How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (2024)

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25 recipes and tips on How to Host an Easy Tapas Party! From patatas bravas to delicious cocktails and everything in between.

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (1)

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good tapas party.

Perhaps it’s the delicious, perfectly portioned two-bite finger foods. Maybe it’s the heavy use of olives or cheese (Manchego, be still my heart), two of my absolute favorite things.

It is entirely possible the free-flowing sangria could also have something to do with it.

So many miraculous things all in one room.

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (2)

My love for tapas began, like many of my great loves, in college.

My best friend and I would go to a local Spanish restaurant near our university. We were huge foodies. We definitely started young in that department. We would both go on to graduate culinary school in New York City and work in the culinary industry. But, at that time, we were just two 18 year olds eating tapas at a fancy Spanish restaurant where everyone around us was sipping sangria.

Even though I couldn’t drink, I felt happily buzzed off of the atmosphere. It was busy, loud, and filled with Flamenco guitar and wafts ofPaella and salty cured meats. To me, for an hour, I was transported to a restaurant in Spain. And that’s what I love most about food. The way that it can seamlessly shift you into another world.

Tapas restaurants are still my absolute favorite. But what I really love is recreating them at home, which is why I decided to put together some tips on how to host an easy tapas party.

The keyword here is easy. Even though tapas are small plates, they can be very detailed and time consuming. We don’t want that today. Today, we want more time spent with friends, and more time for sangria.

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (3)

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (4)

Tips on How to Host an Easy Tapas Party

Choose 3-5 small bites (out of the recipes below)

Having 3 to five options, along with a charcuterie board, will be more than enough variety and food. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to create ten different dishes. Instead, choose around 4 and make them really well. When it comes to the small plates, mix it up. Go for at least 1-2 proteins (marinated flank steak, garlic shrimp, pork meatballs). Then, choose a vegetarian option (like the vegan beans below). Also think about texture. I like to include at least one thing fried (patatas bravas, fried cauliflower, or fried seafood cakes) and some type of spiced nuts. Finally, include a salty bite such as bacon-wrapped dates and a dip such as beet hummus.

Place out a meat and cheese board

The best part, am I right?! How to host an easy tapas party? Throw together some meats and cheeses. It’s no-cook, no-fuss, and instantly makes everyone happy! Include Spanish meats such as Jamon Iberico, chorizo, and Serrano ham. Then, add a nice variety of some different soft and hard cheeses. I like to include Manchego, Spanish blue cheese, and Mahón. Then, some citrus-marinated olives and spiced Marcona almonds work beautifully. Finally, add in some crusty bread or crackers, and quince paste and honey as condiments.

Pick one cocktail

Choose one cocktail (either sangria or one of the cocktails featured below). For other options, include sparkling water and both Spanish red and white wine. Spanish wine such as Tempranillo and Garnacha are very affordable, readily available, and pair very well with food.

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party: 25 Recipes!

One recipe I always must include in my tapas party is patatas bravas. So delicious, easy, and vegetarian. Usually, patatas bravas are served with a garlic aioli. Below, I’ll show you how to make a crazy easy cheat aioli with quality store-bought mayo.

I love using fingerling potatoes for patatas bravas because they are so perfectly dip-worthy. It is much easier to pick up a fingerling than a diced potato, so it makes a really great party food. No fork necessary!

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (5)

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How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (6)

Patatas Bravas with Cheat Garlic Aioli

★★★★★5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Tiffany
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Patatas bravas are a classic tapas addition. Here, we cheat a little when making garlic aioli for a super easy, delicious dish!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Sea salt and pepper
  • Fresh thyme and parsley
  • Spanish paprika
  • 3 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Make the Garlic Aioli: Combine the pressed garlic, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt and pepper to taste in a blender or food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Allow the aioli to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This can be made ahead.
  2. Make the Patatas Bravas: Boil the fingerling potatoes in salted water until they are just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and let dry.
  3. Carefully slice the potatoes in half lengthwise once they are cooled.
  4. Heat a cast iron pan with 3 tablespoons of olive oil until very hot. Work in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and fry up the potatoes until each side is crispy and evenly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Using tongs, transfer the potatoes to drain on paper towels, and while they are still very hot, sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, paprika, and fresh thyme.
  5. Serve the potatoes immediately while still warm on a bed of fresh parsley, sprinkled with additional parsley and thyme. Serve with the aioli. Enjoy!

