Are you in search of delicious appetizers to serve at your next dinner party? If so, then look no further! Spanish appetizers are the perfect way to kick off a meal and leave your guests satisfied.
We sampled many great tapas during our Spain Travels a few years back, and have been recreating those great flavors ever since. Many of these dishes have become family favorites, and often find their way onto our table.
This hand selected list of recipes includes some of the most popular from GypsyPlate, as well as many wonderful appetizers cooked up by some of our fellow food bloggers.
Give them a try, and take your tastebuds on a journey to the streets of Barcelona!
Spanish Appetizers:
1. Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)
Gambas al Ajillo is the best recipe to start this list of Spanish appetizers with. I tried it many (maybe too many 😅) times in Spain, and it’s one of my very favorite dishes.
Serve this super simple delicacy of shrimp in a garlicky sauce with nice crispy bread and a glass of wine. You’ll be glad you did!
2. Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)
Albondigas, or Spanish Meatballs, will become a new favorite tapas for meatball lovers.
These are not your regular meatballs. They are cooked in a delicious tomato sauce for a long time with warm Spanish paprika and other great spices. They are traditionally served on small plates with crunchy bread and drizzled with generous good quality EVOO.
3. Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach with Chick Peas)
In just 15 minutes, you can create the most delicious tapas at home with my Spanish Spinach with Chickpeas recipe, locally known as Espinacas con Garbanzos.
This classic dish from Seville has warm, cozy, earthy tones of cumin and smoked paprika along with a dash of garlic, sweet raisins, and almond slivers, then drizzled with a good amount of EVOO.
You will love every bite of this regional Spanish classic!
4. Pisto
Looking for a hearty, veggie-packed stew? Enter: Pisto. With eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes drenched in olive oil, this rustic dish rivals caponata and ratatouille.
We cooked this in our Airbnb kitchen when visiting the beautiful village of Mijas, and loved it so much that we shared it on GypsyPlate.
5. Pan con Jamón
This one is as easy as it gets, but it’s so, so addictive. You only need three ingredients: good bread, good ham and good olive oil.
In Spain, it’s often made with their famous jamón ibérico, but if you can’t find it, serrano ham or even prosciutto work great also.
6. Tomato and Butter Bean Dip
These Spanish Butter Beans were one of my favorite tapas during our Spain travels. They’re packed with flavor from the chorizo, saffron, and those buttery beans. The cherry tomatoes burst as they cook, adding a nice juicy pop to every bite.
7. Spanish Summer Salad (Pipirrana)
Pipirrana, a Spanish Summer Salad straight from southern Spain, is sure to be a new summertime favorite.
All you need is fresh sweet tomatoes, crunchy peppers, cool cucumbers, and some ripe olives, along with hard-boiled eggs for protein. Drizzle it all with a simple and quick garlic vinaigrette, and it’s done!
8. Spanish Clams with Chorizo
Spanish tapas can uplift any event to the next level, and this Spanish Clams with Chorizo recipe is a great example. Be it a date night or a special occasion, this dish will win everyone’s hearts.
This is one of those dishes where just a few ingredients combine to form something incredibly delicious. Simply simmer your Spanish clams with cannellini beans, chorizo, and other great spices to get the best out of this dish.
9. Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas makes a great add-on to your Spanish-themed party as a flavorful vegetarian appetizer.
This Spanish treat is made with crispy golden potatoes topped with a bold, spicy red salsa brava sauce. It’s then drizzled with creamy garlic aioli and becomes a super addictive treat!
This is one you will find on every single tapas menu in Spain.
10. Spanish Empanadas
Empanadas are everyone’s favorite snack in all of Spain and many other Latin-speaking countries.
An empanada is a doughy and flaky pie generously stuffed with savory fillings. Traditionally, these savory fixings are onions, bell peppers, and minced meat, but there are many various other ideas for empanada filling.
You will simply love these Spanish Empanadas!
Get the Recipe @ spanishfoodguide
11. Manchego Croquetas
If you’re a fan of mozzarella sticks, these Spanish cheese Croquetas will be your new favorites.
Thick, creamy béchamel sauce, loaded with sharp manchego cheese is fried to crispy perfection. What better Spanish appetizer is there than this with a cold chilled beer?
12. Spanish Tortilla
Are you serving tapas for your next brunch or get-together? Then this Spanish Tortilla should be the centerpiece.
