31 Classic Yet Delicious Spanish Tapas Dishes

Tapas are finger foods served in small portions that you can eat on their own or combine with other tapas. Unlike appetizers, these small snacks require no utensils and are meant for socializing over drinks before dinner or lunch.

Here’s a quick table with the most delicious Spanish tapas dishes.

Quick Table: Spanish Tapas Recipes

Recipe	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Salsa Brava	35	25 Minutes
Spicy Patatas Bravas	318	25 Minutes
Garlic Shrimp	131	10 Minutes
Tortilla Espanola	175	24 Minutes
Tortilla de Patatas	334	50 Minutes
Chicken Pintxo	188	30 Minutes
Spanish Croquettes	327	25 Minutes
Spanish Meatballs	657	25 Minutes
Crema Catalana	195	20 Minutes
Padron Peppers	28	7 Minutes
Spanish Pork Kebabs	100	2 Hours 23 Minutes
Pulpo a la Gallega	562	50 Minutes
Spanish Fried Fish Tapas	190	35 Minutes
Spanish Bruschetta	175	10 Minutes
Spanish Cod Fritters	68	40 Minutes
Spanish Garlic Cauliflower	106	30 Minutes
Lemon Olive Oil Cake	382	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Spanish White Beans Stew	236	25 Minutes
Pan Con Tomate	262	35 Minutes
Romesco Sauce	400	8 Minutes
Fried Manchego Cheese	473	55 Minutes
Spanish Mussels	79	30 Minutes
Paprika Chicken Skewers	218	2 Hours 10 Minutes
Spanish Omelet	271	25 Minutes
Spanish Olive Tapas	100	25 Minutes
Chorizo in Red Wine	206	25 Minutes
Spanish Spiced Almonds	900	5 Minutes
Spanish Ham Croquettes	93	4 Hours
Spanish Eggplant Fries	180	30 Minutes
Caramelized Onion & Pear Tarts	49	50 Minutes
Sous Vide Octopus	127	50 Minutes

We all know the importance of nutrition and how difficult it can be to stay healthy with a hectic schedule. Spanish cuisines have been around for centuries and are known to satisfy a hungry palette.

With this in mind, we have compiled a list of recipes to accompany your tapas dishes.

Let’s dive right in, shall we?

1. Salsa Brava

This spicy Spanish dip has all the qualities of a perfect summertime treat: it’s spicy without being too hot.

It tastes incredible with corn chips, tortilla chips, or vegetables like red onion and olives, and its vibrant red color is hypnotic against your white-washed skin in the sun.

Calories Per Serving: 35

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

2. Spicy Patatas Bravas

This is the dish to try when you need a heavy dish that fills you up without unpleasantly weighing your stomach down.

This is a love of ours, and we think it could be yours too (or at least, it won’t disappoint!) Spicy Patatas Bravas is the perfect Spanish potato snack for any time of year.

Calories Per Serving: 318

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

3. Garlic Shrimp

Garlic Shrimp is the best because it is a quick dish to make and tastes good. There are many different dishes you can make with garlic shrimp.

For example, in some cultures, garlic shrimp has been made into a soup called ‘Tom Yum’. Tom yum is a traditional Thai-Laotian spicy and sour soup.

Calories Per Serving: 131

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

4. Tortilla Espanola

This is a recipe for a traditional Catalan dish that is highly nutritious. The name comes from tortillas espanolas, which are Spanish tortillas with different fillings: shrimp, codfish, chicken, and pork with tomato sauce.

This particular version features a mixture of white beans and sweet potatoes. It can be served as an appetizer or as an entree. Either way, it is delicious!

Calories Per Serving: 175

Preparation Time: 24 Minutes

5. Tortilla De Patatas

Tortilla de Patatas is a Spanish and Latin American dish found in any country with a Hispanic population.

It is a potato omelet layered with chorizo, onion, peppers, or other vegetables. This simple dish has a clever name that tells you right away what it contains.

Calories Per Serving: 334

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

6. Chicken Pintxo

Pintxos is a Spanish sandwich consisting of small pieces of bread, meat, or cheese placed on top of a slice of bread and then dipped in liquid (usually olive oil).

It’s this combination that has made pintxos the soul food for Barcelona. Women created pintxos bars to cater to their husbands, who would go out drinking but occasionally return home with a craving for something salty and savory.

Calories Per Serving: 188

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

7. Spanish Croquettes

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Croquettes are easy and quick appetizers to serve at any party or get-together. These croquettes have the perfect blend of ground meat, onions, bell peppers, and spices.

