35 Spanish Christmas Food You Must Try!

A Foodie Guide to Spanish Christmas Food, including Starters, Warm Spanish Food, Desserts & Christmas Desserts

Christmas is a big deal in Spain.

Not only because it has a lot of festivities going on during this holiday season, but also because people get to spend special time with family and friends.

Well, to be honest, there are a few unique traditions I look forward to when visiting Spain during this time of year.

The best one is that I get to enjoy the Spanish Christmas food that tastes even better when shared in such a genuine atmosphere. 

The ultimate goal is to enjoy Christmas and New Year, and it just so happens that I am writing about the 35 best Spanish foods for that purpose.

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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough of Spain? Have a look at my other posts:

• Places For Winter Holidays in Spain
• Paradores in Spain
• Off-The-Beaten-Path Spain Attractions

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Starters: Cold Spanish Christmas Food 

1. Entremeses: Chorizo, cheese, lomo…

When it comes to tasty and easy Spanish food, entremeses is among my top choices. They are appetizers that are extremely easy to make, and they are an essential part of the Spanish Christmas menu. 

They mainly consist of hand-carved food slices and the most authentic Spanish food that goes in entremeses are chorizo, cheese, and lomo.

Still, if you have some Jamon, you can mix it up a bit.

You just need a few minutes and a bit of creativity, and voilà, it’s done! Enjoy your Spanish holiday foods!

Buy Spanish chorizo here

2. Boiled Shrimp

Another super easy dish that is on my top list of Spanish food to prepare is the boiled shrimp.

Spanish people love it, and it’s no wonder that preparing seafood is not only famous Spanish food in general but also a Spanish Christmas tradition.

You don’t need many ingredients (except shrimp; you need water, some ice, sea salt, and a slotted spoon).

It takes no more than 7-8 minutes to prepare them, perfect for the busy holiday season!

3. Iberico Ham

Jamón Ibérico is a ham that Spain takes pride in. It is one of the most popular Spanish food.

Also, it is one of the main ingredients in numerous meals, whether we are talking tapas, Spanish Christmas appetizers, or meals during regular days or holidays.  

Iberico ham has an incredible taste, and it can be served on its own. It’s the ultimate Spanish Christmas food and cannot be missed at any party.

However, you can mix it with all sorts of vegetables, eggs, cheese, and so on.

I typically make beautifully decorated plates to enjoy while watching Spanish Christmas movies with my friends.

Shop Iberico Ham here

4. Spanish Garlic Shrimp

In the case of Spanish culture food, nothing beats a good tapa. Gambas al Ajillo, or garlic shrimp, is a classic spicy Spanish food dish. 

It is very popular to prepare seafood during the holidays. This one is exciting because it has a rich flavor, and it is one of the easy Spanish food recipes.

Follow this recipe and try to make it on your own:

5. Boquerones en vinagre

Marinated anchovies or boquerones en vinagre is another traditional Spanish Christmas food that is commonly made not only during Christmas but in general.

You can find it all year round, but I like it served as Spanish Christmas food as it is one of the most traditional Spanish tapas for Christmas.

If you want to make them at home, you should know that the secret of the boquerones is that they are marinated in vinegar and virgin olive oil.

Also, they are usually dressed with parsley and minced garlic. It’s one of the top choices of Spanish Christmas food.

Recipe: Spanish Boquerones en Vinage

6. Marinated Cazon Fish

Are you particularly fond of Spanish finger food? And a fan of Andalusia?

Then, you’ll be happy to know that during Christmas, it is customary to prepare one of its most famous tapas: marinated Cazón fish, one of my absolute favorites!

It’s not complicated to make, and you don’t need a lot of ingredients – dogfish and a lot of seasoning (oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, vinegar, garlic, and oil). 

But to get the most out of the taste, you’ll need to leave it in the fridge before frying it for at least 7 to 8 hours.