With the tips and easy patatas bravas recipe you will be on your way to hosting an epic tapas dinner. Add in some of these delicious recipes below, and it’s a party!

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party Continued: 24 More Delicious Recipes

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (7)

  1. Lavender Lemon Bourbon Sour: This sweet, unique cocktail looks awfully pretty and is very easy to make. A lavender simple syrup pairs with citrus and bourbon for a bright, show-stopping libation that will pair nicely with salty and spicy flavors. via Champagne Tastes
  2. White Wine Marinated Steak with Blue Cheese: To appease the meat lovers at your tapas party, this Spain-inspired dish is bursting with flavor, including garlic, mustard, and white wine. Blue cheese adds a welcome, sharp bite to the steak. Slice the steak and serve as a one-bite portion on toothpicks, or in terracotta ramekins as shown. via Caroline’s Cooking
  3. Pan con Tomate Garlic Bread: Not only is this recipe easy and delicious, it’s also incredibly cost-effective. Win win. Think: the Spanish version of pizza! via Three Olives Branch
  4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Marcona Almonds: I could never write a post on how to host an easy tapas party without including bacon-wrapped dates. No tapas party will ever be complete without these, in my whole-hearted opinion. via Platings and Pairings
  5. Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed mushrooms are always a good idea when it comes to finger foods. This vegetarian version is extra tasty, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and balsamic glaze. via Peas and Crayons
  6. Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms: If you prefer a little meat in your mushroom, this chorizo version fits the bill beautifully. Spanish chorizo, red wine, and Manchego: be still our hearts.via Culinary Ginger

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (8)

  1. Spicy Halibut Ceviche with Casera Style Tortilla Chips: What’s easier than ceviche? There’s no cooking involved! This halibut version has a welcome spicy kick. via Karen’s Kitchen Stories
  2. Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers: The marinade for this recipe is only 3 simple ingredients, but it’s bursting with flavor. Bonus: they also look really pretty served. via Salt and Lavender
  3. Easy Spicy Pork Meatballs: ‘Easy’ is right in the title! These meatballs are full of flavor and a little heat, too. Serve them individually on toothpicks. via Pinch and Swirl
  4. Gambas Pil Pil: An authentic tapas shrimp recipe that’s easy to boot. Only a handful of ingredients, simple, but oh so tasty. via Sprinkles and Sprouts
  5. Vegan Spanish Potato Salad: Have some vegan guests coming to your tapas shindig? This easy recipe uses a homemade vegan mayonnaise made from aquafaba. via Cilantro and Citronella
  6. Pan Fried Spanish Cauliflower: Fried food of any kind is always welcome at my tapas parties. This recipe is “low stress” and delicious and we’re all about it. via Just a Little Bit of Bacon

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (9)

  1. Maple Chipotle Cashews: Nuts are a great (and easy) addition to any charcuterie board, especially these sweet-and-spicy chipotle cashews. Yum. via Create Mindfully
  2. 10 Minute Creamy Vegan Bean and Aubergine Casserole: Easy. Check. Vegan. Check. Delicious. Also, check. This casserole is another awesome vegan recipe, spiced with smoky paprika and chili. via Lauren Caris Cooks
  3. Olive and Gruyere Puff Pastry Tartlets: Frozen puff pastry is such a great way to create a fabulous, easy appetizer. Especially when it’s these tasty little tartlets. via The Life Jolie
  4. Mini Salmon Cakes with Sriracha Lemon Aioli: These salmon cakes may sound complicated, but I promise they’re not. The recipe also uses a delicious ‘cheat aioli’ and it will definitely impress your guests. via Taste and See
  5. Riesling Peach And Cherry Slushies: Slushies! Such a fun and boozy addition to any tapas party, and a great choice for anyone looking for something a little different than sangria. via Living Sweet Moments
  6. Trio of Crostini: What’s better, one crostini or three? Definitely three. Especially when they’re as easy as these! via Lemon Blossoms

