The time it takes for cheese to melt inside a folded-over French omelette can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cheese, its thickness, the heat of the cooking surface, and the cooking method. Generally, it should take just a few minutes for the cheese to melt completely. Here's a rough estimate of the melting time:
Preparation: If you're using shredded or grated cheese, it will melt more quickly than larger cheese slices or chunks. Preparing the cheese in smaller pieces will expedite the melting process.
Cooking temperature: Cooking the omelette over medium heat is usually sufficient to melt the cheese without burning or overcooking the eggs. If the heat is too high, the cheese may melt unevenly or too quickly, leaving the eggs undercooked.
Covering the pan: Some cooks prefer to cover the pan with a lid or a plate to trap the heat and facilitate the melting of the cheese. This method can help the cheese melt faster and more evenly.
Addition time: Adding the cheese at the right time during the cooking process is crucial. To achieve optimal melting, add the cheese to the omelette shortly before folding it over. This allows the cheese to melt between the layers of the omelette as it finishes cooking.
As a rough estimate, you can expect the cheese to melt within 1 to 3 minutes after adding it to the omelette. However, keep a close eye on the omelette to avoid overcooking the eggs or burning the cheese. Cooking times may vary, so it's best to rely on visual cues (like the appearance of melted cheese) rather than exact time measurements.