Whether you’re looking for a simple dish to whip up in a matter of minutes or you’d like to take your cooking skills to the next level with these deliciously spiced croquettes, this meal has your name written all over it.

Calories Per Serving: 327

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

8. Spanish Meatballs

Spanish meatballs are a dish that’s not new to the world cuisine, but it should be! The meatballs are made with beef or pork and coated with an egg mix before they’re lightly fried until they’re browned on all sides.

Then they’re simmered in a tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and spices until the flavors have combined into something utterly delicious.

Calories Per Serving: 657

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

9. Crema Catalana

Puerto Rico is known for its delicious, creamy, and decadent egg dishes. The island’s claim to fame is the ubiquitous Puerto Rican dish called Crema Catalana. However, the origins of this dish are pretty murky.

What we do know is that Crema Catalana has excellent flavor, texture, and quick preparation time, making it a staple when you want to impress your friends or family with a tasty breakfast cuisine.

Calories Per Serving: 195

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

10. Padron Peppers

Padron Peppers is the latest craze in spicy food, and it’s because of its unique taste. Hot sauces use a large number of peppers to get their heat without much flavor.

However, Padron peppers are a mix of sweet and hot spices, making them very flavorful and adding some zest to your food. They also add more kick than other hot sauces containing just one pepper or spice.

Calories Per Serving: 28

Preparation Time: 7 Minutes

RELATED: 19 Easy Spanish Appetizers to Taste Good for Parties.

11. Spanish Pork Kebabs

Spanish pork kebabs are a traditional Cuban dish. They are meatballs with onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika flavor.

The meatball is usually served in tomato sauce, but it can also be served as part of a sandwich or on a taco. The common and most traditional serving is a simple sandwich.

Calories Per Serving: 100

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 23 Minutes

12. Pulpo A La Gallega

Pulpo a la Gallega. For those who don’t know, a gallega is just like an arroz con gandules – rice and black beans mixed with chicken broth, seafood stock, and saffron (although it has an even deeper flavor from all the smoked paprika that was added to the dish).

This meal is so easy to make; once again, easy access makes it the perfect choice for anyone looking to cook indoors on a busy day when they can’t find time to head outside.

Calories Per Serving: 563

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

13. Spanish Fried Fish Tapas

Spanish fried fish is made by coating whitefish in flour and then frying it until crispy. This crispy exterior provides a delicious contrast to the tender and moist flesh that lies within.

The fish is then sprinkled with salt and pepper before being served on toast as an appetizer with lemon wedges or served with salad for lunch or dinner.

Calories Per Serving: 190

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

14. Spanish Bruschetta

Spanish Bruschetta is an open-faced sandwich of toasted bread layered with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a simple dish that tastes delicious and looks beautiful when served in clear bowls.

This recipe is perfect on its own, but it also makes a great appetizer to go with other dishes or drinks.

Calories Per Serving: 175

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

15. Spanish Cod Fritters

A Puerto Rican dish, Spanish Cod Fritters, is a delicacy that should not be limited to just Saturdays or Sundays for breakfast.

You see, these bite-sized delights are incredibly easy to make and are the perfect snack or appetizer for any time of the day.

Calories Per Serving: 68

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

16. Spanish Garlic Cauliflower

This is one of the best vegetables you can swap in any dish to give it more flavor. For example, if you want to spice up a batch of pasta sauce, try adding some boiled Spanish Garlic Cauliflower instead of watery pasta.

You’ll get that umami flavor without adding salt or other ingredients.

Calories Per Serving: 106

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

17. Lemon Olive Oil Cake

The Lemon Olive Oil Cake is the best because it’s a moist and flavorful cake made with olive oil and fresh lemon.

The cake is also free of artificial stuff in the batter, meaning you can feel good about feeding this to your family.

Calories Per Serving: 382

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

18. Spanish White Beans Stew

Look no further if you’ve been searching for the perfect food to complete your cold weather comfort menu.

This dish is one-of-a-kind and will send you into vegetarian bliss. It’s full of flavor and is sure to leave your guests begging for more!

Calories Per Serving: 236

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

19. Pan Con Tomate

Pan con tomate is a staple in tapas bars and a classic Spanish dish. Pan con tomate means bread with tomato, but the tomato is there more for flavor than as a vegetable.

The Pan Con Tomate is nothing short of amazing. It is a delicious and incredibly versatile sandwich that can be made in just minutes.

