Parmalet (Crisp Parmesan Omelet)

4.7
(109)
86 Reviews
36 Photos

I was attempting to achieve a crispy, inside-out Parmesan omelet — and it worked! The caramelized cheese formed a thin but protective layer and, since the eggs had never directly touched the pan, they were moist and tender. This will also work whether you use one or three eggs, depending on the texture you're going for. Using a single egg is kind of a cool trick, since the cheese layer is almost as thick, and you can really appreciate the crispness even more.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Updated on November 23, 2024
36
36
36
36
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
1
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 1 servings

  • 2 eggs

  • ¼ teaspoon water

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

  • 1 ounce freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or a little less

  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions

  1. Crack eggs into a mixing bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon water. Whisk together until just beaten (do not overmix).

  2. Drizzle olive oil into an 8-inch nonstick skillet. Brush evenly over the bottom of the pan. Evenly grate cheese into the skillet approximately 1/2-inch deep (or just shy of 1 ounce).

  3. Place pan over medium-high heat. Cheese will slowly start to melt. When cheese starts to bubble and turn golden brown, about 4 minutes, pour eggs evenly over cheese. Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cover and let eggs cook on low until they are set, checking after the first 30 seconds. For 2 eggs, this should take about 1 minute, total cooking time.

  4. Remove pan from heat. Carefully use a spatula to fold parmalet in half. Transfer to a serving plate.

    close up view of a Crisp Parmesan Omelet garnished with fresh herbs, served with a slice of toast and a tomato on a white plate
    Chef John

Chef's Note

I had the best luck with the cheese crust using 25 grams of finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or just shy of 1 ounce.

326 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

291 Calories
22g Fat
2g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Calories 291
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 8g 42%
Cholesterol 352mg 117%
Sodium 712mg 31%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 22g 44%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 362mg 28%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 158mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

You’ll Also Love

Simple Italian Omelet
42 Ratings
A Denver omelet served with a green salad and toasted bread with butter
The Denver Omelet
80 Ratings
close up view of a slice of The Farmer's Frittata (Italian-Style Omelet) on a plate
The Farmer's Frittata (Italian-Style Omelet)
21 Ratings
Ramp Omelet
close up view of Greek Omelet with Asparagus and Feta Cheese garnished with fresh herbs, on a white plate with a fork
Greek Omelet with Asparagus and Feta Cheese
27 Ratings
Mushroom Spinach Omelet
13 Ratings
Herbed Cream Cheese Omelet
57 Ratings
tri-fold omelet filled with goat cheese and sprinkled with chives on white plate
Goat Cheese Omelet
Buffalo Wings and Blue Cheese Omelet
Cheese Omelette
17 Ratings
My Big Fat Greek Omelet
52 Ratings
Candice's Lasagna Omelet
2 Ratings
A baby spinach omelet on a plate with sliced of orange
Baby Spinach Omelet
379 Ratings
Omuraisu (Japanese Rice Omelet)
33 Ratings
Ultimate Low-Carb Ham and Cheese Omelet for Two
2 Ratings
Cheese Omelette with Herbs
1 Rating