Scrambled eggs are one of those things that are both stupidly easy to make and surprisingly simple to mess up. Learn how to make perfect scrambled eggs that are light, fluffy, creamy, and tender—every time.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure.
When my husband and I were dating, he impressed me by making deliciously tender and creamy scrambled eggs for breakfast one morning. After that first time, I’d watch him carefully to see how he worked his magic. He showed me how to cook them over medium-low heat and stir them continuously. “That’s how you make them super creamy,” he said.
I started making my scrambled eggs that way. Pretty soon, I was the only one who ever cooked scrambled eggs. Years later, my husband asked how I make my scrambled eggs so tender and creamy, and I just had to laugh. He taught me but then got so used to me making them that he forgot how.
So, what’s the secret to making the perfect, tender, creamy, delicious scrambled eggs? Read on to find out!
Ingredients You Need
You only need a few pantry items to make your scrambled eggs perfectly. Here’s what you need:
- Eggs: Choose the freshest eggs you can find. You can use any eggs you like. Organic eggs are great, but they’re expensive and there are many non-organic eggs that are just as good.
- Milk or cream: I use regular milk, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can use half-and-half or even heavy cream. The more fat, the creamier and richer your eggs will be. If you can’t eat dairy, you can substitute a dairy-free milk alternative.
- Seasonings: Start with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can add other seasonings to your liking, like fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, etc.), garlic, ground spices (turmeric, chili powder, cayenne), etc.
- Fat: You can use butter, olive oil, coconut oil, any neutral-flavored oil, or ghee.
Equipment You Need
You need a good pan, a spatula, a whisk or fork, and a bowl. Here are my recommendations:
- A good skillet: Nonstick skillets are great for scrambling eggs, but enthusiasts will say a good, well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is the best. I use both depending on my mood. My favorite nonstick skillet is a Calphalon hard anodized one. My favorite cast-iron skillet is a basic Lodge.
- A spatula: A flat, thin spatula is best. If you use a nonstick pan, you’ll want to use a silicone spatula.
- A whisk (or a fork): I love a good wire whisk, and I have about a dozen of them (this is one of the things I can’t resist buying at tag sales!) If you don’t have a whisk, you can use a fork.
- A bowl: For whisking the eggs.
The Method
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the best scrambled eggs of your life:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the milk (or cream or dairy-free milk alternative), salt, and pepper to the eggs and and beat them with a whisk (or a fork) until the yolks and whites are well combined. Don’t over-whisk them, though (see below under Tips for Success).
- Heat the butter (or oil) in a nonstick frying pan or a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- When the butter melts or the oil is hot, pour in the eggs. Gently stir the eggs with a spatula, scraping from the bottom of the skillet and letting the unset egg run underneath, until the eggs are almost set.
- Remove from the heat and keep stirring the eggs for another 10 to 15 seconds until they are fully cooked but still soft and creamy.
- And that’s it! Your perfectly scrambled eggs are ready to be devoured.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the best scrambled eggs ever:
- Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs will give you fluffier, more tender scrambled eggs. If you’re unsure if your eggs are fresh, you can do a float test. Fill a bowl with water and gently place the egg in it. If it sinks and lays flat on the bottom, it’s fresh. If it stands upright or floats, it’s not so fresh and you should probably use it for something else.
- Don’t over-beat the eggs: Overbeating them will make them tough and rubbery. So, be gentle and don’t beat them too much.
- Keep the heat at a moderate level: Too high heat will cause the eggs to dry out, so they won’t have that perfect creamy, dreamy texture.
- Don’t overcook the eggs: Overcooking the eggs will make them dry and rubbery. So, take the pan off the heat when the eggs are still a little runny on top and let the residual heat finish cooking them.
- Add flavor: You can add cheese, herbs, spices, or even veggies to your scrambled eggs to make them more interesting and flavorful. Just add them to the eggs before you pour them into the pan.
