14 Recipes for a Traditional Spanish Christmas Feast (2024)

Updated on 11/13/22

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• 01 of 13

  Ham, Cheese, and Chorizo Appetizer With Bread

  

  A simple tapa that you can throw together at the last minute, this plate of ham, cheese, andchorizo appetizer with bread is also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Use high-quality Spanish charcuterie and cheese and set it out with a bottle of wine while you prep the rest of your meal.

• 02 of 13

  Spanish Omelet (Tortilla Española)

  

  Called atortilla de patatain Spain, this thick Spanish omelet is layered with tender potatoes and is a popular dish all over the country. Serve it as an appetizer or as part of the main meal and try drizzling it withsofrito, a simple tomato sauce.

• 03 of 13

  Fried Squid (Calamares a la Romana)

  

  Fried squid, also known as calamari, is also popular in American restaurants. Thin rings of squid are battered and fried until crispy, creating an irresistible starter. Serve hot with wedges of lemon and, for a real treat, ahomemade mayonnaisedip.

• 04 of 13

  Ham Croquettes (Croquetas de Jamón)

  

  Croquetas de jamón(cured ham croquettes) are individually-sized, lightly-breaded and fried fritters that are creamy on the inside with saltyham. To save time on Christmas Eve, prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it.

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• 05 of 13

  Spanish Salad (Ensalada Mixta)

  

  A colorful and flavorful Spanish salad is a classic first course to a big meal and the ingredients can be swapped depending on what you have on hand. Serve with slices of baguette as a first course or alongside your main entree.

• 06 of 13

  Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)

  

  Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al ajillo) is another popular tapa in Spain and there's good reason why. Fresh shrimp are cooked with lots of garlic and a pinch of spice until tender before being devoured by your guests. Use high-quality extra-virginolive oilfor the best results.

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• 07 of 13

  Paella

  

  Paella is a classic Spanish dish that's perfect for the holidays—you can customize the ingredients and flavors, it serves a crowd, and it makes a beautiful spread that's great for sharing. Keep the pan size and heat source in mind when figuring out serving size, and don't skimp on thesaffron.

• 08 of 13

  Spanish Roast Lamb (Cordero Asado or Lechazo)

  

  For a show-stopping Christmas centerpiece, make this Spanish roast lamb. Simply coated in oil or lard and then occasionally basted and turned, the lamb cooks until tender and juicy.

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• 09 of 13

  Patatas Bravas

  

  No Spanish holiday feast would be complete without patatas bravas. Crispy fried potatoes are topped with a spicy tomato sauce—they're essentially Spanish French fries—and served piping hot.

• 10 of 13

  Spanish-Style Deviled Eggs (Huevos Rellenos de Atún)

  

  Deviled eggs are an eye-catching, bite-sized snack that can be made ahead and placed on the table before tackling other courses. Tuna and tomato sauce adds a unique flair to these Spanish-style deviled eggs, along with a sprinkle ofsweet paprika.

• 11 of 13

  Spanish Adobo Chicken, Beef, or Pork

  

  In Spain, pork, beef, and chicken are often marinated in anadobo, a tasty combination of spices and vinegar. This Spanish adobo chicken, beef, or pork recipe includes variations for red meat, pork, and chicken, and uses dried spices.

• 12 of 13

  Spanish Almond Cookies (Polvorones)

  

  Spanish Almond Cookies (Polvorones)are a kind ofmantecado, a variety of Spanish shortbread. Traditionally, these cookies were only prepared from September to January, making them an ideal ending for a Christmas dinner. They're soft and crumbly and practically melt in your mouth.

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• 13 of 13

  Spanish Crumble Cakes (Mantecados)

  

  These soft and light Spanish crumble cookies get their texture and richness from lard orshorteningand they're flavored with anise and lemon. The delicate treats are especially good with coffee after a big holiday meal.