47 Easy Tapas Recipes For The Best Tapas Party Ever!

Name: 47 Easy Tapas Recipes For The Best Tapas Party Ever!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: CT10M
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Tapas
Ingredients: Potatoes; olive oil; paprika; thyme; parsley; salt; pepper; mayonnaise; lemon juice

Sara Cagle

Sara is a food and lifestyle freelance writer in Los Angeles. She writes a weekly events column for the Los Angeles Times and loves writing food content for Brit + Co. After all, the English language's most fun adjectives are best applied to delicious foods. In her free time, she's a hip hop dancer, avid moviegoer, and thorough face-mask user.

Full Bio

Oct 19, 2023

Easy Tapas Recipes to share with friends at a tapas party, small plate meals ideas

If you're throwing a party and don't want to spend the entire night in the kitchen, look no further than these tapas recipes: they're small plates of food to be shared among your guests. These smaller servings of unique cuisines can be a great way to try something new, and really impress your foodie friends that always want a little bite!

Most of these tapas recipes come together in no time, which can be super helpful if you lean toward procrastinating the daunting task of hosting. To get you started, we've got the dish on the best easy and authentic Spanish tapas recipes. And don't forget — these babies taste even better when paired with a pitcher of sangria.

What are the 3 types of tapas?

The three types of tapas include cosas de picar (finger foods), pinchos (which require something like a toothpick to eat), and cazuelas (little dishes served in a sauce).

What are some typical tapas foods?

Tapas foods are usually smaller portions, but they're all delicious. You can serve everything from olives and fried cheese to chorizo and sweet baked churro chips.

What do you serve at a tapas party?

There are a variety of foods you can serve at a tapas party, but our favorite include jalapeño poppers, fried cheese, and olives. We love a fig and bacon jam crostini, too!

Triscuit + Cucumber + Mint + Feta

Image via Brit + Co

The salty Triscuit, paired with refreshing cucumber and bright mint? Sign us up, like, right now. This quick recipe makes for a refreshing tapa that your guests are sure to enjoy. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Churro Chips

Image via Brit + Co

Steer away from tradition by making churros into chips. They’re easy to make in big batches, and they’re even easier to dip into mocha-fudge sauce, caramel sauce or whipped cream. The fact that they're sweet is a great way to switch things up in the tapas department. (via Brit + Co.)

Triscuit + Cherry Tomatoes + Mozzarella Cheese + Spicy Chili Flakes

Image via Brit + Co

The cherry tomatoes and spicy chili flakes will taste amazing together, especially when you have cheese to cut the tart spice! (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Grazing Platter

Image via The Edgy Veg

Everyone will want a bite from this platter. It's got veggies, it's got fruit, it's got nuts. You can also add in vegan cheeses, mushrooms, hummus — whatever floats your boat. (via The Edgy Veg)

Cheese - Stuffed Garlic Bites

Image via The Edgy Veg

For a delicious and savory tapas option, you can't go wrong with these cheese-stuffed garlic bites. They're super easy to make, and you can pair them with any dipping sauce. (via The Edgy Veg).

Seared Tuna with Manzanilla Olive Tapenade

Image via The Endless Meal

This tapas bite may look super involved and fancy, but we promise you it's as simple as it gets. Sear some fresh tuna before using it to top cucumber slices that pair with a delicious homemade tapenade. (via The Endless Meal)

Spinach And Chickpeas (Espinacas Con Garbanzos)

Espinacas Con Garbanzos spinach and chickpeas recipe

Image via Spanish Abores

This spinach and chickpea stew is popular in Seville, Spain. Aside from the delicious flavors, the best part about this recipe is definitely the fact that it only takes half an hour to make! The ingredients are all healthy, too, which allows you to eat as much as you'd like to. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to make! (via Spanish Abores)

Chorizo, Manchego, and Olive Skewers

Image via My Modern Cookery

These honey-drizzled skewers embody the rich, fresh flavors of Spanish foods and are a fireworks show in your mouth. The best part is there is absolutely no cooking required! They're so easy to put together and can be customized to you and your guests' preferences. (via My Modern Cookery)

