The Perfect Tapas Night In | Easy Spanish Small Plates to Share (Date Night Idea!)

An array of delicious tapas dishes including crunchy croquettes filled with ham, a fluffy Spanish tortilla, bacon-wrapped delicacies, and sweet churros served with chocolate sauce, topped with the text 'Tapas Night!'

Tonight we’re slowing things down with the perfect tapas night!

I’m making a mix of my favorite tapas—rich, savory, a little crispy, and perfect for sharing—like red wine chorizo, creamy ham croquettes, bacon-wrapped stuffed dates, and a classic tortilla española. It’s one of my favorite ways to turn a simple night at home into something that feels really special.

Whether you’re planning a date night, cooking with someone you love, or just want an excuse to snack on a bunch of delicious little plates… this one’s for you 🤍

A plate of baked egg squares with herbs and vegetables, accompanied by a small red dish containing dipping sauce.

Tortilla Espanola

cinderellasapron
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 ounces manchego cheese, diced
  • 4 ounces cured Spanish chorizo, diced
  • 1/4 cup minced parsley

Goat Cheese Aioli

  • 5 ounces goat cheese, warmed slightly
  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10×12 inch casserole dish.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the sliced potatoes for about 10 minutes. Drain, and cool.
  • Whisk together the eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Stir in the onions, manchego, chorizo, parsley, and potatoes.
  • Pour into the baking dish. Bake about 45 minutes, or until eggs are set.
  • Cool slightly. Cut into 1 1/2 inch squares.

Aioli

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Serve with the tortilla espanola bites.
Golden-brown crispy bites filled with ham and creamy cheese, showcasing a delicious cross-section.

Ham Croquettes

cinderellasapron
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 TBSP oil
  • 3 TBSP butter
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 6 ounces chopped ham
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • salt and pepper
  • pinch nutmeg

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, melt the butter with the oil. Add the onion and ham. Cook about 3-4 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add in the flour and whisk until golden brown.
  • Pour in the milk. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  • Pour into a baking sheet and cool for 3 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Whisk eggs together in a dish. Place panko breadcrumbs on another dish. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Shape the ham mixture into balls, about 2 TBSP each. Roll into the egg, then the panko.
  • Fry in 350 degree oil until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
A plate of bacon-wrapped stuffed dates arranged neatly, with some held together by toothpicks, showcasing a glossy, caramelized exterior.

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates

cinderellasapron
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 large pitted dates
  • 5 ounces goat cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cut in half

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Slice the sides of the dates open. Stuff some goat cheese into the center of each. Wrap in a piece of bacon, and secure with a toothpick.
  • Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, turning over once to cook bacon evenly.
A cast iron skillet filled with fried, golden-brown slices of chorizo sausage, glistening with oil.

Chorizo al Vino Tinto ( Red Wine Chorizo)

cinderellasapron
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 TBSP olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 pound cured Spanish chorizo
  • 1/2 cup red wine

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a small skillet. Add the garlic and paprika. Stir in the chorizo and fry 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the red wine and simmer until wine reduces and thickens. Serve with crusty bread.
A plate of golden, crispy churros coated in sugar, served with a small cup of chocolate dipping sauce.

Mini Churros

cinderellasapron
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • cinnamon sugar, for dusting
  • oil, for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the boiling water. Stir for 2-3 minutes, or until the dough is smooth.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes. Add into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  • Heat oil to 350 degrees. Pipe out some dough and cut with scissors. Place in oil. Fry 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Roll in cinnamon sugar.
  • Serve with melted chocolate, if desired.

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