Looking to add an extra dimension to your festive feast? Let’s face it: you don’t want to mess with the classics, which means the turkey main dish isn’t going anywhere. However, for the epicurious among you, there is plenty of scope for creativity. That’s why La Española is here to inspire you with a host of delicious and enticing Mediterranean-style appetizers to elevate your Christmas Day spread. From zesty gazpacho to crispy croquetas, these easy-to-make appetizer recipes will add another dimension to your festive gathering.
How to Whet the Appetite with Mediterranean Appetizers
Spain is famous for its tapas culture, where food is served in small portions. This innovation allows for more variety and creativity when it comes to cooking. Embracing these values for your Christmas Day feast is a sure-fire way to create a meal to remember. These delicious appetizers will make your culinary skills the star of the show.
How about opening proceedings with this Traditional Gazpacho recipe? Although usually enjoyed in summer, gazpacho can also be served as an aperitif or palate cleanser before a rich main course, offering a refreshing balance.
For a crispy bite-sized treat with a gourmet touch, try this Fried Eggplant with Honey and Goat Cheese recipe. Perfect for serving on platters and passing around, its combo of sweet and savory is a great way to set the stage for the meal to come.
Alternatively, for an Italian appetizer that’s palate-cleansing and refreshing in equal measure, prepare this Traditional Italian Bruschetta. It provides the perfect counterpoint to the turkey main.
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Options
Spanish Omelet
Having some vegetarian-friendly sides to cater to the preferences of vegetarians is always a nice touch. This Rustic Spanish Omelet is a hearty and comforting dish that can be served in slices or in cubes with cocktail sticks. Whether you’re expecting vegetarians or not, our tortilla de patata is sure to be a hit!
Christmas Day Croquetas
The art of cooking is all about creativity. Sure, tradition is important, too, but who says you can’t play around with the classics? These Spanish-Style Croquetas are made with in-season spinach, toasted pine nuts, and Ibérico cheese for a flavorful, bite-sized appetizer. The best part? Croquetas are a great way to entice the little ones into trying new flavors.
Mediterranean-Inspired Dips
No feast would be complete without nibbles to snack on before and after the main meal. Having a wide variety of gourmet dips on offer is a great way to set the tone for the feast to come. This Truffle Aioli Garlic Mayonnaise makes a rich, creamy dip by blending an egg, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and light olive oil into a smooth emulsion, then finishing it with La Española’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil Flavored with White Truffle for aroma and depth.
Likewise, our Hummus Recipes will go down a treat in any Christmas Day spread. These versatile, crowd-pleasing dips pair effortlessly with vegetables, crackers, breads, and festive grazing boards. The rich and savory flavor adds balance to heavier holiday dishes, offering a lighter option guests will appreciate. What’s more, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making hosting simpler and more relaxed.
How Do Spanish People Celebrate Christmas? Frequently Asked Questions
Most decorations and markets go up in early December, but the real festive season runs from Dec 24 (Nochebuena) all the way to Jan 6 (Three Kings’ Day).
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) is the biggest family gathering. Families enjoy a long, festive dinner and often attend Midnight Mass (La Misa del Gallo).
Traditional foods include seafood, roast lamb, or pulled pork, depending on the region of Spain you’re in. An almond nougat known as turrón is also a popular treat during the festive period, as are crumbly Christmas cookies known as polvorones.
Some do, but the main gift-giving day is January 6, during Three Kings’ Day (Día de los Reyes Magos). Families with young kids sometimes give a few presents on December 25 as well.
What happens on New Year’s Eve? (Nochevieja)
At midnight, people eat 12 grapes, one with each chime of the clock, for good luck in the new year. This tradition is uniquely Spanish.
On January 5, almost every town hosts a colorful Cabalgata, where the Three Wise Men arrive on floats and throw candy to children. It’s one of Spain’s biggest holiday events.
Holiday Season Meals to Remember
Now that you’ve got plenty of inspiration to make your Christmas celebration a memorable one, it’s time to start planning for the big day. And for more expert tips and recipe ideas, make sure to check out our blog.