Enjoy all the flavours of Spain with these 10 Easy Tapas Recipes, that when put together make the most delicious tapas dinner party feast. From Spanish Tortilla, to Albondigas (smoky meatballs), Patatas Bravas, garlic prawns and the EASIEST Spanish Rice, and so much more.
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If you love eating out at a tapas restaurant, then why not recreate the recipes at home?
These 10 Easy Tapas Recipes are a favourite on any Spanish restaurant menu. These little dishes are packed with garlic, paprika, and herbs and are perfect for sharing.
What is Tapas food?
In Spanish, you can have one 'tapa' and two or more 'tapas'. It is basically a small plate of Spanish cuisine and translates to 'top' or 'lid'.
It is said that when people drank Sherry, they often covered their wine glasses with a slice of bread or meat to keep the flies from doing a nose-dive into the wine, and that is how tapas began and where it got its name. Tapas is classic Spanish cuisine.
Nowadays it is a popular cuisine all over the world and has moved on from a slice of ham covering a wine glass.
There are many types of Tapas Bars and recipes can vary regionally, but popular tapas choices include chicken skewers, meatballs, cod croquettes, garlic prawns and crispy smoky potatoes - many of the Spanish tapas recipes you will find in this post.
The benefit of tapas is you can enjoy 4-5 smaller plates, and even share, so you get to have a hearty meal without being stuffed and you get to try a few different things.
10 Easy Tapas Recipes
Paprika Chicken Skewers
Gambas Pil Pil
Patatas Bravas
Chorizo in Red Wine
Tortilla (Spanish Omelette)
Spanish Olives
Albondigas (Spanish Meatballs)
Spanish Rice
Canarian Potatoes (Papas arrugadas)
Serrano Ham Salad - What is a dinner party without a salad? We kept with the Spanish vibe by making this Serrano ham and Manchego salad. We took a base of rocket lettuce (arugula) and dressed it in olive oil, salt and pepper, lemon juice and red wine vinegar and then topped it with Serrano ham (a traditional Spanish ham), shavings of Manchego cheese and some figs.
Dannii's Top Tips
- Put out a selection of wines. A red, white and rose, so that there is something for everyone to go with all the different dishes on offer.
- Have a selection of breads out (including crusty bread, breadsticks and slices) with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a bowl for dipping.
- Put some Spanish meats, roasted red peppers and cheeses on a board as a filler if you have lots of guests. It's always better to have too much food and have leftovers than not have enough.
- Try to make as much as you can earlier on in the day or the night before. The olives can be made in advance and will keep in the fridge for a few days. The chicken skewers and meatballs can be made and kept in the fridge until they are ready to cook.
- Tapas makes great leftovers. Slices of tortilla make for a great snack as you are passing the fridge. The olives can be used in other meals like pastas and salads and the cooked chicken skewers are delicious in wraps.
If you've tried any of these Easy Tapas Recipes please leave a comment below, we love hearing from you!
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Rebecca says
Love tapas! these all look so good
Leanne says
When we go out to eat we love to hit up a tapas bar, but I love creating it at home even more. I'll have to try some of these easy recipes you've compiled, and I appreciate the wine pairing information too. Always important! ;)
kim says
Love these ideas! They'll definitely come in handy when hosting during the holidays!
Paula Montenegro says
Give me a buffet table with tortilla and albóndigas (meatballs) and I can stay there all day! This spread looks sensational! Great showcase of Spanish food. Thanks for sharing!
Danielle Wolter says
I'm in charge of Friendsgiving this year and this totally inspired me to make it a tapas party. SO many great ideas here!
Adrianne says
Holy wow, there are so many good options here! I have to say that I would drink any wine with tapas and yours all look so very good! The rose and spanish meatballs are my pics.
David says
Yum! Tasty lineup of food. I like the sound of the pil pil with all the garlic. Interesting, haven't heard of this type of wine before. Sounds like a good option.
jen says
LOVE these tapas ideas! I love eating like this on vacation.
Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says
What a lovely selection of tapas recipes! Thanks for sharing, I will try one of these.
Andrea Metlika says
What a great tapas party here. I love all the recipes and I can't wait to share them with my friends.
Taylor Kiser says
Everything looks delicious! Such a fun idea for a dinner party!
Vicky says
You have a nice variety of tapas here. I like how there are some heavier options that you can really fill up on, along with some lighter fare like the olives.
Sara says
Love this!! I love that you included wines and lower calorie wines. I always stress planning a light dinner party but this will make it so much easier. Thanks!
Raia Todd says
These all sound delicious! I'm definitely loving the sound of those Paprika Chicken Skewers and the Patatas Bravas!
Katie says
This is so fun!! Can't wait to try this with my lunch bunch friends.