My family are big fans of breakfast, and we often try to mix things up to avoid the usual cereal routine. Recently, I stumbled upon a recipe for Ham & Sweet Pepper Scramble, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer in our morning meals. The vibrant colors of the sweet peppers, combined with the savory ham and fluffy eggs, create a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Even my picky eaters devoured it, asking for seconds! It’s become a regular feature on our weekend brunch menu, and I’m excited to share this simple yet satisfying recipe with you. It’s perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch, and I’m confident it will become a favorite in your household too. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with this flavorful and nutritious scramble!

Ingredients

• 6 Large Eggs: The base of our scramble, providing protein and richness. Opt for free-range eggs for the best flavor and texture.
• 1/2 Cup Diced Cooked Ham: Adds a savory and salty element to the scramble. Leftover ham works perfectly, or you can use deli ham cut into cubes.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced: Contributes sweetness, vibrant color, and a crisp texture. Red peppers are also packed with Vitamin C.
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, Diced: Offers another layer of sweetness and color contrast. Yellow peppers are slightly milder than red peppers.
• 1/2 Onion, Diced: Provides a savory base flavor. White or yellow onion works well, adding depth to the scramble.
• 2 Tablespoons Milk or Cream: Adds moisture and creaminess to the eggs, resulting in a fluffier scramble. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even heavy cream for extra richness. For a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can be substituted.
• 2 Tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil: Used for cooking the vegetables and preventing the scramble from sticking to the pan. Butter adds richness, while olive oil is a healthier option.
• 1/4 Cup Shredded Cheese (Optional): Adds a cheesy melt and extra flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses are great choices. For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best taste.
• Fresh Parsley, Chopped (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by dicing the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and onion into small, uniform pieces. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking and a better texture in the final scramble. Set the diced vegetables aside.
2. Whisk the Eggs: In a medium bowl, crack the six large eggs. Add the milk or cream, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully combined and the mixture is slightly frothy. Whisking incorporates air, which contributes to a fluffier scramble. Set the egg mixture aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter or olive oil and let it melt and heat up. Once the pan is hot and the butter is melted (or oil is shimmering), add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Sautéing the onion first allows it to release its flavor and become tender before adding the peppers.
4. Add the Bell Peppers: Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and slightly softened. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn. Cooking the peppers to tender-crisp retains some texture and prevents them from becoming mushy in the scramble.
5. Incorporate the Ham: Add the diced cooked ham to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is heated through. This step warms the ham and allows its flavors to meld with the vegetables. If using leftover ham, ensure it is thoroughly heated for food safety.
6. Pour in the Egg Mixture: Reduce the heat to low-medium. Pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the vegetables and ham in the skillet. Let the eggs begin to set around the edges.
7. Scramble the Eggs: Using a spatula, gently push the cooked egg from the edges of the skillet towards the center, tilting the pan to allow the uncooked egg to flow underneath. Continue this process until the eggs are mostly set but still slightly moist and creamy. Avoid overcooking, as this will result in dry and rubbery eggs. The key to a perfect scramble is to cook it gently and stop while it’s still slightly soft.
8. Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the scramble in the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
9. Season and Serve: Taste the scramble and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Be mindful of the saltiness of the ham when seasoning.
10. Garnish and Serve Immediately: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Ham & Sweet Pepper Scramble with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and fluffy. Scrambled eggs are best enjoyed right away as they can become less tender as they cool.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, assuming recipe serves 4)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Calories: 250-300 kcal (Approximate, may vary based on ingredients and cheese usage)
• Protein: 20-25g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient brands and quantities.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (Includes dicing vegetables and whisking eggs)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (Includes sautéing vegetables and scrambling eggs)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Description: This Ham & Sweet Pepper Scramble is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a fast weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch. The prep work mainly involves dicing vegetables, which can be done ahead of time to further reduce morning prep. The cooking process is straightforward, making it an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels.

How to Serve

• Classic Breakfast Plate: Serve the Ham & Sweet Pepper Scramble as the star of a classic breakfast plate. Pair it with:
  • Toast: Whole wheat, sourdough, or multigrain toast are excellent choices for soaking up the flavorful scramble.
  • Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and a smooth texture that complements the scramble.
  • Breakfast potatoes: Roasted or pan-fried breakfast potatoes add a hearty carbohydrate element to the meal.
  • Fresh fruit: Berries, melon, or sliced oranges provide a refreshing and sweet contrast.
• Breakfast Burritos or Tacos: Transform the scramble into a portable and fun meal by using it as a filling for:
  • Warm tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas, warmed on a griddle or in a microwave, create the perfect wrap for a breakfast burrito or taco.
  • Salsa or hot sauce: Add a spicy kick with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds coolness and tanginess.
  • Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor.
• Scramble Bowls: Create a customizable and nutritious breakfast bowl by layering the scramble with:
  • Cooked quinoa or rice: Provides a base of complex carbohydrates.
  • Black beans or chickpeas: Adds plant-based protein and fiber.
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo: Fresh tomatoes or pico de gallo add acidity and freshness.
  • Spinach or kale: Steamed or sautéed greens boost the nutritional value.
• Open-Faced Sandwich: Serve the scramble on top of toasted bread for a satisfying open-faced sandwich:
  • Toasted English muffins or bagels: Provide a sturdy base for the scramble.
  • Cream cheese or herbed cheese spread: Adds extra flavor and creaminess to the bread.
  • Arugula or baby spinach: Adds a peppery green element.
• Side Dish for Brunch: Include the Ham & Sweet Pepper Scramble as part of a larger brunch spread alongside:
  • Pancakes or waffles: Sweet breakfast items complement the savory scramble.
  • Bacon or sausage: Additional protein options for meat-lovers.
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice or mimosas: Classic brunch beverages.
  • Pastries or muffins: Sweet treats for a complete brunch experience.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Ham & Sweet Pepper Scramble

