Tapas Recipes

Spanish tapas recipes to make at home, including Omar Allibhoy's spicy pork skewers, roasted pepper tortilla and chorizo patatas bravas

No party is complete without a platter of easy tapas. The multi-tasking of tapas cooking might seem daunting, but with these simple recipes, it really needn't be. Pick three of more dishes and serve with olives and crusty bread for a laid-back dinner party, or choose a mix of make-ahead recipes for a drinks party.

Typically, tapas are small, bite-sized dishes that are served either hot or cold and are usually flavoured quite strongly with garlic, chilli, saffron or cumin. The word tapas originates from the Spanish word "tapar" - to cover, and is believed to come from taverns in Andulucia, where sherry drinkers would request a slice of bread or piece of meat to cover their drink from fruit flies. Tapas have evolved a lot since then, but crusty bread, olives and slices of meat are also still a staple and served alongside the other dishes.

Our tapas recipes are the perfect party food as you can prepare them in no time, or you can serve a selection as a main at an intimate dinner party. Why not give thisclams with sherry and Serrano hamrecipe a go (pictured) - it's packed full of flavours that are very typically Spanish. They're not only bursting with flavour, but with colour too so they'll look stunning when served. Ideally, serve with crusty bread so guests can mop up the delicious juices too.

Serving tapas at your party is a great way to get people not only sharing, but talking as well, as the small bite-size dishes allow guests to move around, rather than people focusing on a whole meal in front of them. Why not make a small selection of these recipes a go at your next drinks party; we guarantee, they're sure to be a hit!

Click through for more tapas recipes...

Omar Allibhoy's Moorish Pork Skewers

These pork skewers are an extremely popular tapa, although you could make them with any other meat. Mojo picon is a papular sauce from the Canary Islands and is a fantastic accompaniment to meat, fish or potatoes. Taken from Tapas Revolution.

Spanish Tostadas

Impress your friends with this sophisticated-sounding yet completely easy to make spanish tostadas recipe

Chorizo and Patatas Bravas

Chorizo and patatas bravas with eggs - it's the quintessential Spanish brunch and perfect for sharing with a crowd.

Chorizo and Rocket Mini Burgers

Tasty pieces of chorizo dressed as burgers will make them palatable for even the fussiest of eaters.

Roasted Pepper Tortilla

Roasted pepper torilla - the perfect continental take on brunch.

Omar Allibhoy's Paella with Pasta

This recipe is a twist on traditional Spanish paella using pasta. This dish can be cooked in a frying pan to serve 2 to 3. Taken from Tapas Revolution.

Spanish Stuffed Tomatoes

Immerse yourself in the distinctive spanish flavours with these stuffed tomatoes

Slow Braised Spanish Pork

The sherry and figs really draw out the flavour of this slow braised spanish pork.

Pil Pil Prawns

Nobody cooks seafood like the Spaniards. Even Rick Stein would be impressed by these ambrosial pil pil prawns

Spanish Chicken with Chorizo and Olives

This gorgeous chicken with chorizo and olives is packed to the hilt with authentic spanish flavours.

Ham and Olive Tortilla

Tortilla is such a versatile recipe. Liven it up with some artisan ham and olives.

Sherry-Cooked Chicken on Tapas Spinach

A fruity concoction that's bound to raise a few smiles around the table. This sherry-cooked chicken on tapas spinach is scrumptious.

Blue Cheese and Sesame Triangles with Spanish Nibbles

Great for a post-work snack or even better for party nibbles. These blue cheese and sesame triangles are delish.

Sweet Potato and Spring Onion Frittata

Layers of sweet potato baked with eggs and cheese...no more convincing needed.

Sticky Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake

This sticky chicken and chorizo tray bake recipe will make a fabulous mid-week roast, spanish style.

Chicken Braised in Sherry Vinegar with Grapes

Chicken braised in sherry vinegar with grapes - the sweetest dish in our savoury tapas round up.

Courgette and Goats' Cheese Tortilla

Seasonal vegetables are always delicious, so make the most of them with this courgette and goats' cheese tortilla

Buffalo Mozzarella with Crispy Serrano Ham and Roasted Peppers

Serve this buffalo mozzarella and crispy Serrano ham with rye breads for a delicious grab and go Italian tapas.