Spanish Garlic Eggs is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a cozy, sunlit Spanish escapade right at your table. The recipe pairs softly fried, golden-crusted eggs with a generous drizzle of parsley-garlic olive oil, mingling rich yolks, crispy garlic, and fresh herbs in every luscious bite. It’s bright, robust, and ready in just about ten minutes — a sparkling example of simple, honest cooking that feels like a morning treat you’d enjoy at a bustling café in Spain. If you adore eggs and crave a little adventure in the kitchen, these are the Spanish Garlic Eggs you absolutely need to try.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Spanish Garlic Eggs hopelessly crave-worthy is their utter simplicity — each ingredient is essential, shining bright in both color and flavor. Think of every item here as a supporting actor that brings something unique to the plate: richness, fragrance, or that all-important golden crunch.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of the dish, it imparts a lush flavor and gives that crisp, golden edge to both garlic and eggs.
- Cage-Free Organic Eggs: Fresh eggs yield silky whites and rich, custardy yolks — the heart of Spanish Garlic Eggs.
- Garlic Cloves: Sliced and smashed, garlic delivers bold flavor, a gentle heat, and irresistible aroma.
- Chopped Parsley: Adds color and fresh, herbal zing — essential for the classic parsley sauce.
- Sea Salt: Draws out flavors and enhances the natural taste of every component.
- Black Pepper: A final flourish of warmth and subtle spice to finish the dish.
How to Make Spanish Garlic Eggs
Step 1: Make the Parsley-Garlic Sauce
Begin by pounding 2 cloves of roughly chopped garlic with a pinch of sea salt and the chopped parsley in a mortar and pestle. Work them together until you get a vivid, fragrant paste — it should smell like the best of a Spanish garden. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, stirring to combine. Set this aside; it’s your secret weapon for those gleaming, herbaceous drizzles.
Step 2: Flavor the Olive Oil
Pour the remaining 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil into a small to medium fry pan, then set it on medium heat. While the oil warms, thinly slice the rest of the garlic cloves. This stage infuses the oil, giving your Spanish Garlic Eggs their soul.
Step 3: Prep the Eggs
Crack your eggs into small bowls, two per bowl works perfectly. This prep step helps with a smooth presentation and lets you slide the eggs into the pan all at once, ensuring they cook evenly.
Step 4: Fry the Eggs with Garlic
Once the oil is hot but not smoking, scatter in half the sliced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 to 45 seconds, turning pale gold and aromatic. Carefully add two eggs to the pan and arrange the garlic slices on top of them. Fry, undisturbed, for 1 to 2 minutes — the edges should crisp up beautifully, giving you that signature golden crust.
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Repeat
With a spoon, gently baste the eggs with hot oil just until the whites are set. This technique gives them extra flavor and that unmistakable Spanish touch. Remove the eggs with a slotted spatula, letting the oil drip off, and repeat with the other garlic and eggs.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Slide your fried Spanish Garlic Eggs onto a serving dish. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper, then spoon that vibrant parsley sauce right over the top. You’ll have a plate worthy of any Spanish breakfast table.
How to Serve Spanish Garlic Eggs
Garnishes
These eggs absolutely shine with a finishing scatter of extra chopped parsley, a light swirl of the reserved parsley-garlic sauce, and just a pinch more sea salt. For a touch of color and flavor contrast, add a few slices of roasted red pepper or a drizzle of Spanish paprika-infused oil — they play up the rustic beauty of Spanish Garlic Eggs.
Side Dishes
You can serve Spanish Garlic Eggs with a thick slab of warm, crusty bread to mop up the golden yolks and sauce. A side of roasted potatoes or even a chilled tomato salad makes for a heartier meal. This recipe also pairs perfectly with sautéed greens or a simple wedge of manchego for a true café-style experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Go tapas-style and tuck the eggs onto little toasts or toasted baguette slices for sharing. For brunch, layer the eggs over soft polenta, or top with roasted vegetables for a vibrant, colorful plate. Spanish Garlic Eggs also make a fantastic sandwich filling on a toasted roll — ideal for a handheld, flavor-packed lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Spanish Garlic Eggs, place them in an airtight container after letting them cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. They won’t lose their flavor, and the garlic-parsley sauce actually deepens overnight.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for fried eggs, as their texture is best enjoyed fresh — the whites can become rubbery after thawing. However, you can freeze the parsley-garlic sauce separately in a small container, then thaw and use within two weeks for a fresh flavor boost.
