Tortilla De Patatas Recipe
Introduction
Tortilla de Patatas, also known as Spanish potato omelette, is a simple yet satisfying dish that highlights the humble potato and eggs. This classic recipe is perfect for any meal, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a creamy interior and lightly crisped edges, it’s a comforting staple of Spanish cuisine.

Ingredients
- 2 lb Yukon gold potatoes
- 1/2 sweet onion
- 7 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- Seasoned salt
- Olive oil (enough for frying and cooking)
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the potatoes, cut them in half, and slice them thinly. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
- Step 2: Slice the sweet onion thinly as well.
- Step 3: Pour olive oil into a frying pan until it’s about 1/4 inch deep. Preheat the oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then reduce to medium heat and add the potatoes. Cook until they become soft.
- Step 4: Increase the heat to medium-high or high and fry the potatoes until they develop some color and texture, which should take about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Step 5: In a separate pan, sauté the onions over medium-low heat until fully softened, approximately 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Whisk the eggs and strain them into a large bowl, seasoning with seasoned salt to taste.
- Step 7: Combine the cooked onions and potatoes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the hot mixture directly into the egg mixture. Add the extra egg yolk, mix well, and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Step 8: Remove excess oil from the frying pan, leaving just a thin layer to cook the tortilla.
- Step 9: Preheat the pan on medium-high for 2 minutes, then pour in the egg and potato mixture. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tortilla moves easily when shaking the pan.
- Step 10: Add some oil to a large plate and carefully place it over the pan. Flip the pan and plate together to invert the tortilla onto the plate.
- Step 11: Slide the tortilla back into the pan, arranging it neatly if necessary. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes maximum to keep the interior creamy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use a non-stick pan to make flipping easier and reduce the amount of oil needed.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of sweet onions and white onions.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the dish.
- Try adding diced bell peppers or cooked chorizo for variation.
Storage
Store leftover tortilla in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the creamy texture, or enjoy it cold as a snack or in sandwiches.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other waxy potatoes, but Yukon golds are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a buttery flavor.
How do I know when the tortilla is cooked through?
The tortilla should feel firm around the edges and be able to move or “dance” in the pan when shaken gently. The interior should remain slightly creamy and soft, not dry.
PrintTortilla De Patatas Recipe
Tortilla de Patatas, also known as Spanish Potato Omelette, is a traditional and hearty dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, sweet onions, and eggs. Cooked slowly in olive oil and finished with a perfect flip, this comforting recipe yields a creamy interior and a golden, crispy exterior. It’s a simple yet flavorful staple of Spanish cuisine ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
Egg Mixture
- 7 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- Seasoned salt, to taste
Cooking Oil
- Olive oil (about 1/4 inch depth in pan, plus extra for flipping plate)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the Yukon gold potatoes, cut them in half, and slice them thinly. Wash and dry the potato slices thoroughly to remove excess starch and moisture.
- Prepare Onions: Thinly slice the half sweet onion to prepare for sautéing.
- Cook Potatoes: Add enough olive oil to cover about 1/4 inch of the bottom of a pan and preheat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, add the potatoes, and cook them gently until soft but not browned.
- Fry Potatoes to Color: Increase heat to medium-high or high and fry the potatoes until they develop a golden color and textural crust, about 20-25 minutes in total.
- Sauté Onions: In a separate pan over medium-low heat, sauté the sliced onions until fully softened and translucent, around 10 minutes.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk 7 large eggs and 1 extra egg yolk in a large bowl; strain to remove any unincorporated shell or chalazae. Season the eggs with seasoned salt directly.
- Combine Ingredients: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the hot potatoes and sautéed onions into the egg mixture, including the extra yolk; mix well and allow to rest for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare Pan: Remove excess olive oil from the pan used for potatoes, leaving a thin coating to cook the tortilla.
- Cook Tortilla Base: Preheat the pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, then add the egg-potato-onion mixture. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the edges are set and firm enough to move around easily in the pan.
- Flip the Tortilla: Add some olive oil to a large plate, cover the pan with the plate, then carefully flip the tortilla out onto the plate.
- Finish Cooking: Slide the tortilla back into the pan to cook with the uncooked side down for 2-3 minutes to achieve a creamy interior while fully cooking through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for their natural creaminess and ability to hold shape.
- Maintaining the right oil temperature is key to avoid burning or undercooking the potatoes.
- Resting the mixture after combining allows the eggs to absorb flavors.
- Be cautious when flipping the tortilla as it’s thick and can break if not careful.
- This dish is traditionally served at room temperature and can be enjoyed as a tapa or main meal.
Keywords: Tortilla de Patatas, Spanish omelette, potato omelette, traditional Spanish recipe, easy egg dish

