150 add-ins

What Should I Put in My Scrambled Eggs

One press deals a meat, a vegetable, a cheese and a herb, in the order they go in the pan.

All 150

BaconCook it first until crisp, chop it, then pour the eggs over. Try it with cheddar and chives.Meat or fish
SpinachWilt a handful in the pan first, then pour the eggs over. Try it with feta.Vegetable or beans
CheddarGrate it and add it when the eggs are nearly set. Try it with chives, or with broccoli.Cheese
ChivesSnip them over the eggs on the plate, or stir them in for the last few seconds. Try them with sour cream.Herb or seasoning

Next step Draw the rest of the breakfast Or leave the whole meal to the food wheel

All 150 add-ins

Whisked into the eggs 15

An extra yolk Whisk one more yolk in with the whole eggs for a richer, yellower scramble. Try it with butter and chives.
Chia seeds Whisk a spoonful into the raw eggs before the pan and cook as usual. Try them with spinach.
Chicken broth A splash whisked in before the pan, in place of milk. Try it with scallions and soy sauce.
Coconut milk A splash whisked into the raw eggs in place of milk. Try it with cilantro and a little curry powder.
Cold butter cubes Drop small cubes into the raw eggs and stir over low heat as they melt. Try it with chives.
Cottage cheese Stir a big spoonful into the raw eggs before they go in the pan. Try it with black pepper and dill.
Crème fraîche Stir a spoonful in off the heat, when the eggs are just set. Try it with chives or smoked salmon.
Greek yogurt Whisk a spoonful into the raw eggs until no lumps are left. Try it with dill and feta.
Ground flaxseed Whisk a spoonful into the raw eggs before the pan. Try it with mushrooms and cheddar.
Heavy cream A small splash whisked in before the pan, for a richer scramble. Try it with chives.
Mascarpone Stir a spoonful in off the heat, once the eggs are just set. Try it with chives and black pepper.
Mayonnaise A small spoonful whisked into the raw eggs before the pan. Try it with scallions.
Milk A splash whisked into the raw eggs before the pan, if you like them soft and mild. Try it with cheddar.
Sour cream Whisk a spoonful into the raw eggs, or stir it in off the heat. Try it with chives.
Water A splash whisked in before the pan, in place of milk. Try it with butter in the pan and black pepper.

Meats and fish 23

Bacon Cook it first until crisp, chop it, then pour the eggs over. Try it with cheddar and chives.
Breakfast sausage Brown it first in crumbles and leave a little of its fat in the pan for the eggs. Try it with bell pepper.
Canadian bacon Dice it and brown it lightly before the eggs. Try it with Swiss and tomato.
Chicken sausage Slice it and brown the pieces first. Try it with spinach and feta.
Chorizo Fry it first until its red oil runs, then scramble the eggs in that oil. Try it with potatoes.
Corned beef Chop it and crisp it first, with diced potato if you have some. Try it with Swiss.
Crab Fold cooked crab in when the eggs are almost set. Try it with chives and a squeeze of lemon.
Deli turkey Chop a few slices and warm them in the butter first. Try it with spinach and Swiss.
Ground beef Brown it first with a pinch of cumin and drain it. Try it with onion, cheddar and salsa.
Ham Dice it and warm it in the butter before the eggs go in. Try it with Swiss and scallions.
Hot dog Slice it and brown the pieces before the eggs go in. Try it with American cheese and ketchup.
Italian sausage Squeeze it out of its casing and brown it first. Try it with roasted red peppers and provolone.
Leftover steak Slice it thin and warm it in the pan just before the eggs. Try it with onions and mushrooms.
Pancetta Cook the cubes first over medium heat until the fat runs. Try it with Parmesan and black pepper.
Pepperoni Fry the slices first until the edges crisp. Try it with mozzarella and a pinch of oregano.
Prosciutto Tear it over the eggs on the plate, or crisp it in the pan first. Try it with Parmesan and basil.
Pulled pork Warm leftovers in the pan before the eggs go in. Try it with pickled red onions and cheddar.
Salami Cut it in strips and fry until the edges curl, then add the eggs. Try it with mozzarella.
Shredded chicken Leftovers are fine: warm it in the pan before the eggs. Try it with salsa and pepper jack.
Shrimp Cook small ones first until pink, lift them out, and fold them back in at the end. Try them with scallions.
Smoked salmon Fold strips in off the heat, so they only warm through. Try it with dill and cream cheese.
Smoked sausage Slice it into coins and brown them first. Try it with bell pepper and onion.
Taco meat Warm leftover taco meat first, then pour the eggs over. Try it with pepper jack and salsa.

