Omelet in a Bag

1 omelet per person servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 13 m Total: 23 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Do you love to cook omelets or do a lot of camping? If so, this recipe is for you! Omelets cooked in ziplock plastic bags—eggs, cheese, ham, peppers, and your choice of fixings boiled right in the bag. It really works and is simple to prepare when family and friends get together for breakfast.

Ingredients

1 omelet per person servings
  • 2 large eggs per person
  • Any variety of ingredients: cheese, ham, onions, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, parsley or cilantro, mushrooms, shallots, jalapeños, sausage, bacon, pepperoni
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Have each guest write their name on a quart-size ziplock freezer bag with a permanent marker.
  2. Prepare the ingredients of your choice: cheese, ham, onions, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, parsley or cilantro, mushrooms, shallots, jalapeños, sausage, bacon, pepperoni.
  3. Crack 2 eggs into the bag and shake to combine them. Have each guest add the ingredients of their choice to their bag and shake.
  4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.
  5. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Place the bags into boiling water. Boil for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot at once.
  6. Carefully remove bags from water. Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily onto a plate.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why does my omelet come out rubbery?

A: You've overcooked it. Remove the bag when the center is not quite firm—it will continue cooking in the bag after you take it out of the water. Cooking time may vary based on omelet size and altitude.

Q: Will the plastic bag burst from the steam?

A: The bag will balloon and look like it might burst, but in practice it won't. With a little coaxing, the bag will lie flat in the water as it heats. Make sure to use freezer-weight ziplock bags, not regular storage bags.

Q: Is it safe to boil eggs in plastic bags?

A: Use freezer-quality ziplock bags (not regular storage bags) and make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding bags. The eggs should reach a temperature hot enough to kill bacteria. Keep your egg mixture cold until cooking time.

Tips and Techniques

Keep the prepared egg bags cold until you’re ready to cook—without their protective shells, eggs are more perishable. You can prep the bags ahead of time and refrigerate them, making this perfect for camping trips or large breakfast gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • ham: bacon, sausage, or pepperoni
  • cheese: any melting cheese like cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella
  • regular ziplock bags: freezer-weight ziplock bags only

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for boiling water
  • Quart-size freezer ziplock bags (not regular storage bags)
  • Permanent marker for labeling bags
  • Tongs for safely removing bags from boiling water