A guide to the Best Spanish Finger Foods you must try
Spanish cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant social dining culture, where the variety of Spanish tapas brings people together for delicious bites over a glass of wine or a cold beer.
This post will highlight the best Spanish finger foods, from crispy patatas bravas to unforgettable Spanish ham croquettes.
These easy Spanish finger food recipes will bring authentic flavors to your table, making them perfect for any occasion.
Get ready to explore traditional Spanish tapas with us and discover easy-to-make Spanish snacks that are both delicious and iconic!
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Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Spanish recipes? Have a look at my other posts:
1. Mackerel Croquettes
Mackerel croquettes are a delicious seafood-based Spanish tapas food made with boiled mackerel, béchamel sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs.
This dish is especially popular in coastal regions where fresh fish is abundant and it’s one of the best Spanish finger foods for holidays.
The creamy filling of mackerel croquettes contrasts beautifully with their crunchy coating, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Get the recipe: Mackerel croquettes
2. Shrimp Croquettes Recipe
Shrimp croquettes are a classic among easy to make Spanish snacks, offering a rich seafood taste that you are going to love.
Shrimp croquettes are typical from Andalusia, and these bite-sized delights are one of the most popular authentic Spanish tapas recipes among locals.
To prepare them at home, you should boil some shrimp and mix their meat with béchamel sauce.
Then, manually shape the croquettes and coat them with breadcrumbs.
If you want to make sure that croquettes do not melt when frying them, you can freeze them before cooking and, once they are cold, pour them into very hot olive oil.
Shrimp croquettes are ideal for sharing and pair wonderfully with a cold white wine.
Get the recipe: Shrimp croquettes
3. Spanish Papas Arrugadas
Papas arrugadas, which means ‘wrinkled potatoes’, are a staple from the Canary Islands.
These small, salted potatoes are usually served with mojo picón sauce, and they may be considered one of the top 10 tapas dishes for their simplicity and bold flavor.
To prepare papas arrugadas at home, small potatoes are boiled in the right amount of water with a generous amount of sea salt until tender, then drained and left to dry in the pot.
As a result, you will get their signature wrinkled skin and add another recipe to your best Spanish finger foods list.
Get the recipe: Papas arrugadas
4. Cheese Empanada Recipe
Cheese-filled empanadas are a cheesy version of the traditional beef empanadas, and these are an excellent option for the best Spanish finger foods.
These crispy pastries are filled with melted cheese and can be customized with some spices to make the most of this delicious Spanish recipe.
To prepare cheese empanadas, a flaky pastry dough is filled with a mixture of melted cheese and herbs, then folded into a half-moon shape.
Empanadas can either be baked until golden brown for a healthy version or deep-fried for a crispy, delicious finish.
Get the recipe: Cheese empanadas
5. Spanish Padron Peppers
These small green peppers, known as pimientos de Padrón in Spain, are a staple in vegetarian Spanish tapas.
Some are mild, while others are spicy, and the funny thing about them is that you can’t tell which are the spicy ones.
As a result, gathering with friends and sharing Spanish padron peppers will be an unforgettable experience.
Spanish Padrón peppers are simply fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt for a flavorful and easy dish.
Get the recipe: Spanish padron peppers
6. Potato Croquettes
Potato croquettes are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them one of the most popular easy Spanish finger foods to share.
They are typically made with mashed potatoes, cheese, and ham, then breaded and fried to perfection.
Croquetas are one of the best Spanish finger foods for any occasion.
Get the recipe: Potato croquettes
7. Spanish Ham Croquettes Recipe
Spanish ham croquettes, known as croquetas de jamón, are a favorite among the Spanish croquettes recipes.
These creamy, bite-sized delights are filled with jamón ibérico and béchamel, creating a rich and savory flavor.
If you would like to have bigger portions of this delicious tapa, you should ask for croquetones.
Probably one or two of them are going to be enough for you to be full.
Get the recipe: Spanish ham croquettes
8. Flamenquines Cordobeses
Flamenquines originate from Córdoba and are a crunchy, rolled delight made of ham and cheese wrapped in pork loin.
This dish is deep-fried to golden perfection, making it a satisfying and crispy addition to Spanish finger food ideas.
If you are a cheese lover, you are definitely going to enjoy ordering them in some of the best Andalusian bars.
Get the recipe: Flamenquin cordobeses
9. Crispy Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas are one of the top tapas dishes, featuring crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce.
This dish is beloved throughout Spain and is often enjoyed alongside other traditional tapas in Spain.
To prepare this easy Spanish finger food recipe, you just need to chop some potatoes, fry them until golden brown.
Separately, make a salsa brava by mixing some flour, paprika and garlic powder and olive oil.
Get the recipe: Patatas bravas
10. Beef Empanadas
Crispy and flavorful, beef empanadas are a must-try Spanish finger food.
These savory pastries are filled with spiced ground beef and baked or fried for the perfect crunch.
Individual portions of beef empanadas, usually loved by children, are perfect to order in any bar or restaurant to share with family and friends.
Get the recipe:
11. Spanish Fried Anchovies
Spanish fried anchovies can be eaten salted and raw or fried, and fresh anchovies, lightly battered and fried, are a classic Spanish finger food.
These crispy bites are a staple along Spain’s coastal regions, where fresh seafood is abundant.
They pair best with a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a cold beer.
If you are not really hungry but you need to get some energy to keep visiting southern cities of Spain, you should definitely try them.
Get the recipe: Fried anchovies
12. Fried baby squid
Fried baby squid, or chipirones fritos, is a beloved seafood dish that embodies the coastal flavors of Spain.
Typically served as part of traditional Spanish tapas, this dish is especially popular in regions like Andalusia, where fresh seafood is abundant.
The combination of a light, crispy batter and tender squid makes it a perfect pairing with a squeeze of lemon and a cold glass of beer.
Get the recipe: Fried baby squid
13. Berenjenas Fritas con Miel
One of Málaga’s most popular starters is berenjenas fritas con miel, a dish where the biggest challenge lies in finding the special honey that gives it its signature flavour.
Once you have it, making this traditional Spanish tapa is simple: slice the eggplants, coat them in flour, and fry them until golden and crispy.
To finish, drizzle the honey you’ve added to your authentic Spanish food collection over the hot slices for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Get the recipe: Berenjenas fritas con miel
14. Fried Octopus from Spain
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fried octopus is a favorite in coastal regions, particularly in Galicia and Andalusia, where fresh seafood is abundant.
This dish highlights the simplicity of Mediterranean flavors because tender octopus pieces are lightly coated in flour and quickly fried to golden perfection.
A sprinkle of sea salt and paprika powder enhance its natural taste, making it a must-try for seafood lovers and an essential addition to any Spanish tapas spread.
Get the recipe: Fried octopus
Short FAQ about best Spanish finger foods
What are the most popular appetizers in Spain?
Some of the most popular Spanish tapas dishes include patatas bravas, Spanish ham croquettes, and pimientos de Padrón.
These traditional Spanish tapas are commonly enjoyed in bars and restaurants throughout Spain.
What is Spanish finger food called?
In Spain, finger food is commonly known as Spanish tapas.
These small plates can range from easy-to-make Spanish snacks to elaborate authentic Spanish tapas recipes.
What is the most popular Spanish foods?
Spain is known for paella, jamón ibérico, and Spanish tapas foods like potato croquettes and beef empanadas.
These best Spanish finger foods are a staple of the country’s rich culinary culture.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
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