Vegetables and beans 30

Artichoke hearts From a jar: drain, chop and warm them first. Try them with spinach and Parmesan.
Arugula Fold it in off the heat so it only wilts. Try it with Parmesan and lemon juice.
Asparagus Cut it in short pieces and cook it first until bright green. Try it with goat cheese.
Bell pepper Dice it and cook it first until soft. Try it with onion and pepper jack.
Black beans Rinse them and warm them in the pan first. Try them with salsa and pepper jack.
Broccoli Use small cooked florets and warm them in the pan first. Try them with cheddar.
Caramelized onions Make them ahead and fold them in at the end. Try them with Gruyère.
Cherry tomatoes Halve them and blister them in the pan first. Try them with mozzarella and basil.
Corn Cook the kernels first until they start to brown. Try them with cotija and lime juice.
Garlic Mince a clove and warm it in the butter only until you can smell it. Try it with spinach.
Green chiles Canned and diced: drain them and stir them in with the eggs. Try them with Monterey Jack.
Hash browns Crisp them first and scramble the eggs right into them. Try them with ketchup or hot sauce.
Jalapeño Mince it and soften it first; leave the seeds in for more heat. Try it with cheddar.
Kale Shred it and cook it first until soft. Try it with garlic and Parmesan.
Kimchi Chop it and fry it briefly first, then add the eggs. Try it with scallions and toasted sesame oil.
Leeks Slice the white part thin and soften it in butter first. Try them with Gruyère.
Mushrooms Cook them first until their water is gone and they brown. Try them with Swiss and thyme.
Olives Slice them and stir them in at the end. Try them with feta and tomato.
Onion Soften it, diced, in the butter before the eggs go in. Try it with cheddar.
Peas Frozen peas go in with the eggs and warm through as they cook. Try them with mint and feta.
Poblano pepper Dice it and cook it first until soft. Try it with corn and queso fresco.
Potatoes Cook small dice first until brown and tender, then add the eggs. Try them with cheddar and onion.
Roasted red peppers From a jar: pat them dry, chop them and warm them first. Try them with feta.
Scallions White parts in the pan first, green parts on top at the end. Try them with soy sauce.
Shallot Mince it and soften it in butter before the eggs. Try it with chives and crème fraîche.
Spinach Wilt a handful in the pan first, then pour the eggs over. Try it with feta.
Sun-dried tomatoes Chop them and warm them in a little of their oil before the eggs. Try them with goat cheese.
Sweet potato Cook small cubes first until tender and brown at the edges. Try it with black beans and cumin.
Tomato Seed and dice it and fold it in at the end, so the eggs do not turn watery. Try it with basil.
Zucchini Grate or dice it and cook it first until its water is gone. Try it with Parmesan.

