Patatas bravas is one of the most popular tapas from Spain. This simple, yet delicious tapa is traditionally made with fried potatoes topped with a spicy sauce.
If you’ve been following us for a while, you already know that we grew up in Barcelona and live in the US. We have enjoyed our fair share of tapas, but our favorite, without a doubt, is patatas bravas.
This was one of the first recipes we posted on this blog, back in 2012. It was one of our most popular posts, so we’re bringing it back! New pics, same awesome recipe.
Step by step images on how to make patatas bravas
- Start with some chopped potatoes. We use our favorite variety, Yukon Gold
2. Combine the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil and salt and toss well until evenly coated
3. Spread on a single layer in a large baking sheet, lined with parchment paper
4. Bake until tender and lightly golden
5. Make the sauce, see steps below. Pour sauce over the warm cooked potatoes
How to make a traditional Bravas Sauce for Patatas Bravas
- Saute garlic and onion in olive oil
- Add tomato paste or tomato sauce
- Add broth (usually meat-based )
- Add sweet or smoked paprika or a combination of both
- Add heat from hot sauce
- In many places, a garlic mayo (Aioli) is also added before serving the patatas bravas
Through some recipe testing we figured our a way to simplify the process and still get an amazing result. We changed things around and made a quicker and simpler recipe that our family really enjoys, even more than the traditional bravas sauce.
Changes we made to the traditional Patatas Bravas recipe:
- We roasted the potatoes instead of frying them
- We started with a vegan mayo base, a quick tip to achieve instant creaminess
- Added a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor
- Kept the Hot sauce to taste for spice and tanginess
This patatas bravas recipe is super simple, flavorful and satisfying. Another great thing about it? You can take the basic recipe and modify it however you like it. Use regular mayo, if you prefer; add more hot sauce if you like it really spicy; or fry the potatoes instead of baking them for extra crunch.
Serve the patatas bravas with any of these other Spanish tapas:
Spring onions with Romesco Sauce,
Montadito de tortilla de berengenas
Lemon Scented Almond Milk Custard
Invite some friends over, make some sangria and make it a real Spanish night! Oh, and most importantly, don’t forget to have lots of fun 🙂
Enjoy!!
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Patatas Bravas
Prep Time: 10 mins- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 2 generous cups 1x
- Category: Side or Tapas
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Spain
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Pin RecipeDescription
Patatas bravas is one of the most popular tapas from Spain. This simple, yet delicious tapa is traditionally made with fried potatoes topped with a spicy sauce.
Ingredients
- 5–6 medium potatoes, preferably Yukon gold ( about 2 lbs ). Peeled and cut in about 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise ( you can also use regular mayo)
- 2–3 dashes hot sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/4 –1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 2–3 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
- Place the diced potatoes in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and salt and toss until well coated. Arrange them in one single layer on the lined baking sheet
- Bake at 375F for 30 -45 minutes or until tender and golden brown
- In the meantime, prepare the “Bravas” sauce: in a small bowl combine mayo, hot sauce, paprika, salt and garlic powder. Mix well, add water and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon sauce over the warm potatoes right before serving
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 2.9
- Sodium: 555
- Fat: 13.2
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 37
- Fiber: 5.8
- Protein: 4.5
- Cholesterol: 0
cindele says
This looks amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So easy and fun…I love the idea of a Spanish dinner party- people will love it. Enjoy the rest of you trip to Barcelona! Thanks for bringing your experience to our kitchen.
mayihavethatrecipe says
Thank you! Just a few days left until we leave…. Glad you enjoyed our recipes 🙂
Morgan Martindale says
We are in Madrid now, headed to Barcelona later in the week. Do you have an places to eat that you can recommend?!
mayihavethatrecipe says
Sure! Are you looking for a good tapas restaurant? There are tons of them in Barcelona of course. You’ll find really cool one along Paseo de Gracia and at the Ramblas. One of the most popular ones is Cerveceria Catalana, located on Calle Mallorca, 236. Their phone number is 932 160 368
Have a great trip!! 🙂
mayihavethatrecipe says
We would also recommend La Camarga and Muffins (not tapas restaurants) http://www.laprovenza.com/esp/la-camarga/la-camarga.shtml
http://www.restaurantemuffins.com
And our favorite italian restaurant growing up Pizzeria Mario, homemade pasta, simple delicious sauces, great desserts!
http://www.pizzeriamario.com
Carrie says
I made it with smoked paprika, and LOVED it!
mayihavethatrecipe says
Awesome idea!!!! We love smoked paprika!! Thanks for sharing!
Yaron says
so simple so good, i’m making this tonight, thanks!
Joan says
If I were making this as a side dish, how many servings would you say this would be?
Vicky & Ruth says
We would say about 4, people love potatoes and this recipe specially flies off the table!
cindy faust says
This is my best “don’t want to cook tonight” recipe. Easy, quick, and goes well with scrambled eggs and Israeli Salad…Done and Delicious!! Best part, hubby loves it!
★★★★★
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you Cindy. you can never go wrong with potatoes!
Nora says
Many people shy away from making patatas bravas at home, because they don’t want to deep-fry. But a hot oven works beautifully, no frying required! Thanks for spreading the patatas bravas gospel. 😉
Albert Bevia says
Your version of patatas bravas is fantastic! love that you baked them and not fried them, these do look like a dish you would get served in Barcelona…Bravo!
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you Albert, we are happy you liked it.
Peter D says
I am from the Basque country and we do something similar but with a spicy tomato sauce. The basic idea is the same. Excellent snack with a cold beer or a nice wine and friends. Agur!
Ashley DiPaolo says
What brand of hot sauce should be used with this recipe?
Vicky & Ruth says
We use Louisiana hot sauce, but you can use any hot sauce you may like.
Rita says
I love this recipe! I can never make enough, everyone loves it!
★★★★★