?

I am sure many people would prefer to eat an omelette which is freshly made, however the prep time and cooking time, as well as the time to wash up the dishes, can be off putting if you work Monday to Friday, and wake up early to get ready for work.

This is why meal prep is so handy because it gives you the option to reheat a meal within minutes and eat on the go, and thankfully an omelette is suitable for this category.

One of the most frequently asked questions are: how does it keep, and will it still taste fresh?

The good news is that the texture and flavour will remain the same and it can still taste fresh.

Of course, the level of freshness will vary depending on how it has been stored because it tastes best when reheat after a few days from the fridge, while it will taste a little different if thawed and reheated from the freezer.

Here are a few more reasons why you may want to reheat an omelette:

• Quick breakfast or brunch on the go
• Using spices helps retain great flavours
• Good for bodybuilders for batch cooking
• Save time and feel good in the morning
• Prevent food wastage

Ultimately, if you meal prep on a weekly basis, then it is great to have that option to add eggs to your meal plan as they are nutritious and great for healthy balanced diets.

How else can you “meal prep” your omelette?

Another way to save time, which in this case will be the prep time, is to make-ahead the ingredients required for the omelette.

You will still cook the eggs fresh, but you can eliminate the prep time of chopping up your vegetables or cooking your meats, by preparing and storing these in advance.

Let’s say you prep your sliced bell peppers, chopped onions and sliced cooked bacon in advance; you can simply add these ingredients to your bowl of eggs and whisk away.

You can also add fresh cheese and enjoy a fresh tasting omelette which has been made by eliminating most of the prep time.

Egg recipes similar to omelette

Can you follow the same instructions for a frittata?

You can make and reheat a frittata, but the reheating guide will slightly differ because a frittata is not the same as an omelette.

Although they are both similar, the difference between an omelette and a frittata is how it is cooked and how it appears.

The omelette is simple because once it is folded in your frying pan, you only need a few more minutes to finish it off.

On the other hand, the frittata needs to be baked in the oven, after it has been assembled in the frying pan, which is thicker and appears like a quiche or pizza.

You could also make something that is in between which is a omelette sandwich.

I once made this by mistake by using too many eggs, which ended up providing too difficult to fold an omelette, and instead I turned it into what you call a sandwich type omelette.

This to can easily be reheated.

What else can you do with leftover omelette?

If you are bored of eating the same omelette every day, or if you are just not feeling it on the morning, then the good news is that you can be creative and use your omelette for other recipes!

For example, if you have a leftover plain omelette, then this would be perfect to shred up for an egg fried rice or egg salad.

You could use it as a filling for a tasty breakfast sandwich too or make a breakfast wrap.

Verdict

Eggs are a superfood, and while it is best to eat them fresh, it is reassuring to know that you can still use them for a meal prep, and omelettes prove to be a great dish as you can customize it to your own preference.