Cheeses 24

American cheese Tear a slice into the eggs when they are half set and stir until it melts in. Try it with tomato.
Blue cheese A few crumbles over the plate go a long way. Try it with caramelized onions.
Brie Cut off the rind, dice it and fold it in as the eggs set. Try it with chives.
Cheddar Grate it and add it when the eggs are nearly set. Try it with chives, or with broccoli.
Cotija Crumble it over the plate. Try it with corn, cilantro and lime juice.
Cream cheese Drop small pieces in when the eggs are half set and let them soften. Try it with scallions.
Feta Crumble it in for the last few stirs. Try it with spinach and tomato.
Fontina Grate it in when the eggs are nearly set. Try it with mushrooms and thyme.
Garlic and herb soft cheese Stir a spoonful in off the heat. Try it with mushrooms.
Goat cheese Dot it over the eggs just before they leave the pan. Try it with chives or asparagus.
Gruyère Grate it in near the end. Try it with leeks or caramelized onions.
Halloumi Fry small cubes first until golden, then scramble the eggs around them. Try it with tomato and mint.
Havarti Dice it small and stir it in at the end. Try it with dill.
Mexican-style cheese blend A handful for the last few stirs. Try it with salsa and black beans.
Monterey Jack Stir it in, shredded, at the very end. Try it with green chiles.
Mozzarella Add it shredded at the end and serve while it still pulls. Try it with tomato and basil.
Paneer Crumble it and warm it in the pan first with a pinch of turmeric. Try it with onion and cilantro.
Parmesan Grate it fine into the raw eggs, or over the plate. Try it with black pepper.
Pepper jack Add it grated for the last few stirs. Try it with bell pepper and salsa.
Provolone Tear a slice in at the end and fold once. Try it with roasted red peppers.
Queso fresco Crumble it on at the end. Try it with salsa and black beans.
Ricotta Fold spoonfuls in when the eggs are almost set, so it stays in soft pockets. Try it with basil.
Smoked gouda Grate it in near the end for a smoky taste. Try it with mushrooms or potatoes.
Swiss Grate it in when the eggs are nearly set. Try it with mushrooms.

Herbs and seasonings 30

Basil Tear it over the plate, never into the hot pan. Try it with tomato and mozzarella.
Black pepper Grind it over the plate at the end. Try it with Parmesan.
Cajun seasoning A shake whisked in, and go easy on any other salt. Try it with bell pepper and onion.
Chili powder A pinch whisked into the raw eggs. Try it with cheddar and avocado.
Chives Snip them over the eggs on the plate, or stir them in for the last few seconds. Try them with sour cream.
Cilantro Chop it over the plate at the end. Try it with salsa and lime juice.
Cumin A pinch whisked into the raw eggs. Try it with black beans and salsa.
Curry powder Warm a pinch in the butter first, then add the eggs. Try it with onion and cilantro.
Dijon mustard A small spoonful whisked into the raw eggs. Try it with Gruyère, or with ham.
Dill Fresh, stirred in off the heat. Try it with feta, or with cream cheese.
Everything seasoning Shake it over the plate, not into the pan. Try it with cream cheese and scallions.
Flaky salt A pinch over the plate, in place of some of the salt in the pan. Try it with butter and chives.
Furikake Shake it over the plate. Try it with soy sauce and scallions.
Garlic powder A shake whisked into the raw eggs. Try it with cheddar and scallions.
Italian seasoning A pinch whisked into the raw eggs. Try it with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
Lemon zest Grate a little over the plate. Try it with ricotta, or with asparagus.
Mint Chop a few leaves over the plate. Try it with peas and feta.
Miso Whisk a little into the raw eggs until smooth and skip the salt. Try it with scallions.
Oregano Dried, a pinch whisked into the raw eggs. Try it with feta and tomato.
Parsley Chop it and stir it in off the heat. Try it with Parmesan, or with mushrooms.
Ranch seasoning A shake of the dry mix whisked into the raw eggs. Try it with cheddar and broccoli.
Red pepper flakes A pinch in the butter before the eggs, or over the plate. Try them with Parmesan.
Sage Fry a few leaves in the butter until crisp, then add the eggs. Try it with Parmesan.
Smoked paprika A pinch whisked into the raw eggs, or dusted over the plate. Try it with potatoes.
Soy sauce A few drops whisked into the raw eggs in place of salt. Try it with scallions.
Taco seasoning A shake whisked into the raw eggs. Try it with pepper jack and salsa.
Tarragon Chop it fine and stir it in off the heat. Try it with goat cheese.
Thyme Fresh leaves go in the butter before the eggs. Try it with mushrooms.
Turmeric A pinch whisked in turns the eggs a deeper yellow. Try it with onion and tomato.
Za'atar Sprinkle it over the plate with a thread of olive oil. Try it with feta.