Additions and Variations
You can make your scrambled eggs even more delicious by adding extra ingredients. And there are so many options to choose from! Here are just a few ideas:
Cheese: Cheese is a classic addition to scrambled eggs, adding both flavor and creaminess. Add any cheese you like—cheddar, goat cheese, pepper jack, fontina, Boursin, feta, or any other cheese you love. For best results, add the cheese (shredded or crumbled) to the eggs when they are about halfway cooked.
Herbs: Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor to scrambled eggs. Try chives, parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, scallions, or cilantro. Simply chop the herbs and sprinkle them on over the eggs just before serving, or mix them in just before the eggs finish cooking.
Vegetables: Vegetables add texture, color, and extra nutrients to your scramble. Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, leafy greens, or mushrooms. It’s best to sauté the vegetables in a separate pan first to rid them of excess moisture, and in the case of onions and mushrooms, begin to caramelize them first. Mix them into the eggs just before they finish cooking.
Meat: Adding meat to scrambled eggs is a great way to make a filling and hearty breakfast. Try diced ham, cooked bacon, or crumbled sausage. Brown the meat in a separate pan and mix it into the eggs just before they finish cooking.
Spices: Kick up the flavor of your scramble by adding paprika, cumin, turmeric, or chili powder. Whisk spices into the eggs before adding them to the skillet.
Hot sauce: Hot sauce is a great way to add a kick to your scrambled eggs. Simply drizzle a little hot sauce on top of the eggs just before serving. You can also add a dash of hot sauce, like Tabasco or Crystal, into the eggs when you whisk them.
These are just a few options for adding ingredients to scrambled eggs. The possibilities are endless, and you can mix and match ingredients to create your own unique and delicious combination. So, whether you prefer a classic cheese and herb scramble or a spicy and meaty breakfast burrito, there is a combination of ingredients that will suit your taste and preferences.
How to Serve Them
Scrambled eggs are a classic breakfast dish, but they’re good any time of day. They’re great all by themselves, but you can also make them a centerpiece of breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- Toast: Toast is the obvious side dish—it’s great for scooping up your scramble.
- Bacon or sausage: Savory, salty breakfast meats are a classic side for scrambled eggs. The flavor and texture contrasts are irresistible.
- Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes are a tasty and filling side dish that can be enjoyed with scrambled eggs. Simply chop potatoes into small pieces, toss with oil and seasonings, and bake in the oven until crispy.
- Fresh fruit: Fresh fruit is a healthy and refreshing option to serve with scrambled eggs. You can choose from various options, such as sliced bananas, berries, or melons. The sweetness of the fruit balances the richness of the eggs.
- Avocado: Avocado is a creamy and nutritious option that pairs well with scrambled eggs. Slice an avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh onto your plate. You can also mash the avocado and spread it on toast for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
- Hashbrowns: Hashbrowns are a crispy and comforting side dish to serve with scrambled eggs. Simply shred potatoes, mix with seasonings, and cook in a frying pan until golden brown.
These are just a few options for serving with scrambled eggs. The possibilities are endless, and you can choose the side dishes that suit your taste and preferences. So, whether you prefer sweet or savory, there is a side dish that will complement your scrambled eggs perfectly.
If it weren’t for my husband’s early egg-scrambling guidance, I might not have developed such a strong love for the dish. But now I think it’s a dish everyone should have in their repertoire. With the right ingredients, equipment, and method, you can make scrambled eggs that are fluffy, creamy, and delicious enough to impress the important people in your life.
Scrambled Eggs
Ingredients
- 4 large or extra-large eggs
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
Instructions
- Break the eggs into a bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and milk
or cream. Whisk until the mixture is well combined, but be careful not to over-whisk. - Heat the butter (or oil) in a nonstick frying pan or a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- When the butter melts or the oil is hot, pour in the eggs. Gently stir the eggs with a spatula, scraping from the bottom of the skillet and letting the unset egg run underneath, until the eggs are almost set.
- Remove from the heat and continue to stir the eggs for another 10 to 15 seconds until they are fully cooked but still soft and creamy.
- And that’s it! Your perfectly scrambled eggs are ready to be devoured.
4 thoughts on “How to scramble eggs like a pro”