Pan-Fried Potato and Onion Tortilla with Manchego Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Spanish potato and onion omelet enriched with nutty Manchego cheese, cooked slowly to a tender, golden finish. This spanish-inspired breakfast (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes combines large yellow onion, extra virgin olive oil, large eggs into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and thinly slice 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes into 1/8-inch slices. Peel and thinly slice 1 large yellow onion into half-moons.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the potatoes and onions, sprinkle with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook gently for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are soft but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, crack 6 large eggs into a large bowl, add 1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese, and whisk until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked potatoes and onions into the bowl with the eggs and cheese, gently mixing to combine.
  5. Step 5: Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tbsp. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat, pour the egg-potato mixture in evenly, and cook for 6-8 minutes until edges begin to set and the bottom is golden.
  6. Step 6: Place a large flat plate over the skillet, invert the tortilla onto the plate, then slide it back into the skillet to cook the other side for 5 minutes until fully set and golden.
  7. Step 7: Slide the tortilla onto a serving plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into wedges.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Potato and Onion Tortilla with Manchego Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Potato and Onion Tortilla with Manchego Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Potato and Onion Tortilla with Manchego Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Potato and Onion Tortilla with Manchego Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Fried Potato and Onion Tortilla with Manchego Cheese vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.