16 Spanish tapas recipes to try for an aperitif

It's time for a Spanish aperitif, salud!

In Spain, tapas are typical appetizers. Presented in small plates, casseroles or individual containers, they are served as an aperitif or a complete meal. Everyone can taste a little of everything, and above all, what they want, they are perfect for a friendly aperitif. And as you might expect, since the word tapa (singular) does not designate a particular dish, and is a generic term, there are many different varieties.

The different types of tapas

The most famous tapas

While some Spanish recipes, such as Galician-style octopus, are relatively unknown here, others are absolutely essential. Indeed, you may have heard of patatas bravas (diced potatoes fried and accompanied by a spicy sauce. Another tapas to also offer during your next aperitif, pan con tomate. This kind of bruschetta of toasted bread topped with tomato is so popular, that the locals even eat it for breakfast. Also, we couldn't not mention paella, because yes, in Spain it is also considered a tapa. , we therefore present it in small individual pots, or verrines, rather than in the huge traditional paella pan.

Meat tapas

In the family of meat tapas, we find albondigas, meatballs in tomato sauce, and empanadas (which also come in a vegetarian version). Most often the meat used is beef, of which Spain is a large producer, pork or veal. Mutton or lamb meat is also occasionally used as stuffing or on skewers.
Otherwise, fans of aperitif boards can also enjoy a platter of Iberian charcuterie and chorizo.

Seafood tapas

Unsurprisingly, fish or shellfish tapas are numerous in Spain. The reason being that the country is largely bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. Garlic shrimp, escabeche mussels and squid fritters are therefore some of the popular appetizers to put on the menu.

Vegetarian tapas

Don't worry if you don't eat meat or fish. The diversity of tapas is such that there are many that are vegetarian. Think of the Spanish tortilla, for example. Often confused with its namesake, the Mexican tortilla, it consists of a thick potato omelette, sometimes garnished with onion and cheese. Also gazpacho, considered a cold tapa, is also compatible with a vegetarian diet.

What to drink with tapas?

What's better than sangria for an aperitif like the Spanish? Traditionally made with red wine, Cointreau, lemonade, citrus and spices, this is one of the easiest summer cocktails to make. And for those who are not fans of red wine, some original sangria recipes replace it with rosé or white wine, and include seasonal fruits.
Finally, for a non-alcoholic version, opt for grape or orange juice.

Our Spanish tapas ideas for an aperitif dinner

Cheese, cold meats, meatballs, fried potatoes…. Discover our selection of Spanish tapas.

Patatas bravas, salsa brava

Don't forget the spicy tomato sauce on the side.

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Varied Montaditos

Varied Montaditos

Montaditos are Spanish sandwiches made with baguette bread. To garnish them, we opt for typical products like Serrano ham or grilled peppers.

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Manchego, chorizo ​​and olive tapas

Manchego, chorizo ​​and olive tapas

Manchego is a Spanish sheep's milk cheese. For an aperitif, place it on skewers with chorizo ​​and olives.

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Garlic prawns

Garlic prawns

A few prawns, a little garlic, parsley and white wine, it couldn't be simpler.

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Pan con tomato

Pan con tomato

Very easy to cook, these aperitif toasts require no more than 10 minutes of preparation.

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Serrano ham croquetas

Serrano ham croquetas

The ham can be replaced with bacon or chorizo, as desired.

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Potato tortilla

Potato tortilla

Serve the tortilla cut into individual pieces.

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Tomato gazpacho

Tomato gazpacho

Tomato, cucumber, peas… Make this recipe with the vegetables of your choice.

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Beef empanadas

Beef empanadas

These empanadas are best eaten very hot.

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Fried squid

Fried squid

For crispy donut batter, use cold sparkling water.

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Albondigas with lamb and chorizo

Albondigas with lamb and chorizo

These meatballs are very spicy thanks to the chorizo.

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Chorizo ​​and seafood paella

Chorizo ​​and seafood paella

For a Spanish aperitif worthy of the name, paella is essential.

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Galician octopus

Galician octopus

Sprinkle the octopus pieces with paprika and salt before serving.

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Escabeche mussels

Escabeche mussels

You can try other versions of this recipe with different spices and aromatics.

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Padron peppers

Padron peppers

Grill these peppers on the plancha, like the Spanish.

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Vegetable empanadas

Vegetable empanadas

A vegetarian recipe to try.

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