Finishes 28

Avocado Slice or dice it over the plate; it does not go in the pan. Try it with salsa and cilantro.
Barbecue sauce A little on the plate. Try it with potatoes and onion, or with pulled pork.
Capers Scatter them over the plate. Try them with dill and cream cheese, or with smoked salmon.
Cheese sauce Spoon it warm over the plate. Try it with jalapeño and crushed tortilla chips.
Chili crisp A spoonful over the plate, with some of its oil. Try it with scallions.
Chimichurri Spoon it over on the plate. Try it with potatoes, or with leftover steak.
Cream gravy Ladle it warm over the eggs. Try it with a biscuit and black pepper.
Crispy fried onions Scatter them over the plate for crunch. Try them with cheddar.
Crushed tortilla chips Crush a handful over the plate, or stir them in for the last few seconds. Try them with salsa.
Fried tortilla strips Fry strips of corn tortilla until crisp first, then scramble the eggs into them. Try them with salsa.
Harissa Stir a small spoonful in off the heat, or leave it on the side. Try it with feta.
Hollandaise Spoon it warm over the plate. Try it with asparagus, or with Canadian bacon.
Hot honey A thin drizzle over the plate. Try it with goat cheese, or with bacon.
Hot sauce A few dashes on the plate, not in the pan. Try it with cheddar and potatoes.
Ketchup On the side of the plate. Try it with hash browns.
Lemon juice A small squeeze over the plate. Try it with asparagus, or with smoked salmon.
Lime juice A squeeze over the plate. Try it with avocado and cilantro.
Maple syrup A thin drizzle at the edge of the plate. Try it with sweet potato, or with breakfast sausage.
Olive oil A thread of good oil over the plate. Try it with flaky salt and tomato.
Pesto Swirl a spoonful in off the heat, so it stays green. Try it with tomato and mozzarella.
Pickled jalapeños Chop them over the plate. Try them with cheddar and black beans.
Pickled red onions A few rings on top at the end. Try them with avocado and cotija.
Pico de gallo Spoon it over on the plate, drained of its juice. Try it with avocado.
Salsa Spoon it over on the plate; in the pan it waters the eggs down. Try it with black beans.
Salsa verde Spoon it over on the plate. Try it with queso fresco and a warm tortilla.
Sriracha A thin zigzag over the plate. Try it with scallions and toasted sesame oil.
Toasted sesame oil A few drops over the plate. Try it with soy sauce and scallions.
Truffle oil A few drops over the plate, no more. Try it with Parmesan and chives.

How it works

What should I put in my scrambled eggs besides salt and pepper? Deal from 150: 15 things to whisk in, 23 meats and fish, 30 vegetables and beans, 24 cheeses, 30 herbs and seasonings and 28 finishes.

Read the full guide

What goes in the pan first

Meat goes first, so it browns and leaves its fat for the eggs. Vegetables follow, cooked until their water is gone. Then the eggs. Cheese goes in when they are nearly set. Fresh herbs, sauces and anything cold wait for the plate.

Whisked in before cooking

Milk, cream, broth or water is whisked into the raw eggs, along with dried spices and a pinch of salt. Crème fraîche and mascarpone are the exceptions: stir them in off the heat, when the eggs are just set.

Questions and answers

Should I add milk to my scrambled eggs?

It is a matter of taste, and cooks disagree. If you like them soft and mild, whisk in a splash of milk, or water in its place; heavy cream makes them richer. For the most egg flavor, add nothing and cook them in butter.

What should I wet the pan with to make scrambled eggs?

Butter, melted over medium-low heat until it foams. Olive oil does the job if there is no butter. When bacon, sausage or chorizo is going in anyway, we would cook the eggs in the fat it leaves behind.

What can you eat with scrambled eggs?

Buttered toast, a biscuit, an English muffin or a warm tortilla, under the eggs or beside them. Bacon, sausage, hash browns or sliced avocado on the side, and fruit if the plate needs something fresh.

Can you put chia seeds in scrambled eggs?

Yes. Whisk a spoonful into the raw eggs before the pan and cook them as usual. Ground flaxseed goes in the same way.