The Cheap Ingredient That Makes Scrambled Eggs Taste Like A Fancy Brunch

Almost anyone can make scrambled eggs, but making them to perfection is a bit of an art form. Even if you don't have crème fraîche on hand — the creamy ingredient that levels up scrambled eggs — there's an affordable option that can make them taste fancy brunch-worthy. Just reach for fresh herbs.

Included in our list of ways to elevate your everyday scrambled eggs, fresh herbs will add a touch of refinement and tons of flavor. Of course the classic choice for scrambled eggs is fresh chives, but there are plenty of other options that work. These include, but are not limited to: dill, tarragon, parsley, marjoram, basil, oregano, thyme, cilantro, and sage.

Any of these herbs would elevate scrambled eggs, so your choice may depend on personal taste or what you have on hand or are growing in your herb garden. Try a ratio of ¼ cup freshly chopped herbs per two eggs, and adjust to your tastes — stronger herbs will require a lighter hand. Keep in mind that fresh herbs may be less intense than their dry counterparts. (Don't forget you still need to use salt and pepper.) Additionally, different blends of fresh herbs work well in scrambled eggs.

Which herbs should I choose, and how do I add them to my scrambled eggs?

If you've got a healthy selection of herbs in your garden, a fresh mixture is wonderful in scrambled eggs. Parsley, thyme, oregano and chives are a great combo with eggs that have been scrambled in plenty of butter. For an Italian twist try fresh basil and oregano. Another Mediterranean combo could be Greek oregano, dill, and mint, topped with crumbled feta. Cilantro will give scrambled eggs some Mexican-style flair, especially when topped with your favorite hot sauce and served with sliced avocado. Swedish-style scrambled eggs opt for plenty of fresh dill, often accompanied by smoked salmon. 

There are a few options for how to incorporate the herbs. One is to remove your scrambled eggs from the heat while still a bit undercooked, then whisk in the fresh herbs. Another is to simply mix them into the raw egg batter prior to cooking. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the fresh herbs on your scrambled eggs before serving. We prefer to both incorporateherbs into the egg mixture and to garnish with additional fresh herbs on top, for an extra punch of flavorful goodness.

Once you've got your favourite herb combination down for scrambled eggs, it's time to tackle texture. For that we've got a list of powerhouse ingredients to add to scrambled eggs for serious fluff.