A Lower-Calorie Ham and Cheese Omelet With Mushrooms Recipe

Overstuffed omelets like those at IHOP are eggs at their worst, harboring more calories than a half-dozen doughnuts. Why not spend the five minutes at home for a healthier, tastier version you can whip up yourself?

Nutrition: 330 calories, 20 g fat (9 g saturated), 570 mg sodium

Serves 4

You'll Need

2 Tbsp butter
1⁄2 lb white or cremini mushrooms, stems removed, sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 slices prosciutto, cut into thin strips
8 eggs
4 Tbsp milk
1 cup shredded Gruyère or other Swiss cheese
Chopped chives or scallions (optional)

How to Make It

1. Heat 2 teaspoons butter in a medium skillet or sauté pan until foaming, then add the mushrooms. Cook until brown and caramelized, 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Season with salt and pepper and remove to a bowl or plate.
3. Wipe the pan clean and return to the heat. Add the prosciutto slices (don't crowd) and cook for a minute or two, until the pieces begin to shrink slightly and crisp up. Reserve.
4. Heat 1 teaspoon butter in a small nonstick pan set over medium heat.
5. Beat 2 eggs with 1 tablespoon milk and season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the eggs to the pan and use a wooden spoon or heatproof rubber spatula to move them about, as if you were scrambling them.
7. Continue to do this for 30 seconds or so, until about half of the eggs have set, then use your spoon to gently lift the edge of the omelet and swirl the liquid egg around so that it runs underneath to the pan.
8. When all but the thinnest film of egg has set, add 1⁄4 cup cheese and a big spoonful of the sautéed mushrooms.
9. Fold the omelet over (either once for a half-moon or twice for a long thin omelet) and gently slide onto a warm plate. Garnish with crispy prosciutto and chives (if using).
10. Repeat to make 4 omelets in all.

Eat This Tip

A Step-by-Step Guide to Expert Omelets

Learn the art of making silky, light omelets, and you can banish the hypercaloric $10 restaurant omelet from your diet for life. Here's how you handle it.

Step 1: Melt butter over a medium-low flame.
Step 2: First scramble the eggs, then allow to set.
Step 3: Add toppings and fold over carefully

Healthier comfort food recipes you can make at home.