15 surprising ingredients you can use to upgrade your scrambled eggs
- Insider asked food professionals about the best, unexpected ingredients to add to scrambled eggs.
- Yogurt and sour cream can add tang and creaminess to your breakfast dish.
Scrambled eggs are one of the simplest breakfasts to prepare, but they don't have to be boring.
Insider asked food professionals about the unexpected, yet tasty ingredients you should add to your next scramble.
Pesto can lend color and herby flavor to your plate
Nick Leahy, executive chef and partner at Nick's Westside, told Insider that pesto is a yummy addition to scrambled eggs.
"Try adding fresh pesto right at the end of the cooking process," Leahy said. "You'll get amazing flavor that is nutty, bright, and herby."
Along with the traditional basil option, you can also try experimenting with red pesto.
Try adding sherry vinegar for a unique flavor profile
Trevor Teich, chef and owner of Claudia, told Insider that sherry vinegar (a gourmet wine vinegar) is one of his go-to ingredients for scrambled eggs.
"Sherry vinegar has a distinct color, taste, and aroma that cuts through the richness of scrambled eggs," Teich said.
Try adding a few drops to your egg mixture and adjust the amount to taste.
Strawberry jam pairs surprisingly well with eggs
Chef Kelly Senyei, founder of Just a Taste, told Insider that strawberry jam is a surprisingly tasty accompaniment to scrambled eggs.
"I actually love to combine strawberry jam and scrambled eggs in a breakfast sandwich," Senyei said. "It's the perfect savory and sweet combo."
You can also pile your scramble on toast topped with strawberry jam.
Hot dogs can make scrambled eggs more filling
Liz Solomon Dwyer, founder and CEO of King David Tacos, told Insider that hot dogs are a hearty and delicious mix-in for scrambled eggs.
"'Eggs and weenies' is actually a popular Tex-Mex dish that I just love," Dwyer said. "You can even add cheese for more flavor."
Incorporate the hot dogs by slicing them, sautéing them until lightly browned, and then scrambling in the egg mixture.
Swap milk with yogurt for creamier eggs
Adding yogurt can make your eggs extra creamy and boost their flavor profile.
"Replace the milk in your scrambled eggs with a good Greek or homemade yogurt," Leahy said. "It adds a rich and tangy flavor."
Whisk a tablespoon or two of yogurt into the egg mixture before cooking to avoid uneven distribution.
Toss corn chips into your eggs
Scrambled eggs are the perfect way to use up old chips.
"Save stale corn or tortilla chips and add them to your eggs for crunchy, salty flavor," Dwyer said.
For the best result, allow the chips to soften for a minute or two in the whisked eggs before cooking.
Add salsa before cooking your eggs for a stronger kick of flavor
You should consider promoting salsa from a condiment to an ingredient when it comes to cooking eggs.
"People often add salsa to cooked scrambled eggs, but the best way to add salsa is actually before cooking," Dwyer said. "Salsa-flavored eggs are delicious."
Dwyer recommended sautéing the salsa on its own for several minutes to reduce the amount of water in the mix, which intensifies the flavor.
Add shredded chicken to your scrambles for extra protein
If you need a seriously protein-packed breakfast, shredded chicken and scrambled eggs could be the solution.
"I love to add shredded chicken and cheese to my eggs for a really filling meal," Dwyer said.
You can serve the dish with some hot sauce for an added kick.
Use chopped tortillas for extra texture
If you have some leftover tortillas lying around, you can add them to your eggs.
"Toasted tortilla pieces are one of my favorite egg add-ins," Leahy told Insider. "I also add cilantro, avocado, and hot sauce for tons of texture and flavor."
Slightly stale flour tortillas work especially well since they're more likely to keep their shape and texture during cooking.
Add Worcestershire sauce for an umami kick
Adding a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to your beaten eggs before scrambling leads to a subtle, yet complex umami flavor.
"The salty, slight sour taste of the Worcestershire blends with the richness of the eggs and results in a perfect balance of flavors," Senyei said.
You can either snag the ingredient from the store or make it at home with pantry staples like apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Herb-flavored cream cheese can add an extra dose of creaminess
Swap fresh herbs for flavored cream cheese to dial up the creaminess of your scramble.
"I love using herb cream cheese to lend cheesy, smooth richness and flavor to my eggs," Senyei said.
Opt for room-temperature cream cheese to ensure easy whisking into the eggs.
Black truffle is a luxurious ingredient that adds a gourmet flair
Although it's a pricey ingredient, black truffle can add a touch of luxury to a plate of scrambled eggs.
"The fat in the eggs enhances the flavor of the black truffle, which creates a deliciously aromatic dish," Teich said.
If you want to splurge, shaved black truffle is the way to go, but you can otherwise try truffle oil for a more affordable option.
Sour cream adds richness to a plate of eggs
Sour cream is easy to incorporate into scrambled eggs for two or 20.
"Fat in any form lends creaminess to scrambled eggs, but sour cream has the added benefit of lending a touch of tanginess," Senyei said.
Avoid adding too much sour cream, which can result in overly wet and runny scrambled eggs.
Ramps deliciously combine garlic and onion flavor
Ramps, also known as wild leeks or onions, are a fresh ingredient you can use to upgrade scrambled eggs.
"These delightful little alliums give a garlicky, herby punch that's perfect alongside creamy eggs," Leahy said.
Although ramps can be difficult to find, you can check your local farmers market for in-season produce.
Chives are always a fresh option to brighten up your dish
Chopped chives are an easy and flavorful addition to any plate.
"Chives add notes of fresh onion and garlic to the eggs, as well as a beautiful pop of color," Teich said.
Fresh chives are best, but you can also experiment with the dried alternative.