Reheating
To reheat Spanish Garlic Eggs, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a few drops of olive oil, just until heated through. Try to avoid the microwave, as it can toughen the eggs; if you must, use short intervals at low power and cover loosely to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I make Spanish Garlic Eggs with different herbs?
Absolutely! Flat-leaf parsley is traditional, but cilantro, chives, or even a bit of fresh basil can work for a twist. The base flavors remain invitingly Spanish, but the new herbs add a little personality to your dish.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Its fruity, peppery notes will shine through and make a huge difference in the taste and aroma of your Spanish Garlic Eggs.
Is this recipe good for brunch or dinner?
Spanish Garlic Eggs are incredibly versatile. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a quick dinner alongside salads or small plates. Their bold flavor stands up beautifully any time of day.
Can I make this dish spicy?
For a little heat, try sprinkling in a pinch of crushed red chili flakes when adding the garlic to the oil. You’ll get a gentle warmth that pairs perfectly with the creamy eggs and garlicky flavors.
What’s the best way to get crispy edges on the eggs?
Ensure the olive oil is shimmering hot before adding the eggs, and don’t move them as they cook. This lets the edges fry up to the perfect crispiness Spanish Garlic Eggs are known for.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little sunshine to your table, Spanish Garlic Eggs are a must-try. They’re simple, savory, and unforgettable — a pure joy to make and share. Gather your ingredients, pour a cup of coffee, and let this rustic Spanish favorite become the highlight of your next breakfast or brunch.
Print
Spanish Garlic Eggs Recipe
Spanish Garlic Eggs (Huevos al Ajillo) is a quick yet indulgent Spanish breakfast or main course. Featuring gently fried eggs in aromatic extra virgin olive oil, infused with golden, crispy slices of garlic and finished with a vibrant parsley-garlic sauce, this rustic dish delivers unbeatable flavor in just 15 minutes. Serve immediately for an authentic Spanish treat!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
For the Parsley-Garlic Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (8 grams)
- Pinch sea salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
For the Eggs
- 4 cage-free organic eggs
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
- Dash black pepper
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Make the Parsley-Garlic Sauce: In a mortar, add 2 roughly chopped garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and a pinch of sea salt. Using a pestle, pound the mixture until it forms a paste. Add 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and stir to combine. Set sauce aside.
- Heat the Olive Oil: Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil into a small to medium fry pan. Place over medium heat to warm up while you prepare the eggs and garlic.
- Prep Eggs and Slice Garlic: Thinly slice the remaining 4 cloves of garlic. Crack the eggs into two separate small bowls, 2 eggs per bowl, to make them easy to add to the pan.
- Fry the Garlic and Eggs: Once the olive oil is hot but not smoking, add half of the sliced garlic. Stir with the oil for 30–45 seconds until the garlic is lightly browned. Gently add two eggs to the pan. Arrange the browned garlic slices on top of the eggs. Fry the eggs without moving them.
- Spoon Oil Over the Eggs: When the eggs develop a golden crust on the bottom (about 1–2 minutes), carefully spoon some of the hot oil over the top of the eggs for just a few seconds to finish cooking the whites.
- Repeat and Serve: Remove the cooked eggs with a spatula, letting excess oil drip off, and repeat the process with the remaining garlic and eggs. Place eggs on a serving dish. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Generously spoon the reserved parsley-garlic sauce over the eggs. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor, use high-quality Spanish extra virgin olive oil.
- Fry the garlic only until golden to avoid bitterness.
- This dish is best eaten fresh—serve immediately for runny yolks and crisp garlic.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful oil and sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 eggs with sauce
- Calories: 512 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 38 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 372 mg