The Secret Ingredient For Ultra-Smooth Scrambled Eggs Is Already In Your Pantry

If you're looking for some expert advice on how to best take scrambled eggs to the next level, chef and director of innovation at the American Egg Board Nelson Serrano-Bahri won't disappoint. Speaking to Foodie, he was quick to point out his favorite ingredient to elevate the dish: sour cream. "The fat and acidity in sour cream results in a more tender, softer scramble as it can slightly break down the egg proteins," Serrano-Bahri explained. 

"Sour cream also adds a delicious tang to scrambled eggs," he added. Still, sour cream has a potent flavor, and a little goes a long way, according to Serrano-Bahri. "You only need to add a splash of sour cream, around a tablespoon per two eggs, before you whisk until your eggs are smooth and creamy." 

If you don't have any or let your sour cream sit too long after it was opened, butter can be used instead. As Serrano-Bahri said, "Butter helps achieve that smooth, velvety scramble texture while also enhancing the flavor." He had some tips on the best way to incorporate it as well. "I recommend melting a small amount of butter in the pan before adding the beaten eggs." 

For those folks who can't live without adding cheese to every dish they make, our expert said "Cheese is the perfect ingredient to add extra creaminess and flavor while also keeping that soft consistency of your scramble." Still, even with sour cream or an alternative livening up your scrambled eggs, you should be aware of the mistakes that can ruin them.

Chef Serrano-Bahri had some tips for making superior scrambled eggs that didn't involve using any specific ingredients but instead embraced certain techniques. Before the eggs ever reach a frying pan, they should be mixed separately in a bowl like one in the Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Pack Prepware Mixing Bowl Set. "To achieve a uniform and fluffy scramble, ensure the eggs are slightly frothy, fully mixed and aerated by whisking them vigorously in a bowl."

Once ready to be cooked, the correct pan choice is essential. Serrano-Bahri said, "Use a non-stick skillet to ensure scrambled eggs don't stick to the pan." He also reminded us that the proper application of heat is key. "Start with a preheated pan and cook your scrambled eggs on low heat to avoid overcooking your scrambled eggs."

For our cheese lovers, Serrano-Bahri shared the best way to incorporate the ingredient into fluffy scrambled eggs. "Avoid burning your cheese in your scramble by waiting to add your cheese." That can mean different things for different cheeses, according to the chef. "When using soft cheeses in your scrambled eggs, I recommend adding about 1-2 minutes before you plan to take your eggs off the heat so the cheese can melt to create a creamy texture. For harder cheeses, I recommend adding the cheese midway through cooking." There are plenty of ways to elevate scrambled eggs, but without using the appropriate techniques, it is all for nothing.