Also, if you happen to have vegetarian or vegan friends over for the holidays, there are alternative recipes that include tofu or nori flakes rather than fish.

Check the recipe here

7. Tetilla Cheese Puffs

One of the main reasons I love Christmas is that I get to eat a lot of homemade food.

So, for a person who wants something simple, delicious, and yet to be a traditional Christmas food in Spain recipe, Tetilla cheese puffs are a perfect choice.  

What makes these cheese puffs typically Spanish is its main ingredient – Tetilla cheese made in Galicia, a region in north-western Spain. 

Buy Spanish tetilla cheese here

You can try out the recipe below:

8. Gambas a la Plancha

Let me share with you a delightful holiday treat that’s practically a party on a plate – Gambas a la Plancha, aka grilled prawns.

Trust me, if you’re a seafood lover, this one’s going to be a game-changer for your festive spread!

The thing about Gambas a la Plancha is the simplicity that turns into sheer perfection.

The prawns are grilled to juicy, smoky goodness, creating a flavor explosion with every bite.

So, if you’re aiming to add a dash of coastal celebration to your holiday festivities, Gambas a la Plancha is your seafood go-to.

You’ll definitely have a traditional Spanish Christmas dinner.

9. Pulpo a la Gallega

Pulpo a la Gallega, or Galician-style octopus, is a dish that’s like a culinary journey to the charming northwest of Spain. 

If you’re up for a tasty adventure, this traditional delight is a must-try that’s bound to make your taste buds do a happy dance.

So, imagine a tender octopus perfectly cooked in that sweet spot where it’s neither too chewy nor too soft.

The paprika adds a smoky kick, the salt enhances the natural oceanic goodness, and the olive oil ties it all together in a symphony of flavors.

You will absolutely enjoy a Christmas dinner in Spain once you try this recipe!

Check the complete recipe here

10. Ensaladilla Rusa

While its name might suggest Russian origins, Ensaladilla Rusa is actually a beloved Spanish Christmas starters that is also enjoyed during the Christmas season.

This creamy potato salad is typically made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, carrots, peas, and sometimes tuna or olives.

With its rich, flavorful taste and satisfying texture, it is a versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside other holiday dishes.

Whenever I’m in Spain during the holiday season, Ensaladilla Rusa is one of my absolute must-try!

Recipe: Spanish Potato Salad

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First Course: Warm Spanish Food for Christmas

11. Seafood

Seafood plays a major role in the Spanish kitchen.

Whether I talk about traditional or modern dishes, it is difficult to imagine that meals, especially in Southern Spain, don’t have one or more seafood ingredients.

In fact, many of the most popular Spanish food include seafood as the main part and integral part of Spanish Christmas meal ideas.

The frequently eaten seafood is usually shrimp and all kinds of fish because they are delicious, affordable, and not complicated to prepare.

You now have Spanish Christmas dinner ideas for the next holiday!

12. Sopa de Galets

A traditional Christmas lunch in Catalonia wouldn’t be complete without warm soup known as Sopa de galets.

There is more than one way to prepare Sopa de galets, so you can choose if you’d like to use only vegetables, meat, or both.

I make this recipe the usual way, which is to make this soup, is to make pasta and broth or to make pasta and broth and add meatballs to it.

Make sure you eat it warm, as it is the way they eat it in Catalonia. It’s one of the best Spanish Christmas food from this region.

13. Cured Ham Croquettes

Croquettes are another example of typical Spanish food, and the number of variations in recipes is enormous.

When it comes to ham as one of the common ingredients in Spanish meals, it should be no surprise that ham croquettes are also present as a Christmas food in Spain. 

Most of the ingredients, such as eggs, bread crusts, salt, pepper, milk, flour, onions, and oil, can be found in our homes, making it one of the easiest Spanish Christmas food recipes.

The only thing I bought is the ham itself, and then I can start cooking following a simple recipe. It’s an inexpensive dish, yet a feast to the senses.

