How many calories do 2 scrambled eggs with cheese have?

November 16, 2025 •

5 min read

Two large eggs scrambled on their own contain approximately 140–160 calories, but adding cheese can significantly increase this count depending on the type and amount used. So, how many calories do 2 scrambled eggs with cheese have? The total can range widely, typically from 250 to over 400 calories, influenced by factors like the kind of cheese, cooking fat, and portion size.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the caloric and nutritional information for two scrambled eggs with cheese. It details how preparation methods, portion sizes, and ingredient choices impact the total calorie count and overall nutrition of this popular breakfast dish.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in 2 scrambled eggs with cheese typically ranges from 250 to over 400, depending heavily on the amount of cheese and fat used.
Eggs are Consistent: Two large eggs provide a base of approximately 140–160 calories.
Cheese Adds Substantially: An ounce of cheddar cheese adds around 114 calories, while other types and quantities will vary.
Cooking Fat is a Factor: Using a tablespoon of butter or oil can add over 100 calories, while a cooking spray adds very few.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: You can reduce calories by using low-fat cheese, cooking spray, and adding vegetables.
Restaurant Portions May Vary: Restaurant servings can often have higher calorie counts due to more generous use of fat and cheese.
Nutrition Beyond Calories: This meal is high in protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals like choline and B12, regardless of the cheese and fat added.
Easy Customization: Small changes to ingredients and cooking methods can significantly impact the final calorie count, allowing for flexible meal planning.

Caloric Breakdown: The Building Blocks of Your Breakfast

To understand how many calories do 2 scrambled eggs with cheese have, it's essential to look at the ingredients separately and then consider how cooking methods affect the final result. A single large egg contains around 70 to 80 calories, meaning two large eggs contribute approximately 140 to 160 calories to the total. The remaining calories come from the additional ingredients, primarily the cheese and any fat used for cooking.

The Role of Cheese in Your Scramble

Cheese is a dense source of calories, mostly from fat, which adds significant flavor but also raises the overall energy content. A single ounce (about 28 grams) of standard cheddar cheese, a common choice for scrambled eggs, contains around 114 calories. However, people often use varying amounts, which drastically changes the nutritional outcome. For instance, using just half an ounce of shredded cheddar would add about 57 calories, while a full ounce adds over 100. Furthermore, different cheese types have different calorie densities. A full-fat Swiss cheese, for example, might have more calories than a low-fat mozzarella, though the latter may not melt as effectively. The takeaway is that the quantity and type of cheese are the most significant variables in the calorie equation.

Cooking Fat: The Hidden Calorie Source

Another major factor is the cooking medium. Many people add butter or oil to the pan when scrambling eggs, which adds calories that are often forgotten in the total calculation. A tablespoon of butter contains over 100 calories, while a tablespoon of olive oil contains around 120. A non-stick pan with a quick spray of cooking oil, which has negligible calories, is the best option for those watching their intake. This simple choice can mean a difference of 100 calories or more per serving, which is substantial for anyone trying to maintain a balanced diet.

Variations and Nutritional Comparisons

Different preparations of scrambled eggs with cheese yield different nutritional profiles. Here's a look at how various choices stack up.

Classic Preparation: Two eggs scrambled with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 ounce of shredded cheddar. This can result in a dish with approximately 360-380 calories, including the eggs (140-160 calories), butter (100-120 calories), and cheese (114 calories).
Healthier Alternative: Two eggs scrambled with cooking spray and half an ounce of low-fat mozzarella. This preparation could contain only about 200 calories, or even less, making it a much lighter option.
Restaurant Serving: Depending on the establishment, a restaurant's scrambled eggs with cheese can be much higher in calories. They often use more butter or oil and a more generous portion of cheese. Some restaurant versions can contain upwards of 400 calories or more for a two-egg scramble.

Comparison Table: Different Scrambled Egg Preparations


Preparation Method	Approx. Calories (2 Eggs)	Approx. Protein (g)	Approx. Fat (g)	Key Differences
Plain Scrambled Eggs	160	13	11	No added cheese or cooking fat.
With 1 oz Cheddar & Butter	360-380	~20	~30	Significantly higher in fat and calories.
With 0.5 oz Low-Fat Mozzarella & Spray	~200	~18	~13	Lower calorie and fat, good for dieting.
Restaurant-Style with Butter & High-Fat Cheese	350-400+	~22	~32+	Often uses more butter and cheese, leading to a higher total.

