Golden, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, this truly best Spanish omelette recipe (tortilla española) is a classic recipe made with just five everyday ingredients. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, it’s a dish that’s stood the test of time in Spanish kitchens — and for good reason.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple & Budget-Friendly: Only potatoes, eggs, onion, oil, and seasoning.
Versatile: Serve warm, room temp, or cold; enjoy as a meal or snack.
Impressive but Easy: Looks fancy, but is surprisingly simple to make.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays delicious for up to two days in the fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Potatoes (4 small to medium) — peeled, thinly sliced
Onion (1 large) — chopped
Green Bell Pepper (1 small, optional) — for extra flavor and color
Eggs (4–5 large)
Olive Oil (¼ cup, plus extra) — for cooking and richness
Salt & Pepper — essential seasoning
Smoked Cayenne Powder (¼ tsp, optional) — adds subtle smoky heat
How to Make Spanish Omelette (Step by Step)
1️⃣ Prep the veggies: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Toss them with salt. Chop the onion and green bell pepper.
2️⃣ Cook the potatoes and onions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
3️⃣ Whisk the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.
4️⃣ Combine: Let the cooked potato mixture cool slightly, then gently fold into the eggs.
5️⃣ Cook the omelette: Heat extra oil in a smaller pan over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture, let it cook 1–2 minutes, then lower heat and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes until two-thirds set.
6️⃣ Flip: Place a plate over the pan, flip the omelette onto it, then slide it back into the pan to cook the other side for 5 minutes.
7️⃣ Serve: Slide onto a plate or board. Slice into wedges and serve!
How to Serve Spanish Omelette
With a my Favorite Tomato Salad recipe.
Alongside crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil.
As part of a tapas spread with olives, cheese, and cured meats.
Cold or room temperature in lunchboxes or picnics.
Topped with a dollop of aioli or garlic mayo for extra richness.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this Spanish omelette is the slow-cooked, tender potatoes combined with well-seasoned, fluffy eggs. Cooking slowly prevents browning and keeps the interior soft. Flipping ensures both sides cook evenly, creating a golden crust while the inside stays custardy and creamy.
The Best Spanish Omelette Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 small to medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 4 to 5 large eggs
- ¼ tsp smoked cayenne pepper powder (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil or vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook potatoes, onion, and pepper in olive oil over low heat, covered, 15–20 min.
- Whisk eggs with salt, pepper, cayenne. Fold into cooled potatoes.
- Pour into pan, cook low 8–10 min until set.
- Flip onto plate, return to pan, cook another 5 min.
- Slice and serve!
Video
Expert Tips for Success
Use the right potatoes: Waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) hold their shape best.
Low and slow: Cook the potatoes over gentle heat for a creamy texture.
Confident flipping: Use a plate slightly larger than your pan and flip firmly but carefully.
Rest before slicing: Let the omelette sit for 5–10 minutes after cooking for easier slicing and better texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Spanish omelette ahead of time? Yes! It tastes great cold or at room temperature and keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Do I have to use onions and peppers? Traditional Spanish omelettes use just potatoes and eggs, but onions and peppers add extra flavor and sweetness.
What if I don’t want to flip it? You can finish the omelette under a broiler for a few minutes instead of flipping, though it may affect the texture slightly.
What’s the best pan size? For a thick omelette, use an 8–9.5 inch pan; for a thinner one, use a larger pan.
Can I add other ingredients? Yes! Try adding cooked chorizo, herbs, or cheese for a twist.
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