Golden potatoes meet smoky bacon and melty cheese in this irresistible twist on the classic Spanish tortilla—simple, hearty, and packed with comfort.
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this savoury tortilla is delicious warm or cold, and even better the next day.
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Calories in Bacon Cheese Tortilla Espanola
This recipe serves 6 and is 287 calories per serving
If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 200+ calorie recipes.
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes – Yukon Golds are ideal here – their yellow flesh and buttery texture make them perfect for tortilla. In the UK, look for Elfe or Charlotte potatoes as a good substitute.
- Eggs – The base of the tortilla; go for fresh large eggs for the best flavour and structure.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavours and ensuring the dish is well-balanced.
- Onion – A medium onion, finely chopped, brings gentle sweetness and depth.
- Cooked Bacon – Lean back bacon adds smoky richness.
- Cheddar Cheese – A mature cheddar melts into the tortilla, giving it that irresistible savoury sharpness.
- Olive Oil Spray – Keeps the dish lighter while ensuring the potatoes and eggs cook evenly without sticking.
- Fresh Parsley – A handful of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley adds a pop of freshness to finish.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions
Variations and Substitutes
This tortilla is easy to adapt, depending on what you have to hand or your personal taste. Try one of these simple swaps or additions:
- Vegetarian option – Simply omit the ham or bacon to keep it meat-free. You can add extra veg or a touch of smoked paprika for depth.
- Cheese swaps – Try Gruyère for nuttiness, mozzarella for a milder melt, or Red Leicester for a deeper, tangy richness.
- Add vegetables – Stir in cooked spinach, sliced roasted peppers, or chopped steamed greens for extra colour and texture.
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few chilli flakes for a gentle, warming lift.
Feel free to mix and match – this recipe is forgiving and lends itself well to whatever’s in the fridge.
Best Type of Pan for Tortilla Española
Traditionally, Tortilla Española is cooked entirely on the stove, where it’s flipped halfway through to ensure even cooking. However, for a lighter, low-calorie version, I prefer cooking it in the oven. This method reduces the need for excess oil and gives a beautifully even cook throughout.
While a wide frying pan is typically used in the traditional method, I like to use a flan or quiche springform pan for easy removal. The removable base makes it incredibly simple to slide the tortilla out without fuss, keeping its shape perfectly intact and avoiding any flipping mishaps.
Sides for Tortilla Española
Tortilla Española is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of light and fresh sides to round out the meal:
- Simple Salad – Baby greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a light olive oil and vinegar dressing for a fresh contrast.
- Sautéed Greens – Spinach, chard, or kale for added colour and nutrition.
- Bowl of soup - A light vegetable or tomato soup for a warming, comforting pairing.
- Olives & Marinated Peppers – A bowl of olives and marinated peppers for a Mediterranean touch.
- Roasted Red Pepper Dip or Light Homemade Creamy Dip – A delicious dip adds a creamy contrast to the savoury flavours of the tortilla, making it the perfect side to elevate the meal.
More Potato Recipes
Love a low calorie recipe using potatoes? Check out these other recipes on Slimming Eats
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All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.
FAQ for Tortilla Española
Yes, Tortilla Española can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavours have time to meld together. Simply reheat gently before serving.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge, you can freeze Tortilla Española for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe Card
Bacon and Cheese Tortilla Espanola
Golden potatoes meet smoky bacon and melty cheese in this irresistible twist on the classic Spanish tortilla—simple, hearty, and packed with comfort.
Ingredients
- 700g of yukon gold potatoes, raw (peeled and sliced thinly)
- 6 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 6 slices of lean cooked bacon medallions
- 120g (4oz) of cheddar cheese, grated
- olive oil spray
- Freshly chopped Italian Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C fan, 180°C (350°F), or gas mark 4.
- Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and parboil for about 5 minutes, until almost tender (they should still hold their shape). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Spray a pan with olive oil and heat over medium. Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned.
- Grease a flan or quiche dish with olive oil spray. Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom, followed by the cooked bacon and onion. Add another layer of potato slices on top.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients and bake for approx 30-40 minutes in the oven until the tortilla is set and golden on top.
- Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Gluten Free Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly - omit bacon
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly - see FAQ for details
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 287Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 205mgSodium 403mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 3gSugar 2gProtein 18g
Nutritional information and valuesetc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
Joanna says
How many people does this serve? It sounds dead yummy, and I live on my own so just want to know how much to reduce the ingredients by! Thanks x
Darren says
How long does this take in the oven?
Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says
approx 30 mins, it will vary depending on the oven. You will know it is done, when the top is nice and goldnen. 🙂
christina says
Can you tell me the sun values on red and green days?
May West says
that looks really good, I shall make this tonight for tea with salad
Alex says
just made this tonight. Very easy (and I'm not much of a cook). Just tasted a slither while it was hot...mmmm! another portion going to be cold with salad for lunch tomorrow too 🙂
Andra says
We loved this tortilla, so easy to make and flavour was lovely. We had it salad and gluten free soda bread. Yummy, hubby had it for lunch the next day to.
Dave says
Is it cooked slices of bacon or do you chop it up? Thanks