14. Spanish Berenjenas con Miel

I find the tapa culture in Spain amazing and diverse. For example, if I visit Sevilla, Berenjenas con Miel, one of their signature tapas, is a must eat.

This one is especially popular among people who don’t eat meat as it is one of the few original tapa recipes that are not altered to be vegetarian. 

The great thing is that you need about 15 minutes to prepare it, and you need two eggplants, flour, pepper, milk, salt, olive oil, and honey.

It is a delicious fried and crispy tapa that can quickly become Spanish food from Spain you’d regularly enjoy.

Check the complete recipe here

15. Bacalao a la Vizcaína

Let me introduce you to a Spanish holiday dishes that’s basically a flavor party on a plate – Bacalao a la Vizcaína, or salted codfish in a rich tomato and red pepper sauce.

The thing about this dish is that it’s comforting yet sophisticated.

The salted cod brings a unique depth of flavor, and the tomato and red pepper sauce elevates it to a whole new level. 

Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up that delectable sauce, and you’ve got yourself Spanish holiday recipes for royalty.

Second Course: Hearty Spanish Christmas Food

16. Cochinillo Asado

If you want to feel Spanish for Merry Christmas during the big family gatherings, you should consider Cochinillo Asado or the roast suckling pig.

It is the most typical among the traditional Christmas dinner in Spain recipes, and it originated in the city of Segovia.

The preparation of the roast suckling pig is not complicated, but it does take time and skill, as you need to get the seasoning right. 

Also, you should keep in mind that this pig, unlike the pigs we are used to seeing in the markets, is a lot smaller, so make sure to search for the proper one.

Recipe: Spanish Roast Suckling Pig

17. Lamb

Depending on the region you want to explore in Spain, the Spanish Christmas dinner can be very different.

Still, the simplest dishes are usually the best ones, and a proper roast lamb is just that. Like with any other meat, it takes time to roast a lamb to perfection.

You should keep it at a low temperature for at least a few hours to get a tender and smooth texture. To make it even more traditional, you can serve it with potatoes and onions.

For me, an essential Spanish Christmas eve dinner would not be complete without this!

18. Paella

There is no chance to talk about Spanish cuisine without mentioning Paella as it is one of the things on what is Spain known for.

It is by far the most known dish from Spain, not to mention its incredibly interesting historical background and the variety of recipes.

To make a real paella, you’d need to have a special paella pan. It is usually made with either seafood or chicken and rice.

Although it isn’t quite the same, there are ways to make paella without having any special equipment and enjoy this exquisite food journey through Spanish history.

This is one of the Spanish Christmas food recipes I look forward to!

19. Baked Fish with herbs

If you’d rather have fish for your big Christmas meal rather than lamb or pork, Spanish cuisine won’t fail you (it is not called a foodie paradise for no reason).

It is one of the easiest Spanish Christmas dishes.

The packed flavor can come from many things, but one commonly known in north-west Spain involves herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano, among other ingredients.

Here is an easy Spanish Christmas recipe:

20. Pavo Trufado de Navidad

Oh, you’ve got to hear about this mouthwatering Christmas tradition they have in Spain – the Pavo Trufado de Navidad, or as I like to call it, Christmas turkey with truffles.

So, imagine your classic Christmas turkey, right? Now, add a touch of luxury with truffles. It is one of the best Spanish Christmas recipes you shouldn’t miss.

The truffles bring this earthy, rich flavor that pairs ridiculously well with the tender turkey.

It’s like they were made for each other – a holiday power couple, if you will.

Spanish Christmas Desserts & Sweet Food

21. Spanish Christmas Cookies – Spanish Almond Cookies (Polvorones)

Almond cookies are Spanish Christmas cookies that are also known as Polvorones.

It’s interesting to know that Polvo means dust in Spanish, and the name is connected with the fact that these cookies are covered with a lot of sugar that makes them ”dusty”.   

