Spanish Christmas Food Traditions to Enjoy This Holiday Season

Christmas is a time to gather with family, friends, and loved ones. It is also a time to bust out your superb cooking skills. Discover some of the most delicious and traditional Spanish Christmas foods to elevate your next holiday feast.  

1. Cured ham croquettes

December sees the highest sales of cured Iberian ham because of its use in Spanish Christmas food. This delicacy of a ham is used in a variety of ways, but these crispy croquettes filled with savory bits of cured ham and gooey béchamel is a holiday favorite.

2. Paella

Although it is eaten throughout the year, paella is essentially a blank canvas that can be easily altered to your liking. Typically, this comforting holiday dish is made with rice, meat or seafood, veggies, and saffron. Boil together and squeeze a fresh lemon over the top right before serving.

3. Ensaladilla rusa  

Similar to an American potato salad, this creamy potato and mayonnaise-based salad is best served cold and makes a great starter for your guests.

4.  Spanish seafood soup

This steamy seafood soup is a showstopper at Spanish Christmas dinners. Filled with clams, mussels, shrimp, and a meaty fish like hake or monk, this savory, seafood soup has well-developed flavor and is always a hit.

5. Fried eggplant with honey

These Spanish berenjenas fritas con miel, which translates into fried eggplant with honey, is a perfect vegetarian tapa. Crispy, sweet, and salty, these eggplants are fried until golden brown and then drizzled with coarse sea salt and honey.

6. Patatas bravas

Patatas bravas are essentially Spanish French fries. These golden fried potatoes are crispy on the outside and topped with a dollop of spicy homemade tomato sauce.

7. Roast lamb

Robust, earthy and enticingly juicy, roasted lamb is a drool-worthy centerpiece at Spanish Christmas dinners. Serve with roasted potatoes and onions for an extra dose of tradition.  

8. Spanish deviled eggs (huevos rellenos de atún)

This zesty bite is not a stranger to American tables, however this spin on the classic appetizer can be found adorning plates at Spanish Christmas dinners. In addition to the traditional ingredients, these Spanish-style deviled eggs incorporate tuna, tomato sauce, and a sprinkling of sweet paprika.

9. Spanish garlic shrimp

Gambas al ajillo, otherwise known as Spanish garlic shrimp, is a popular tapa in Spain. Cooked in a heavenly mixture of garlic, olive oil, lemon, and red pepper flakes, the shrimp absorbs all the vibrant flavors and is best served atop a crusty bread. Add in Spanish brandy to your garlic ‘broth’ for an extra zippy kick.  

10. Spanish charcuterie

No Spanish Christmas table is complete with an assortment of meats and cheeses. Assemble a Spanish charcuterie board with cured ham, manchego cheese, and spicy Spanish chorizo. Make sure to have plenty of bread slices and a variety of jams and spreads.

11. Sopa de galets

This soothing soup is perfect as a Spanish Christmas food. The soft galets (large, shell-shaped pasta) can be stuffed with minced meat or served by itself in a sea of rich broth.

12. Chicken pepitoria

Another Spanish Christmas food favorite is chicken pepitoria, a succulent chicken dish served with juicy chicken swimming in a golden-hued almond sauce.

13. Marinated anchovies (boquerones en vinagre)

An excellent choice of Spanish tapas, these tender anchovies are marinated in olive oil and vinegar and then dressed with garlic and parsley. Spoon onto a piece of crusted bread for a tasty Spanish Christmas appetizer.

14. Roasted fish

Whole roasted fish served with lemon wedges, blistered tomatoes, and fragrant rosemary make a beautiful addition to a Spanish Christmas spread.

15. Roscón de reyes (Spanish kings’ cake)

Also known as Three Kings Cake, roscón de reyes is a traditional cake enjoyed at Spanish Christmas dinners. The cake is circular in shape (as if resembling a crown) and is made with a sweet bread similar to brioche. The cake is topped with candied fruit and dried dates for color. Oftentimes, a small toy Jesus is baked into the cake. Whoever receives a slice of the cake with the toy is said to have good luck for the entire year.

16. Spanish crumble cookies (mantecados)

These airy shortbread cookies are often made with lard or shortening for added texture and is seasoned with lemon and anise. The spiced and citrus notes go well with an after-dinner coffee or tea.

17. Spanish almond cookies (polvorones)

Traditionally, Spanish almond cookies were only made from September to January, making them a perfect Christmas cookie. Similar to mantecados, these crumbly cookies are light, buttery, and have a delicate hint of sweet almond.

18. Turrón

Turrón is a popular dessert eaten in Spain around Christmas time. While you can find many different flavors, the traditional recipe is a crunchy nougat made with almonds.

19. Pestiños

After this traditional Spanish pastry is folded to look like a present, this flaky fritter is then deep fried and tossed in sugar and cinnamon. Glaze or drizzle with honey for an extra sweet note.

20. Cava

Often referred to as the Spanish version of French champagne, cava is a bubbly drink perfect for celebrating the holiday season with loved ones.  

Start holiday grocery shopping

If you plan on making Spanish Christmas food for the holidays, it’s best to get a head start on all your holiday grocery shopping. While you could hop from store to store and attempt to gather those unique Spanish ingredients, you could save time by browsing Instacart.

By searching for your ingredient of choice on Instacart, you can see what items are available in your area. Once you’ve completed your holiday grocery shopping list, you can pick up your items curbside or have those items conveniently delivered to you by an Instacart shopper. With your grocery list checked off, all you have left to do is experiment with decadent Spanish Christmas recipes.

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