Calories Per Serving: 262

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

20. Romesco Sauce

Everybody has their favorite pasta sauce recipe, but there’s nothing quite like Romesco for a traditional and hearty Spanish twist.

It’s more than just a dip for bread; you can use it as an alternative to mayonnaise in sandwiches or as an addition to meats and vegetables.

Calories Per Serving: 400

Preparation Time: 8 Minutes

RELATED: Spanish Onions: The Differences Between Them And Sweet, Red, White, And Yellow Onions

21. Fried Manchego Cheese

There are many ways to eat fried Manchego cheese, but the most popular is frying it and making it into a sandwich.

People like to fry Manchego cheese because it is such a tasty dish that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Calories Per Serving: 473

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

22. Spanish Mussels

Spanish mussels are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It gives high levels of Vitamin B12 and niacin and is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and calcium.

Mussels also contain high levels of selenium used by the body to maintain healthy skin and hair.

Calories Per Serving: 79

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

23. Paprika Chicken Skewers

So tasty, Paprika Chicken Skewers are the best thing you’ll eat! So crunchy and so juicy. The perfect blend of spices, everyone will love them, and you will want more!

You just can’t go wrong with these great skewers. A must-try recipe! So easy too!

Calories Per Serving: 218

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

24. Spanish Omelet

A Spanish omelet is the best omelet because it has everything you need to make a good meal. It has onions, bell peppers, black olives, tomatoes, and more cheese than a hamburger. It’s all in the name of good Spanish food!

You should eat this dish more often if you love spicy food but have no access to a Spanish meal that can rival this one.

Calories Per Serving: 271

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

25. Spanish Olive Tapas

Spanish Olive Tapas – a small, flavorful dish that is in essence, a general appetizer for an adventure through Spain.

The tapas tradition has been around for centuries and is one of Spain’s most iconic culinary traditions.

Calories Per Serving: 100

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

26. Chorizo In Red Wine

Chorizo in red wine sauce with tomatoes, black olives, and garlic is a delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course.

It’s a perfect dish for the holiday season. The flavor it creates is unique and exciting enough to get guests talking about this dish long after you’ve left the party.

Calories Per Serving: 206

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

27. Spanish Spiced Almonds

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These almonds are the perfect thing to have with a nice cup of tea or coffee. They are also great for any occasion, like parties and gatherings.

The next time you create a snack plate for house guests or holiday celebrations, try spicing up your snacks with Spanish Spiced Almonds as an alternative to everyone’s favorite nut – the classic peanut!

Calories Per Serving: 900

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

28. Spanish Ham Croquettes

The Spanish ham croquettes are a special dish with a lot of history. It is now used as a regional dish enjoyed in the south of Spain, near Cadiz.

It’s usually served with green peas (or, in some cases, white beans), which are cooked separately before being mixed and poured over the croquettes just before serving time.

Calories Per Serving: 93

Preparation Time: 4 Hours

29. Spanish Eggplant Fries

These Spanish Eggplant Fries are a great meal for the whole family. If you love eggplant, these are worth a try!

The best way to serve them is with grilled chicken or beef and all the trimmings. They’re also great served hot or cold as an appetizer!

Calories Per Serving: 180

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

30. Caramelized Onion & Pear Tarts

The combination of sweet and savory flavors provided by the caramelized onion and pear with a hint of brown sugar is irresistible.

You get two dishes from this recipe – an appetizer (or side dish) when served smaller and the main course when served larger.

Calories Per Serving: 49

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

31. Sous Vide Octopus

A classic Mediterranean staple, this recipe features octopus that has been cooked sous vide.

This dish is an excellent starting point as it yields some of the best results from any type of cooking method.

Calories Per Serving: 127

Preparation Time: 5 Hours 25 Minutes

Frequently Asked Question

Which Is The Most Important Step When Eating Tapas?

Eating tapas is not like eating any other meal. It should be an experience – relaxed! The proper way to eat tapas is for one person to offer it to another.

This does not mean all must share everything, but rather partake in more than one bite and pass plates back and forth.

Can I Eat Tapas If I Am Vegan?

Tapas refers to the type of dish served at these gatherings and not the ingredients used in its preparation. As such, you can still enjoy these dishes without consuming meat products if you wish to do so.

What Is A Tapas Menu? 

A tapas menu is a traditional Spanish food that typically consists of a variety of small plates. A tapas menu is a small dish of Spanish food meant to be shared between two people.

There are many types of tapas, including cheese, ham, patatas bravas, anchovies, and chorizo.