A Deeper Look at Macronutrients

Beyond just calories, considering the macronutrient profile is important for a balanced diet. A two-egg, cheesy scramble is rich in protein, a vital nutrient for muscle repair and satiety. It is also high in fat, much of which is saturated depending on the cheese and cooking fat chosen. For those tracking their diet, this means that even a single serving can account for a significant portion of their daily saturated fat and cholesterol intake. However, eggs are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals like choline, selenium, and B vitamins, making them a nutritious choice despite the fat content.

Making a Healthier Cheesy Scramble

For those who love the taste of eggs and cheese but want to be mindful of calories, there are several ways to reduce the impact without sacrificing flavor.

Use a lighter cheese: Opt for lower-fat varieties like low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat mozzarella, or a small amount of a more flavorful, sharper cheese like grated parmesan, which provides a strong taste without much volume.
Reduce cooking fat: Cook with a non-stick pan and a small amount of calorie-free cooking spray or a teaspoon of heart-healthy olive oil instead of butter.
Add veggies: Bulking up your scramble with vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms adds volume and nutrients with very few additional calories. This helps increase satiety without increasing the caloric load.
Control your portion size: Be mindful of how much cheese you are adding. Measuring with a teaspoon instead of estimating can help prevent accidental over-serving.

The Final Conclusion

The number of calories in two scrambled eggs with cheese is not a fixed figure. It is a highly variable sum determined by the ingredients and cooking technique used. While a simple, mindful preparation can result in a calorie count as low as 200, a decadent restaurant version with generous portions of butter and cheese can push that number well over 400. For most people, a sensible serving prepared at home is a high-protein, satisfying meal that can be easily tailored to fit dietary goals by adjusting the amount and type of cheese and fat. A two-egg scramble with one ounce of cheddar and a teaspoon of butter can fall in the 300-350 calorie range, a good baseline to work from when planning your meals. Remember that while calories matter, so does the overall nutritional value and eating a balanced diet.

Smart Breakfast Swaps

For those looking to optimize their breakfast for calorie management, consider these easy substitutions. Swap out high-fat cheddar for a small amount of flavorful, reduced-fat feta or sprinkle in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with added B vitamins and minimal calories. Another trick is to mix in a tablespoon of low-fat cottage cheese directly into the eggs before scrambling, which adds a creamy texture without the high saturated fat content of cheddar. By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast without derailing your daily calorie goals.

Health Context of Calories in Scrambled Eggs with Cheese

Understanding the calorie count of scrambled eggs with cheese is important within the context of your overall diet. If you are on a low-carb diet like keto, the high fat content might be desirable. For those focused on weight loss, opting for leaner cheese and minimal cooking fat is a simple, effective strategy. Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, and even with cheese, they can be part of a healthy diet, providing complete protein and important micronutrients. The key is mindful portion control and ingredient selection, allowing you to enjoy this classic breakfast without guilt. Whether it's a quick weekday breakfast or a weekend brunch, customizing your scramble with awareness can lead to better health outcomes. It’s also worth noting that for active individuals, the higher calorie count might be a welcome source of sustained energy, proving that 'how many calories do 2 scrambled eggs with cheese have?' isn't just about a number, but about fitting into your personal dietary needs. For additional health information, you can consult reliable sources like the USDA's food database.

Frequently Asked Questions

To lower the calorie count, use cooking spray instead of butter or oil, choose a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella, and add low-calorie vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.

Low-fat mozzarella and cottage cheese are among the lowest-calorie options. Stronger, flavorful cheeses like sharp parmesan can also be used in smaller quantities for a calorie-conscious approach.

Yes, they are an excellent source of protein. Two large eggs provide about 13 grams, and the addition of cheese further increases the protein content, making it a very filling and muscle-building meal.

Two large eggs scrambled without any added cheese or fat contain approximately 140–160 calories, though this can vary slightly based on the cooking method and egg size.

Yes, cooking method significantly impacts the total calories. Frying in butter or oil adds calories, while using a non-stick pan with cooking spray keeps the count lower.

Restaurant versions often contain more calories than homemade due to a more generous use of butter, oil, and cheese, potentially pushing the calorie count much higher than a home-cooked meal.

This meal provides a satisfying combination of high-quality protein and fat, promoting fullness. Eggs offer essential vitamins, minerals, and choline, while cheese contributes calcium and additional protein.

Shredded cheese melts more quickly and evenly, distributing the cheese flavor throughout the eggs. Sliced cheese may result in more distinct pockets of melted cheese, but the calorie content per ounce remains the same.

Adding milk or cream will increase the calorie count. A small splash of milk will add a minimal amount, while heavier cream will contribute more. Some recipes recommend this for a creamier texture.