Fig and Bacon Jam Crostini

Image via Barley & Sage

Smear goat cheese on some toasted baguette slices, add bacon jam and fig slices, and drizzle with honey. This fresh flavor combination is nothing like you've ever tasted before. It's sure to wow your guests due its delectable and complex flavor pallet! (via Barley & Sage)

Garlic Shrimp With Lemon and Parsley

Image via Spain on a Fork

This simple lemon-garlic shrimp is sure to satisfy. Serve with toothpicks for spearing or crusty baguette slices for dipping. This is a great dish to pair with white wine. (via Spain on a Fork)

Spanish Tortilla With Burrata and Herbs

Image via Half-Baked Harvest

This recipe using potatoes, eggs, fresh herbs, prosciutto, and burrata is perfect for a tapas brunch.It's simple to make but the flavors are complex. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Brie Stuffed Crispy Baby Potatoes

In my mind, potatoes at a party are always a win. These brie-stuffed potatoes are unbelievably delicious and an elevated take on a classic potato recipe. The addition of truffle oil seriously just pushes these over the edge in terms of flavor. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Mushroom Croquettes

Image via Cilantro and Citronella

Croquetas de jamón, logs of ham coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden, are easy to find at most bars in Spain. These are filled with mushrooms and made with non-dairy milk, so even your vegan friends can enjoy them! (via Cilantro and Citronella)

Squash Cornbread Mini Muffins

Image via Chef Bai

These finger food cornbread tapas are made with squash to boost your bite with tons of nutritional value. They're sweet yet super savory, and the perfect dish to serve at a tapas party! (via Chef Bai)

Pan Tumaca

Image via Cilantro Parsley

This recipe originates from old Spanish tradition of finding ways to reuse crusty bread. Adding tomato and olive oil will soften up your crust to be topped with flavorful meat and spiciness. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Fried Cheese Curds

Image via Culinary Hill

Fry some cheese curds in your oil of choice, and this finger food is ready to be enjoyed! Get ready to make a big batch, though, because these crunchy, creamy bites are addictive! (via Culinary Hill)

Chorizo Al Vino Tinto (Chorizo In Red Wine)

Image via Caroline's Cooking

The red wine in this dish gives an extra layer of flavor that you cannot miss. This recipe tastes delicious with both mild and spicy chorizo, so it's a great option for everyone. They're also super light, which makes them perfect to serve before a meal. (via Caroline's Cooking)

Spanish Cheese Board Easy Tapas Dish

Image via My Kitchen Love

Cover all of your flavor bases on a single board instead of making multiple plates. This tapas assortment is a yummy twist on modern charcuterie, and is full of Spanish cheeses, meats, grapes, olives and flavorful spreads. (via My Kitchen Love)

Bruschettas

Image via Signature Concoctions

These takes on a classic bruschetta bite can take your tapas party so much further, and display a range of flavors, from spicy to sweet. There are so many different ways to customize them that you can bring them out time and time again and your guests won't ever get tired of them! (via Signature Concoctions)

Bacon and Goat Cheese Pops

Image via The Endless Meal

Make this finger food an easy hack by using skewers to serve them! You'll get a mouthful rich with sweet and savory notes. (via The Endless Meal)

Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Basil

Image via Rachel Mansfield

Keep things fresh and fruity with this unique combination of flavors! This recipe will hit different during the summer, as it's a relaxing and refreshing bite. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Image via Cozy Cravings

These delicious, tapas-worthy chicken wings are prepared in the air fryer, making prepping for a party so much easier. Everyone won't be able to get enough of the spicy, citrusy flavors! (via Cozy Cravings)

Chicken Empanadas Tapas Recipes

Image via Food With Feeling

Because no one ever complained about chicken, cheese, and carbs, and we're not about to start. They take under 30 minutes to prepare and are filling enough that you wouldn't need to serve much else! (via Food With Feeling)

