BreakfastEasyFlare-FriendlyGluten-Free

Simple Omelette

Soft, pale French omelette with a creamy interior and barely-set eggs. Zero fiber, 18g of protein, and one of the most digestible breakfasts for IBD patients. Research suggests egg proteins may support intestinal barrier function. Ready in 10 minutes.

Simple Omelette
Total Time
10m
Servings
1
Calories
245
Fiber
0g
Protein
18g
Carbs
1g
Fat
18g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
Active FlareRecoveringRemissionStricturePost-Op (Early)Post-Op (Late)J-Pouch

Watch Out For

buttermild

Contains trace lactose, may trigger symptoms in highly sensitive individuals

Tip: Substitute with olive oil or avocado oil for completely dairy-free version

white peppermild

Some find spices irritating during active flares

Tip: Omit entirely—eggs are flavorful enough with just salt

cheddar cheesemild

Even aged cheese contains some lactose; dairy fat may trigger symptoms for some

Tip: Keep omelette plain during active flares. Aged cheddar has the lowest lactose of all cheeses.

Ingredients

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Optional Fillings

Choose one or two if tolerated:

Ingredients

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Crack the eggs into a medium bowl, add salt and white pepper (if using), and beat with a fork for about 30 seconds until the yolks and whites are fully combined and no streaks remain.

    Equipment: medium bowl, fork
  2. Heat an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute, until warm to the touch.

    Equipment: 8-inch nonstick skillet
    Tip: The pan should feel warm, not hot, when you hold your hand 2 inches above it
  3. Add the butter and swirl to coat the entire pan bottom, tilting as needed.

  4. When the butter foams and the bubbles just begin to subside (about 20 seconds), pour in the beaten eggs. They should sizzle gently.

    Tip: The eggs should sizzle gently on contact—aggressive sizzling means the pan is too hot
  5. Let the eggs sit completely undisturbed for 10 seconds, until the edges just begin to turn opaque.

  6. Using a silicone spatula, gently push the set edges toward the center in slow, sweeping motions, tilting the pan to let the uncooked egg flow to the edges.

    Equipment: silicone spatula
  7. Continue this gentle pushing motion for about 1-2 minutes, until the eggs are just set but still glossy and slightly wet on top.

    Tip: The omelette is done when the eggs are just set but still glossy and slightly wet on top—they'll continue cooking from residual heat
  8. If using a filling, sprinkle it over one half of the omelette now.

  9. Tilt the pan and use your spatula to fold the omelette in half, then slide it gently onto a warm plate.

  10. Serve immediately while the interior is still creamy.

Notes

Storage

Best eaten immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day, though texture becomes rubbery when reheated. Microwave on 50% power for 20-30 seconds if needed.

Heat control

Medium heat is essential—too hot and the eggs turn rubbery and brown, too low and they steam instead of gently set. A pale, soft French omelette should have no browning.

Dairy-free option

Replace butter with olive oil or avocado oil. The flavor changes slightly, but the texture stays silky. Both oils are equally gentle on the gut and completely lactose-free.

Fillings during flares

Keep it plain or add only aged cheddar cheese, which is low in lactose and SCD-legal. Avoid vegetables, even cooked ones, until symptoms improve.

French vs. American style

This recipe creates a pale, soft French omelette. For a browned American-style omelette, use medium-high heat and don't fold until fully set.

Scaling

This technique works best for 1-2 servings. For more people, make multiple omelettes rather than one large one—they cook more evenly in a smaller pan.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches