If you want to try a new Spanish recipe – you’ve come to the right place! We love a good Spanish dish, from paella to churros and everything in between.
I’ve lived in Spain for a bit and Eric and I have traveled through many parts of Spain together, eating lots of tapas like patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo along the way!
Fortunately for us (and you), our Spanish recipe contributor Alba has been sharing her Spanish food knowledge with us. The list below includes many well-known Spanish recipes.
Depending on how familiar you are with Spanish cuisine, you might have eaten some of these dishes before!
Just remember: In Spain (as in many other countries), different regions often have their own versions of the same dish. Ensalata mixta is a good example of this.
So, here is a collection of some of our favorite Spanish dishes that you can make at home. It’s a mix of common recipes and a few that you might not have thought of.
Paella Valenciana
This authentic Paella Valenciana from the Valencia region of Spain is made with rabbit, chicken, garrofó beans, flat green beans, and short-grain rice. It's a hearty dish commonly eaten for lunch and meant for sharing. While it takes some time to make, it is definitely worth it!
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Croquetas de jamón (Spanish Ham Croquettes)
Filled with Serrano ham and a rich, creamy bechamel sauce, these Spanish ham croquettes are one of the most well-known croquettes in Spain. They make a delicious appetizer or tapa and are considered a staple of Spanish cuisine. If you want to bring some authentic Spanish flavors to your home, give this recipe a try!
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Spanish Omelette (Tortilla de Patatas)
Another classic recipe, Spanish Tortilla de Patatas is filled with hearty goodness. Fried potatoes and egg form the base of this delicious dish that can be enjoyed for different meals throughout the day! We like it for breakfast or lunch on a fresh baguette (it's then called bocadillo de tortilla de patata).
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Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes)
Patatas Bravas – or Spanish Fried Potatoes – are one of the classic Spanish tapas dishes. These easy-to-make fried potatoes are often served with mayonnaise or hot and smoky bravas sauce that takes dipping to a whole new level!
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Pisto (Spanish Vegetable Stew)
Pisto is a traditional Spanish recipe that is popular all across the country. Made with freshly chopped veggies stewed in tomato sauce, this vegetable stew is very versatile and is often served as a side dish to different meals. Enjoy it with some tortilla de patatas, pan-fried tuna, or fresh crusty bread!
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Empanada Gallega
Empanada Gallega is a savory pie from the region of Galicia. It is filled with vegetables, tuna, and spices, this pie has a flaky, delicious crust that brings it all together. It is usually eaten hot and can be enjoyed for different meals throughout the day – from breakfast to lunch or dinner!
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Albóndigas en Salsa (Spanish Meatballs)
Albóndigas en Salsa is a classic Spanish main dish. The meatballs are served in a delicious sauce for a delightful flavor combination and taste great with fried potatoes or rice! You can make the meatballs with ground beef, ground pork or a mixture of both depending on your preference.
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Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
Spanish Garlic Shrimp, known as Gambas al ajillo, are a flavorful tapa, ración, or appetizer. Made with shrimp or prawns, olive oil, garlic, cayenne peppers, and white wine, the dish doesn't take long to prepare and is full of flavor. Eat it with crusty bread to soak up all the garlicky goodness!
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Salmorejo (Cold Tomato Soup)
Salmorejo is a classic cold Spanish soup from Andalusia. Similar to gazpacho, it is thicker and made with fewer ingredients. You just need some ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, bread and vinegar. It's perfect for lunch or dinner on those hot summer days!
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Gazpacho
Gazpacho – also called Andalusian Gazpacho – is another delicious cold soup from the south of Spain. Made with raw vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, as well as some oil and spices, gazpacho is well-known internationally as a classic Spanish dish.
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Fried Calamari (Spanish Calamares a la romana)
Spanish Calamares a la romana is a classic Spanish tapa and the perfect seafood appetizer. It's a simple and delicious dish of fresh squid rings fried in a light and airy homemade batter. Serve them with a drizzle of lemon juice and some aioli or mayo on the side!
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Sopa de Ajo (Spanish Garlic Soup)
Sopa de ajo is a delicious Spanish garlic soup with fragrant garlic, bread, eggs, and spices. Quite easy to make, it's the perfect dish for warming you up on a cold day – and it's a great way to use up any stale bread you may have on hand!
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Ensalada Mixta
Ensalada Mixta is a simple and delicious Spanish salad. There are a few variations, but common ingredients typically include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and canned tuna. This salad has a refreshing crunch and serves wonderfully before the main dish!
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Agua de Valencia
Agua de Valencia is a classic Spanish summer drink from the Valencia region – and one of our personal favorites. It is made with fresh orange juice, gin, vodka, and cava, giving it a sweet and bubbly taste that is hard to resist.
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Tinto de Verano
If you're looking for a very simple Spanish drink to make at home, try Tinto de Verano – the summer drink you didn't know you needed! Made with red wine and lemon soda, it is a light Spanish drink with a refreshing taste.
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Classic Sangria
Of course, we also had to mention Sangria, one of Spain's most well-known drinks. This classic red sangria is made with red wine, citrus fruits, and a few other common ingredients. It's a fruity cocktail that is perfect for sharing!
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Basque Cheesecake
This classic “burnt cheesecake” – invented in the Basque region of Spain – is deliciously creamy on the inside and very easy to make. You don't need any fancy equipment or skills, making this cake a great option if you're craving something sweet.
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Spanish Flan
Spanish Flan is the perfect eggy dessert. It is simple to make but has a fancy look that is sure to impress your guests. Made with milk, sugar, eggs, and a few other ingredients, this creamy dessert is served with caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream!
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Tarta de Santiago (Spanish Almond Cake)
This Tarta de Santiago – also known as Spanish Almond Cake – is a classic Spanish dessert from the Galicia region of Spain. It's a cake that has a rich almond flavor and is quite filling. Made with only a few ingredients, the cake is known for its signature cross!
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Arroz con Leche (Spanish Rice Pudding)
If you want to try the Spanish version of rice pudding, give this arroz con leche recipe a try. It is a classic Spanish dessert that is creamy and filling with a hint of citrus – and you probably have most of the ingredients at home already!
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Crema Catalana
Crema Catalana is a tasty dessert from the Cataluña region in the north of Spain. Made with just a few ingredients, this dessert with its signature burnt sugar top is rich and creamy. Similar to crème brûlée, it's a great dessert for any occasion.
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Torrijas (Spanish French Toast)
Torrijas is a classic Spanish dessert made with sliced bread soaked in milk and egg, then fried until golden brown. It's typically eaten during Easter, but you can enjoy it year-round. Usually served hot, it is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
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If you like desserts, you may also enjoy our collection of delicious Spanish dessert recipes!