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (10)

  1. Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball: Listen, you can never go wrong with a cheese ball. They’re easy, delicious, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like one. Especially this spicy bacon version. via Spend with Pennies
  2. Spicy Citrus and Mango Shrimp Cocktail: If you want a little extra heat to your shrimp cocktail, this sweet-and-spicy version is a must. via Karen’s Kitchen Stories
  3. Whipped Goat Cheese Pomegranate Bites: Pretty, easy, and incredibly tasty? Sign us up. We love the refrigerated pie crust cracker idea! via Nutmeg Nanny
  4. Pisco Sour: A classic Pico Sour cocktail is the perfect addition to any tapas party. Or party, in general, really. via Compass and Fork
  5. Mango Jalapeno Margarita: For a unique and spicy cocktail, look no further. Make a big batch in a pitcher to serve guests instead of individual cocktails.via Easy Cooking with Molly
  6. Roasted Beet Hummus: And the award for the prettiest hummus goes to… This easy and delicious dip destined to be included in your tapas night.via The Organic Kitchen

I hope that you’ve enjoyed these tips on How to Host an Easy Tapas Party! What are some of your favorite tapas recipes? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (11)

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How to Host an Easy Tapas Party (with 25 Recipes) - Parsnips and Pastries (2024)

FAQs

How do you host an easy tapas party? ›

The key to a successful tapas party is balance – both for the dishes on the table and for your own sanity. Pick a handful of tapas that provide a variety of textures, flavors, and time commitments. Mix cold and warm, meat and vegetable, and prepare-ahead and last-minute. And ask for help!

How many tapas per person? ›

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.

How do you present tapas? ›

Here are some tips to help you serve the tapas and enjoy the party:
  1. Serve the tapas in stages: It's a good idea to serve the tapas in stages, starting with cold dishes and moving on to hot dishes. ...
  2. Encourage sharing: Tapas are meant to be shared, so encourage your guests to try a little bit of everything.

How many dishes should you order for tapas? ›

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!

How many dishes do you need for tapas? ›

The good thing about tapas food is that you can always reorder and locals do this, too! The restaurants are prepared and dishes are usually served quickly. However, you can trust us that 2 to 3 tapas per person are really enough!

How does a tapas menu work? ›

On a traditional Spanish menu, dishes are divided into three sizes. "Tapa", ½ serving and whole serving. "Tapa" is a small dessert plate or bowl. ½ the portion is roughly one portion we are used to here in the UK and the whole portion is twice as much.

Should tapas be served all at once? ›

A large part of the tapas tradition is about sharing platefuls with your friends. Apart from being very sociable, it is a great way of trying lots of different dishes and flavours. People generally eat direct from the shared plate. 6) Don't order everything at once.

How many tapas for 15 people? ›

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 cocktail party (1-1/2 hour party) or 12 to 15 bites per guest for a tapas dinner party (3 hour party).

What is the most popular ingredient in tapas? ›

Potato Chips, Olives, and Mussels

This is the most common tapas dish in any bar in Spain: olives, potato chips, and canned mussels. Early evening drinks would not be the same without some or all of these snacks, served with a beer or a glass of wine.

What are some typical tapas dishes? ›

Traditional tapas include mixed olives, garlicky shrimp, fried baby squid, meatballs, and chorizo. Whether you're craving briny seafood or crispy potatoes, these are our best tapas recipes.

What makes a good tapas? ›

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

What time is best for tapas? ›

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.

What do you drink with tapas? ›

In fact most tapas' sessions can start with a chilled dry sherry, then move onto a Rosado/Rosé or a Spanish white wine like an Albariño, or a crisp dry Riesling, or even a Chablis, with seafood tapas and then move onto a red Rioja Crianza or light Syrah, or a Rhône-Valley red blend with meat or mushroom-based dishes.

What are the basics of tapas? ›

Popular throughout Spain, tapas are festive and delicious appetizers and snacks from bite-size pintxos to shared small plates that make up a meal. Traditional tapas include mixed olives, garlicky shrimp, fried baby squid, meatballs, and chorizo.

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