Spanish Tortilla
Spanish Tortilla, also called Tortilla Española, is a traditional Spanish dish made primarily from potatoes, eggs, and onions. Despite its name, it isn’t like the Mexican tortilla. Instead, it’s more like a thick, hearty omelette that can be served hot or cold. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: with just a few ingredients, you get something flavorful, comforting, and satisfying. Spanish Tortilla is loved all over Spain and often appears as a tapa (small snack) in restaurants, as part of a family meal, or even in a picnic lunch.

The dish has a soft and creamy interior, thanks to the eggs and potatoes, and a slightly golden exterior from frying. Some people like to add extra ingredients like bell peppers, chorizo, or herbs, but the classic version keeps it simple. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack anytime.
You Should Try the Spanish Tortilla
Making a Spanish Tortilla is both simple and enjoyable, and the final result is always worth it. Whether you’re new to cooking or a young chef eager to explore a new recipe, this dish is a great place to start. The ingredients are easy to find, the steps are straightforward, and you can serve it warm, cold, or at room temperature making it perfect for any meal of the day.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Spanish Tortilla
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Spanish Tortilla
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup olive oil for frying
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: pepper, parsley, or other herbs
How to Make Spanish Tortilla
Step One
First, prepare the potatoes and onions: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly. Slice the onions thinly as well. This ensures they cook evenly and blend well into the tortillas.
Step Two
Now: Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour in olive oil and heat over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking. Then cook the potatoes and onions: Add the potatoes and onions to the skillet. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender but not browned. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain the excess oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes and onions and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

Step Three
Now: Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Add a pinch of salt, then mix the eggs with the potatoes and onions: Gently combine the cooked potatoes and onions with the beaten eggs. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step Four
To cook the tortillas: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and spread it evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is set.
Step Five
Flip the tortilla: Carefully place a large plate over the skillet and flip the tortilla onto the plate. Return it to the skillet to cook the other side for another 5 minutes, then check for doneness: The tortilla should be golden brown on the outside and soft and slightly creamy on the inside. Adjust the cooking time to your liking.
Step Six
Serve and enjoy: Let it cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
To make this Recipe, you’ll need:
- Large frying pan
- Non stick skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Plate for flipping
- Paper towels
Tips for Making the Perfect Spanish Tortilla
Slice potatoes and onions evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Cook slowly to avoid browning; the classic tortilla is golden but not dark.
Use a non-stick pan to make flipping easier.
Don’t overbeat the eggs; just mix until combined.
Serving Suggestion
I love serving these wonderful Spanish Tortilla with delicious drinks to enjoy with breakfast, such as coffee or tea, and sometimes lemonade or fruit juice for an energetic and bright morning.

Serving Suggestion
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes ?
Yes, sweet potatoes work, but they give a sweeter flavor and softer texture.
Can I add cheese ?
Yes! Manchego or other mild cheeses work well and make it extra tasty.
How long can I store Spanish Tortilla ?
Answer: It can last up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Spanish Tortilla ?
Freezing is not recommended because it can change the texture of the potatoes and eggs.
Spanish Tortilla
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, SnacksCuisine: SpanishDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes30
minutes220
kcal45
minutesA classic Spanish potato and egg omelette that is soft, creamy inside, and golden outside perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
5 large eggs
1 cup olive oil for frying
Salt, to taste
Optional: pepper, parsley, or other herbs
Directions
- First, prepare the potatoes and onions: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly. Slice the onions thinly as well. This ensures they cook evenly and blend well into the tortillas.
- Now: Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour in olive oil and heat over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking. Then cook the potatoes and onions: Add the potatoes and onions to the skillet. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender but not browned. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain the excess oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes and onions and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
- Now: Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Add a pinch of salt, then mix the eggs with the potatoes and onions: Gently combine the cooked potatoes and onions with the beaten eggs. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- To cook the tortillas: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and spread it evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is set.
- Flip the tortilla: Carefully place a large plate over the skillet and flip the tortilla onto the plate. Return it to the skillet to cook the other side for another 5 minutes, then check for doneness: The tortilla should be golden brown on the outside and soft and slightly creamy on the inside. Adjust the cooking time to your liking.
- Serve and enjoy: Let it cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Cook slowly Fry potatoes and onions on medium-low heat to keep them soft without browning too much.
- Drain excess oil Use a slotted spoon and paper towels to avoid a greasy tortilla.
- Let the mixture rest After combining eggs, potatoes, and onions, let it sit for a few minutes for flavors to meld.
- Adjust cooking time Cook longer for firmer tortilla, shorter for a creamier center.
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