Scrambled eggs have become a versatile favorite in our home, suitable for any meal of the day. They are not only quick, easy, and nutritious but also rich in protein.
Whether enjoyed plain, on top of a piece of toast, or as a base for a dish adorned with a plethora of toppings, scrambled eggs offer endless possibilities. Part of the beauty of scrambled eggs is their flexibility and the ability for the flavor of the eggs to mesh so well with so many different flavor profiles.
Below, you will find my basic scrambled eggs recipe along with some of my favorite creative variations featuring different toppings, spices, and condiments to elevate this humble yet underestimated culinary staple.
Here is my go-to recipe for scrambled eggs:
Prepare your toppings in advance. The beauty of scrambled eggs is that they are quick to make, so it's important to have all your toppings ready to go. This way, you can easily add them to your eggs once they're cooked and enjoy them while they're still warm.
Crack 2 to 3 eggs per person into a bowl; for a satisfying meal for two people, 5 eggs work perfectly.
Heat a pan on medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil, spreading it evenly in the pan. Let the pan heat up for 3 to 4 minutes on medium heat.
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water or milk (dairy or non dairy) to the eggs for extra moisture.
Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk the eggs with a fork for at least 60 seconds to make them fluffy. This step is essential, so don't skip it.
Reduce the heat to low and pour the eggs into the pan. I prefer to cook them on low to low-medium heat. Let them cook for a minute or two, then gently stir the eggs continuously until they reach your desired consistency. I like my scrambled eggs fully cooked but still slightly creamy, avoiding overcooking to prevent them from drying out. Of course, everyone has their own preference.
Additional ingredients to mix into the eggs so the flavors meld while they cook.
Roasted Garlic. I sometimes roast a whole bulb of garlic and mash 4 to 5 cloves with a little olive oil and blend this roasted garlic mixture in with the eggs before cooking.
Pesto. If I buy or make pesto (I often make a large batch and freeze 3-4 small containers for purposes like these), I like to mix a tablespoon or 2 in with the eggs before cooking when I'm in the mood for that extra herbal pop.
Scrambled Egg Variations
Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy scrambled eggs either on top of toast or by themselves, but definitely not naked and covered with toppings.
The simple toast
Prepare a basic toast by lightly warming a slice of sourdough and spreading the eggs on top. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.
For a minimalist toast like this, you can enhance the flavor by topping the eggs with spices, such as smoky paprika, everything bagel seasoning, or za'atar.
The pesto dressed toast
Basil pesto, which can be incorporated into the eggs while cooking (as mentioned above), or drizzled over the eggs with a sprinkle or some thin shavings of Parmesan.
The meat toast
Top your scrambled eggs with some kind of meat. My favorites are diced chorizo, crumbled bacon or prosciutto. Ham also goes well but I like ham and eggs a bit more when I mix the ham with the eggs and cook them together.
The veggie toast
Combining diced avocado, tomato, and red onion with fresh chopped basil, a dash of salt (perhaps garlic salt), and pepper creates a delightful mix of flavors.
The cheesy toast
Enhance this egg toast combination by topping the eggs with a blend of gouda, butterkase, or fontina cheese, slightly melted, and a few strategically placed drops of balsamic glaze.
The combo toast (or Ultimate Toast or Mothers or Fathers Day Toast)
Take some or all of the elements above and put them together.
A favorite of mine includes chopped red onion, Roma tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil, topped with crumbled bacon and a dash of balsamic vinegar. I recommend Nonna Pia's balsamic glaze from Costco, as it offers the perfect blend of acidity, sweetness, and umami.
The Universal Toppings - Avocado and a decent quality balsamic glaze
In my experience, these extra ingredients usually enhance anything you add them to. Avocado and a concentrated balsamic vinegar glaze are especially delicious when paired with scrambled eggs.
The non toast base. Take some combination of any of the toppings listed above and sprinkle them over your scrambled eggs. A couple particularly good variations include:
Diced chorizo, red onion and avocado
Diced bacon, red onion and avocado
Ground lamb or beef mixed with diced green onion (scallions) and carrots with a curry or middle eastern spice blend
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