Our 21 Best Tapas Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular tapas dish? ›

Portion sizes will vary by restaurant, but typically, ordering 2 to 3 tapas per person gets the job done. So a party of 4 would order 8 to 12 tapas between them. Don't be afraid to ask your server if you haven't ordered enough food, and remember, your friends are there to help if you've ordered too much.

Popular throughout Spain, tapas are festive and delicious appetizers and snacks. Traditional tapas include mixed olives, fried baby squid, meatballs, and chorizo. Whether you're craving briny seafood or crispy potatoes, these are our best tapas recipes.

Focus on creating five to six tapas dishes that are easy and quick to fix and can be prepared ahead of time. For example, three cold tapas and two warm tapas. Plan 6 to 8 bites per guest if you are hosting a co*cktail party (1-1/2 hour party) or 12 to 15 bites per guest for a tapas dinner party (3 hour party).

Some of the most well-known are Manchego (typical of Castilla – La Mancha), Idiazábal (Basque Country), Roncal (Navarre), Mahón (Balearic Islands) and Majorero (Canary Islands).

One of the most popular ways to eat is to order lots of small plates or 'tapas' for everyone to taste and try. “When ordering tapas, there's no real 'etiquette' – it depends on where you are in Spain. But sharing is paramount!”

Tapas is traditionally a drink and bite to eat, so when you meet for tapas in Spain, it's usually around 1:30 to 3pm or 8:30 to 10:30pm. If you stick to the traditional Spanish times for tapas, you're guaranteed to get the freshest food and the best atmosphere.

Rich cheeses, cured meats, roasted vegetables, fresh seafood, and deep-fried delights are all common players in the tapas game.

6) Don't order everything at once. Take your time when selecting your food and order it plateful by plateful. Keep your eyes peeled for delicious dishes that other clients are tucking into! Eating tapas is not generally an 'eat and go' activity but a social experience that can go on all evening.

What's the main meal in Spain? ›

Lunch (La Comida) The midday meal or la comida, as it is called in Spain, is the largest meal of the day. It is definitely a big meal and typically includes multiple courses and wine.

Keep it simple: Choose dishes that are easy to prepare and can be made in advance. This allows you to spend more time with your guests during the party. Don't forget about dessert: Finish off your tapas party with a sweet treat, such as churros with chocolate sauce or a fruit platter.

A good rule of thumb for a dinner party, allow for 6 appetizers per person. For a co*cktail party consider making 12 appetizers per person.

In general, two to four tapas dishes per person is a standard order for a meal. This may be slightly fewer if you're stopping off for a snack. Tapas do come in different sizes so it's a good idea to check with your server and potentially ask for recommendations. This way, you can ensure the right sized portion!

Spanish Tapas / Tortilla Española

This simple but delicious tapa is often referred to as Spain's national dish. A traditional Spanish omelet filled with potatoes. A few ingredients come together in the dish, with crispy egg forming a flaky crust that binds a filling of potato, onion, and spices.

One of the recipes for Spanish tapas that never fails are patatas bravas, classic Spanish tapas you will find anywhere. It's a portion of spicy-fried potatoes cut into cubes and deep-fried in olive oil. They are served with a sauce like salsa brava or alioli.

Yes, if they want to. A tapa is a small serving of food, a canape, something which is just a few bites. As Spanish people tend to eat their bigger meal of the day at lunchtime, it is common for dinner to be just a few tapas and something to drink. Earlier in the day, a tapa might be a canape before eating a big lunch.