Usually served at room temperature, this is one of the most popular dishes in Spain.
13. Mojo Picante
Mojo Picante, or Spanish Red Pepper Sauce, can be used as a dipping sauce or drizzled all over your favorite foods.
It’s a great-tasting sauce on any seafood, chicken, or pork dishes for your next Spanish themed party.
14. Pan Con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread)
Now this is another super easy appetizer. Just fresh tomatoes, bread, garlic, olive oil, and voila! Pan con Tomate, or Spanish Tomato bread, is ready to serve.
Such an easy and quick dish to whip up for your friends and family, it’s one of our favorite Spanish appetizers!
Get the Recipe @ themediterraneandish
15. Champinones Al Ajillo, Spanish Garlic Mushrooms
These Spanish Garlic Mushrooms are just too good. They are easy and quick to make and serve at your next tapas party, and they will go great over some crispy crostini.
Get the Recipe @ lovefoodies.com
16. Spanish Ham Croquettes
Croquetas De Jamón Serrano are a Spanish version of Croquettes. They are wonderfully creamy without using any cheese.
This dish features a fantastic béchamel sauce (olive oil, butter, flour, and milk) mixed with leftover scraps of serrano ham and deep-fried to crispy perfection. YUM!
Get the Recipe @ spanishsabores
17. Marinated Olives
Elevate your olive game with zesty garlic and lemon-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Pair with almonds for a deliciously addictive and healthy tapa that’s perfect for any party.
Sometimes the simplest things are the most delicious!
Get the Recipe @ theendlessmeal
18. Pinchos Morunos
Pinchos Morunos are savory Spanish pork skewers marinated in aromatic spices. With simple preparation, these skewers make for a hassle-free addition to any party or gathering.
Get the Recipe @ carolinescooking
19. Chorizo Al Vino Tinto
You have to try this delicious classic Spanish chorizo sausage in red wine, known as Chorizo Al Vino Tinto.
This beloved Spanish appetizer dish is found in bars all over Spain, and can be easily made in your own kitchen with only six ingredients. Don’t miss out on this simple yet flavorful treat!
Get the Recipe @ fooddrinkdestinations
20. Spanish Mussels
Looking for some seafood appetizer ideas? Try these Spanish mussels, which are jam-packed with flavor. They are smothered in an absolutely divine white wine tomato sauce with smoked paprika, and garlic!
Get the Recipe @ thecomfortofcooking
21. Fried Calamari with Spanish Paprika
Fried calamari seems to be popular everywhere, and Spain is no exception. The smoked paprika in this recipe really elevates the dish.
Get the Recipe @ spanishsabores.com
22. Pimientos de Padrón
Get ready to taste the classic flavors of Spain with Pimientos de Padrón. Made from locally grown peppers, these simple yet delicious treats are lightly fried and seasoned to perfection.
If you’re a fan of peppers, you won’t want to miss out on this unique culinary experience.
23. Pulpo a la Gallega
This recipe is one for an adventurous palate. Pulpo a la Gallega is a tasty octopus salad. Try this seafood appetizer with an eclectic group of friends and savor new flavors!
24. Clams with Sherry and Serrano Ham
I just love these sherry-infused clams with serrano ham and pimento. Don’t forget to pair it with crispy bread to soak up all the savory sauce.
25. Spanish Tapas Board
Let’s finish this list of Spanish appetizers recipes with a grand charcuterie board tapas style! Think of all the tapas specialties, like a variety of Spanish hams, cheeses, olives, and spreads.
Wow your guests when you take this board to the table!
Get the Recipe @ mykitchenlove
I hope you enjoyed this list of Spanish Appetizers. Even if you never make it to that beautiful country, now you can try their delicious foods right in you own home!
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Chicken Appetizers
Meatball Appetizers
Shrimp Appetizers
Crockpot Appetizers
Vegetarian Appetizers
Greek Appetizers
Asian Appetizers
Mexican Appetizers
25 BEST Spanish Appetizers
This collection of easy Spanish Appetizers will help you put on the best starter spread ever!
Ingredients
- good quality bread (like baguette)
- extra virgin olive oil
- dry cured ham (jamón ibérico, serrano ham, or prosciutto)
Instructions
- cut the bread into round slices, about 3/4 inch thick
- drizzle on extra virgin olive oil
- add on some ham
- give it an extra little drizzle of olive oil
- enjoy!
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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