1. Don’t Overcook the Eggs: The biggest mistake in scrambling eggs is overcooking them. Cook over low to medium heat and remove from the heat while they are still slightly moist. They will continue to cook from the residual heat. Overcooked eggs become dry and rubbery, losing their desirable creamy texture. Keep a close eye on the scramble as it cooks and err on the side of undercooking slightly.
2. Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients greatly impacts the final flavor of the scramble. Use fresh, vibrant bell peppers, good quality ham, and fresh eggs. Opt for free-range or organic eggs for a richer flavor and better texture. Good quality ham will provide a more savory and satisfying taste.
3. Dice Vegetables Uniformly: Dicing the vegetables into uniform sizes ensures they cook evenly. This is important for both texture and flavor distribution in the scramble. Consistent sizing also makes for a more visually appealing dish. Take a few extra minutes to chop the peppers and onions neatly.
4. Sauté Vegetables Properly: Sautéing the onions and peppers before adding the eggs is crucial for developing their flavor and softening their texture. Don’t rush this step. Sauté the onions until translucent and the peppers until tender-crisp. This process releases their natural sweetness and prevents them from being crunchy in the final scramble.
5. Seasoning is Key: Proper seasoning enhances all the flavors in the scramble. Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper, but taste as you go. Remember that ham can be salty, so adjust your salt accordingly. Consider adding other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor depth.
6. Use the Right Pan: A non-stick skillet is essential for making scrambled eggs. It prevents the eggs from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Use a skillet that is appropriately sized for the amount of scramble you are making. Too small a pan can lead to overcrowding and uneven cooking, while too large a pan can cause the eggs to spread too thinly and dry out quickly.
7. Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking scrambled eggs over low to medium heat is the secret to achieving a creamy and tender texture. High heat will cook the eggs too quickly and result in dry, rubbery eggs. Patience is key when scrambling eggs. Gentle, slow cooking allows the eggs to cook evenly and retain moisture.
8. Add Dairy for Creaminess: Adding a touch of milk or cream to the egg mixture enhances the creaminess and fluffiness of the scramble. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, half-and-half, or even heavy cream for extra richness. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can be used, although they will provide a slightly different texture.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Ham & Sweet Pepper Scramble

Q1: Can I make this scramble ahead of time?
A: While scrambled eggs are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the vegetables and ham ahead of time. Dice the peppers, onions, and ham the day before and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will significantly reduce your morning prep time. However, it’s not recommended to cook the scramble ahead of time and reheat it, as scrambled eggs tend to dry out and become rubbery upon reheating.

Q2: Can I use different types of peppers?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of bell peppers. Orange bell peppers, green bell peppers, or even poblano peppers can be used. For a spicier kick, you could add a jalapeño pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Using a variety of colors not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers slightly different flavor profiles.

Q3: What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
A: Cooked ham of any variety works well in this recipe. Leftover ham from a holiday dinner is a great option. You can also use deli ham, ham steak, or even diced Canadian bacon. Smoked ham will add a deeper, smokier flavor to the scramble. Choose a ham that you enjoy the taste of, and ensure it is already cooked before adding it to the scramble.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to the scramble?
A: Yes, this recipe is very versatile! You can easily add other vegetables to customize it to your liking. Some great additions include mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, diced tomatoes, or asparagus. Add harder vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini with the onions and peppers to ensure they cook through. Leafy greens like spinach can be added towards the end of cooking as they wilt quickly.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this Ham & Sweet Pepper Scramble is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that any added ingredients, like cheese or seasonings, are also gluten-free. Eggs, ham, bell peppers, onions, and milk are all naturally gluten-free ingredients.

Q6: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free. Simply substitute the milk or cream with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Omit the cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Olive oil can be used instead of butter for cooking.

Q7: How do I prevent my scrambled eggs from being watery?
A: Watery scrambled eggs are often a result of overcooking or cooking at too high a heat. Cook the eggs over low to medium heat and remove them from the heat while they are still slightly moist. Avoid adding too much liquid to the egg mixture. The milk or cream is added for richness, but too much liquid can make the eggs watery. Also, avoid salting the eggs too early, as salt can draw moisture out of the eggs.

Q8: Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger group?
A: Yes, this recipe can easily be scaled up to serve a larger group. Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed. When cooking a larger batch, you may need to use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding the pan. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed depending on the quantity.

Print