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Ready for a little Spanish cuisine? Here’s my list from around the web of 19 Spanish appetizers to delight and inspire you!
Maybe you’re planning dinner for four or forty, and you need something to break the ice while everyone mingles before the main course. Maybe the meal itself is lighter, and you want an appetizer to take the edge off your guests’ hunger when they arrive. Or maybe you’re building a full Spanish menu and want a starter that fits right in.
Whatever the occasion, you’ve got options: stick with the classics that never miss, or serve something a little more unexpected.
Either way, these small plates bring the tapas bar experience home—no reservation required. Just add a bottle of Spanish wine (dry red, for my money, though the whites are worth a try too) and you’re set.
To reach each recipe, look below for the number and click on the recipe name to the right of it! And be sure to share to your Facebook friends or on Pinterest!
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1. Tortilla Española Bites With Manchego
This hearty Spanish appetizer is a decidedly Spanish take on an omelet casserole bake! Bonus smoky herb cheese aioli recipe included if you want to add that little something to dip into with your tortilla Espanola bites! We try and keep Manchego cheese in our house at all times. It is true, we love Spanish cheeses.
2. Patatas Bravas Recipe
Crispy potatoes that are baked and not fried will please everyone for sure! Baking soda is the secret ingredient here! Add a bold red sauce and a creamy aioli and you are golden!
3. Spanish Croquettes Made With Jamon Serrano
Jamon Serrano is a Spanish ham that is used in this recipe making these croquettes truly authentic. Fresh olive oil is key here because it does not alter the taste of the Serrano ham. You can even make huge batches and freeze them to be ready with an appetizer in a jiffy!
4. Pan Con Tomate Recipe
Spanish version of bruschetta coming your way now! Ciabatta bread gets this started with garlic, tomatoes, and salt deliciously prepared to put on top! These will disappear quickly!
5. Spanish Leek Croquettes
This croquette recipe highlights leeks in a beautiful tasty way. These require an overnight in the refrigerator so plan accordingly. Crispy outside and creamy inside!
6. Spanish Cheese Board
Many folks love the idea of the charcuterie board as an appetizer. This recipe is a Spanish take on a cheese board. Unique cheeses, meats and sauces combine for a winning presentation!
7. Spanish Olive Tapas With Spiced Bread Crumbs
Spicy and salty flavors season your bread crumbs and will set this olive appetizer apart from the rest! Mix them with sauteed olives and peppers for a rich satisfying taste.
8. Manchego Cheese In Marinated Olives
Spanish black olives and manchego cheese take center stage here with delicious spices. Perhaps the simplest appetizer you may ever make! Gather ingredients, measure, mix, refrigerate.
9. Spanish Baked Goat Cheese
Take some fresh goat cheese, bake it in a savory garlic tomato sauce, then top with melted Swiss cheese.
10. Gambas Al Ajillo (Shrimp In Garlic Sauce)
Always a crowd pleaser, this Spanish appetizer of garlic shrimp is buttery, beautifully presented with parsley and enjoyed appreciatively. Shrimp on the menu tells the guests how special they are!
11. Pesto Polenta Bites With Tomato Bruschetta
Polenta, made of cornmeal, can be purchased premade and easily sliced to be topped as an appetizer. Here you add a dollop of delicious pesto and a lovely light tomato bruschetta and you’re ready!
12. Tomato + Butter Bean Dip
There are multiple different Spanish appetizers variations for this recipe! The main ingredients here are white beans, tomato paste, garlic, shallot, olive oil, and paprika.
Simmer together and serve up warm with pita chips or crackers.
13. Bacon-Wrapped Figs
These fancy finger food morsels look fussy but thankfully they are not! Wrap the bacon round the fig to bake and top with a bit of goat cheese when ready to serve!
14. Spanish Fried Eggplant With Molasses And Rosemary
The base for this Spanish appetizer is slices of eggplant, dipped in almond flour, wheat flour or cornmeal and fried. Then sprinkle generously with salt and add a bit of sweet honey or molasses for perfection!
15. Quince, Prosciutto & Blue Cheese Pintxos
This Spanish appetizer served on a toothpick is commonly found in bars in Spain. Very simple to put together with a sweet quince paste, salty prosciutto, and creamy blue cheese stacked on toasted raisin bread!
Vamos a comer!
16. Spanish Spiced Almonds Tapa
A handful of toasted nuts can be so comforting! This almond recipe uses olive oil, salt, and Spanish-style smoked hot paprika to season the almonds.
Serve warm or room temp. This is one of those easy Spanish appetizers with simple ingredients and will also turn out to be the popular dish at the event.
17. Ajillo Mushrooms (Spanish Garlic Mushrooms)
Similar seasonings showing up again but this time with mushrooms as the main ingredient. Smoked paprika, dried chili flakes, and garlic will season those mushrooms after you pan fry them a bit.
I think that we all agreed long ago that mushrooms make the perfect appetizer. It is even true in Spanish cuisine.
18. Espinacas Con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach With Chickpeas)
Yes, there is bacon in this one, folks! This easy Spanish appetizer has some surprises besides the spinach and chickpeas! Onions, tomatoes and, wait for it, raisins!
Any type of bread will suit this lovely creation when it is serving time!
19. Albondigas (Tapas Spanish Meatballs)
The meatballs here are smaller and pan-fried before being sauced and simmered. Seasonings do vary from chef to chef, and you can serve them up with toothpicks and crusty bread to the delight of everyone!
The bottom line
The world of appetizers is wide and deep. No need to get stuck in a rut.
Switch things up with some new and exciting Spanish appetizer recipes that you will enjoy making as much as your guests will enjoy eating! You don’t have to only go to a Spanish restaurant to get delicious food. This proves that you can make delicious Spanish recipes at home.
