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Butter-Crisped Crouton and Gruyère Omelet

Butter-Crisped Crouton and Gruyère Omelet

By Milk StreetMarch 26, 2025

  • Makes
    3-4 servings
  • Cook Time
    30 minutes

Crisp, buttery croutons nestled into a mound of softly set eggs. It’s our take on an omelet in “The Zuni Café Cookbook” by the late Judy Rodgers. Gruyère adds a touch of funkiness, while mustard and chives brighten the dish. After toasting the bread, give the skillet a chance to cool so the butter for cooking the omelet doesn’t overheat. The time it takes to whisk the eggs and seasonings is enough. Accompanied by a leafy green salad, the omelet makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients
  • 3

    tablespoons salted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces, divided

  • 3

    tablespoons dry white wine

  • 2

    tablespoons whole-grain mustard

  • 2

    ounces country-style white bread, torn into rough ½-inch pieces (2 cups)

  • 8

    large eggs

  • 2

    tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, divided

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 3

    ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded (¾ cup)

Step 1

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in the wine and mustard. Simmer, stirring, until the liquid evaporates and the mixture sizzles, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the bread, toss to coat, then cook, stirring, until golden brown and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a plate. Wipe out the skillet and let cool. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 tablespoon chives and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Step 2

Return the skillet to medium-low, add and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add the egg mixture. Working slowly around the pan, use a silicone spatula to gently draw the edges inward, tilting the pan to fill the space with egg, until the eggs no longer are runny and have formed a ruffled-edged omelet with a shiny, wet surface, about 3 minutes.

Step 3

Off heat, scatter the cheese over the eggs. Cover and let stand until melted and the surface of the omelet is set, about 3 minutes. Run the spatula around the edge and underneath to loosen. Scatter the toasted bread over half the omelet, then use the spatula to fold the other half over it. Slide onto a serving plate and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon chives.