Here are 16 recipes that are perfect for a tapas party. We have a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional Spanish Tapas: From Romesco Shrimp, Spanish Tortilla and Marinated Olives, you’re covered with more than enough creative appetizers and hors d’oeuvres to get the party hoppin’!

crostini with white bean puree, garlicky greens and pepperoni

Tapas Party

Spanish Tapas are traditional bar food snacks served informally on small plates at counter service cafes, bars and tapas restaurants throughout Spain. In recent years they have really taken off in the states both in restaurants with tapas menus and with home cooks throwing Tapas parties.

Tapas parties are a fun modern twist on a traditional cocktail party. The menu can include both traditional Spanish-style tapas as well as creative bite-sized hours d’oeuvres too!

Planning Your Menu

When planning your menu keep in mind that for a tapas party, guests will eat about five (large bite-sized) appetizers during the first hour and then three or so for each hour after that.

Don’t get too hung up on serving only traditional tapas like tortilla and olives or others that are only Spanish in origin, instead offer a variety of highly seasoned, full-flavored recipes from all over the globe. The most important thing is to have fun with the menu!

Our Favorite Tapas Recipe

Out of all of these tapas recipes, one of my favorites is this White Bean Bruschetta with Garlicky Greens. Though they are not traditional, the smoky pepperoni, garlic and creamy white bean puree make them a perfect match and compliment for the flavors in many traditional Spanish Tapas.

They’re incredibly versatile and are simple to make. The luscious white bean spread is smoothed over toasted baguette (crostini) and layered with garlicky spinach. To top them off I added on chopped smoked pepperoni to give them even more savory flavor!

Tapas Recipes

These traditional and non-traditional appetizers and small bites are the making for a fun and festive Tapas Party!

Questions

  • Do you have guests over often? If so, do you tend to make a full dinner or do you serve more appetizers?
  • What are your favorite tapas recipes to make?

Additional Recipe Round-Ups

Thanks so much for reading! If you are new here, you may want to sign up for my email newsletter to get a free weekly menu plan and the latest recipes right to your inbox. If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought!

Happy Cooking! ~Katie