I Tested IHOP's Secret to Fluffy Omelets, and It's Magical (2024)

FAQs

Why are IHOP omelettes so fluffy? ›

The secret to IHOP's fluffy eggs and omelets is a small amount of pancake batter added to the beaten eggs before cooking.

Chefs have been known to add flour to omelet batter for this exact reason. The leavening in the batter also adds “lift,” helping produce the thick, fluffy omelet diners have come to love.

But if you do start to wonder, you might be surprised to know there's a definitive reason why IHOP's egg dish is fluffier, airier, and more filling than most. As it turns out, that massive mountain of eggs isn't just eggs after all. The omelettes are actually made with some pancake batter in the mix.

It is marked that the Omelettes contain wheat and gluten as they are made with a splash of Buttermilk Pancake batter to create a light, fluffy Omelette. The same batter is also used in our Burritos and Bowls. The Scrambled Eggs do not contain Buttermilk Pancake batter.

There is one very unexpected, but very on-brand, ingredient that makes IHOP omelets undefeated. Drum roll, please! The secret to super fluffy IHOP omelets is… buttermilk pancake batter.

It turns out, the same powder that makes your cakes and breads rise can also help you make a lighter, fluffier omelet. Try it: Add a little baking soda (about half a teaspoon for every three eggs) to your next omelet and lightly mix it in before cooking.

If you have hot melted butter or hot oil, then add whipped eggs, they will fluff up a lot. Halfway through start to stir with a silicone spatula and cook to desired doneness. One other thing is some restaurants add either a couple spoons of water or milk, which also adds to fluffy eggs.

Adding water to eggs essentially steams them, as the water evaporates during cooking, and this yields a fluffier scramble. If you add too much water you can dilute the eggs, and that will result in a bland mess, so stick to a tablespoon per egg and no more.

Whisking incorporates air, which produces fluffier scrambled eggs, and fluffy eggs are the end goal. These eggs are whisked twice: once to blend the eggs together and a second time once you add the milk. For best results, whisk until your wrist is tired! The mixture should look pale yellow and frothy with bubbles.

Restaurants do have a few tips, tricks, and secret ingredients for really elevating this seemingly simple dish. For example, IHOP adds a little pancake batter to their scrambled eggs to ensure they are light and fluffy while remaining filling, according to The Daily Meal.

What oil does IHOP cook with? ›

In addition, we use highly refined soybean oil in our fryers, which the FDA exempts from being labeled as an allergen. Due to the complexity of our ingredients, other allergenic foods may be present in a menu item, but not declared on this section of menu.

Do you add milk to an omelette? Many people add either milk or cream to their omelettes in order to bulk them out and have a more substantial dish without the need to add an extra egg. While this does work, it's crucial not to go overboard or you'll end up with a mixture that's too loose.

Butter Note: The Butter Alternative and Oil they use for cooking at IHOP are both dairy-free. However, they do use whipped butter on some dishes, on toast, for serving, etc. Make sure no real dairy butter is used to make or serve your order.

If you believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you might want to make sure you get an early hit of protein by ordering one of IHOP's omelets. "Their omelets are extremely satisfying. The number of eggs used and different selections of fillings are what makes the omelets [so great].

Restaurants do have a few tips, tricks, and secret ingredients for really elevating this seemingly simple dish. For example, IHOP adds a little pancake batter to their scrambled eggs to ensure they are light and fluffy while remaining filling, according to The Daily Meal.