Vegetarian Jalapeño Poppers

Vegetarian Jalapeno Poppers Easy tapas recipes

Image via Live Eat Learn

You'll want to eat tons of these flavorful bites! Get into the crunch with these baked jalapeño poppers.They have the perfect amount of spice that will allow all of your guests to enjoy. (via Live Eat Learn)

Spanish-Style Tomato and Butter Bean Dip

Hand holding a pita chip with Spanish White Bean Dip tapas recipe in a cast iron skillet

Image via Fresh Off the Grid

This addictive dip is so simple, you can even make it on a camping trip. Don't be fooled by the simplicity though, it's still a delicious dip. You can pair it with pita chips or sour dough for a treat that's sure to impress. (via Fresh Off the Grid)

Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese and Pecans

Image via The Cookie Rookie

These four-ingredient bites are both crispy, chewy, and creamy all at once. They'll add some flavor variety to your tapas spread. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Mini Quiche

Image via Culinary Hill

Quiches are always a hit, so why not make them bite-sized for your tapas party? You can take this recipe in so many different ways to produce unique flavors. (via Culinary Hill)

Chickpea Cranberry Lettuce Wraps

Image via Chef Bai

Make entertaining simple with these fresh lettuce wraps. You'll get a mouthful of sweet cranberry and pack in tons of nutrition. They're high in fiber and low in fat, making them great to even just make as a snack. (via Chef Bai)

Gambas al Ajillo

Image via A Spicy Perspective

This spicy shrimp recipe can be used to toss with pasta or served on skewers! The choice is yours. They're packed with garlic, arbol chile, and sherry flavor that makes it a standout dish on a tapas spread. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Pan Con Tomate

Image via A Spicy Perspective

This snack is us-per common in Spain and just an easy way to make tapas. Fresh and garlicky, we could never pass up pan con tomate. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Blistered Padrón Peppers

$Blistered Padr\u00f3n Peppers from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)$

Image via What's Gaby Cooking

Olive oil, salt, lemon juice, and heat transform these Spanish peppers into a party-worthy treat. Your guests will be blown away by how much punch these little peppers pack. (via What’s Gaby Cooking?)

Flank Steak With Goat Cheese on Toast

Image via Steamy Kitchen

Grilled flank steak and roasted red pepper sit atop creamy goat cheese and crusty bread, but the real kicker is a roasted fig and onion jam that adds a perfect touch of sweetness. (via Steamy Kitchen)

Spanish-Style Meatballs

Image via Grab a Plate

Meatballs are a welcome guest at any party. These bites are made with spicy chorizo, a Spanish staple. And, don't be surprised by their tiny size. These meatballs are big on flavor, plus they're super simple to make. (via Grab a Plate)

Zanahorias Saliñadas Tapas Recipe

$Zanahorias Sali\u00f1adas Tapas Recipe$

Image via Tara'a Multicultural Table

These vibrant pickled carrot slices, served in olive oil and parsley, make a refreshing accompaniment to heavier, meatier tapas. (via Tara’s Multicultural Table)

Two-Minute Olive Tapenade

Image via Mommy Musings

Black olives, capers, and olive oil make a salty spread that you’ll hungrily smear on endless baguette slices. (via Mommy Musings)

Fried Calamari With Cilantro Aioli

Image via Baker by Nature

Looking for a dish with a little wow factor? Behold this simpler-than-you-think squid appetizer.The aioli dipping is sooo good, you're going to be making these again and again. (via Baker by Nature)

Pan-Fried Cauliflower

Image via Just a Little Bit of Bacon

Quick-fried cauliflower is a healthier alternative to fried cheese or meat, but it still tastes indulgent. One of the best parts is that you can fry them a few hours ahead and throw them in the oven to get crispy again, giving you less stress as you host! (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

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This article has been updated.

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47 Easy Tapas Recipes For The Best Tapas Party Ever!

What are the 3 types of tapas?

What are some typical tapas foods?

What do you serve at a tapas party?

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