Just like Paella, these cookies also have a rich historical background rooted in the era of the Spanish Inquisition. 

They are easy to make and certainly a perfect choice for the whole family to enjoy while setting Spanish Christmas decorations to enjoy the full experience of Spain.

Buy traditional polvorones here

The Spanish almond cookies can be made by the following recipe: 

22. Turrón

Turrón is one of the special and unavoidable Christmas sweets in Spain, one of the top things that Spain is known for.

It is also one of the most popular Spain Christmas recipes.

It is said that historically, Moors brought it while trying to conquer the land somewhere in the 13th century.

Although there are plenty of Turrón recipes throughout the country, the classic version has one special ingredient – toasted nuts. You also need eggs, sugar, and honey to fully enjoy it.  

It would be hard to imagine that almost every house in Spain during Christmas doesn’t have at least one kind of Turrón, and nowadays, they often make it any time of year. 

If you are spending winter holidays in Spain, you can’t leave without tasting Turrón from small, local shops.

Buy turrón from Spain here

23. Mantecados

Another Andalusian Christmas food I look forward to – this time a sweet one, that will make you feel the joy of Christmas.

Polvorones and mantecados are an essential part of the Christmas tradition, and they are usually homemade and served as cookies in oval and round shapes.

Mantecados got their name from the type of fat that is used as an ingredient. 

Although some people won’t find them fancy, these cookies are one of the best ways to make you feel at home. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about anyway? 

Buy mantecados here

24. Roscón de Reyes

Well, the festivities in any Spanish house wouldn’t be complete without making the Kings’ cake to celebrate January 6^th, the day of Reyes Magos.

This is a crown-shaped sweet bread like a cake made once a year.

It is usually topped with something colorful and sweet and stuffed with whipped cream or chocolate.

It is also customary to put a ceramic figurine in the cake, and whoever gets it in the slice gets good luck for the year.   

It’s one of the most typical Spain Christmas foods.

Check the complete recipe here

25. Marzipan

One of the most famous marzipan is marzipan de Toledo, a Christmas dessert from the Toledo region in Spain. 

It is made from almonds, sugar, flour, eggs, and water and in different shapes.

Just like the almond cookies, marzipan is also a very popular homemade dessert.

It is super easy and affordable to make, and once you try it, you must love it. It is a great dessert to enjoy the holidays without worries.

Buy Spanish marzipan here

26. Spanish Flan

One of the must-try items on a Christmas dessert menu is Spanish flan. It is one of those sweets that makes you jiggle inside in a positive way.

It takes only four ingredients to make it, and in less than an hour and a half, you get to enjoy one of the most popular Spanish desserts for Christmas.

It is smooth and silky, and it is vanilla; you can’t go wrong with that.

27. Churros con chocolate

Did you know that the oldest churrerias in the world are located in Spain?

If I were asked about the first thing that comes to mind about food in Spain, most likely churros would be in the first two things.

It is one of the best snacks from Spain, and a must-try food to try in Madrid.

Spain indeed has many trademarks, but when it comes to food, churros are one of the most recognized. 

It is no wonder why churros con chocolate can be found as one of the sweet parts of the Christmas celebration. 

There are two main parts of this dessert – the fried dough and the chocolate sauce to dip the churros in. And that’s it, it’s as simple as that.

If you want to make it at home, have a look at this heart-warming Spanish hot chocolate recipe.

Check recipe here

28. Yemas

Yemas or egg yolks are another traditional dessert. The term yemas is connected with Santa Teresa, and it is said that they originated from her birthplace, Ávila.

The yemas are just egg yolks with sugar and water, baked with a certain technique.

The secret is that after you finish, you have to let them sit for at least 24 hours before serving them. That way, you get a nice, crystalized yolk mixture that is nice to see and tasty to consume.

I really love this delicious Christmas dessert!

Recipe: Yemas de Santa Teresa

29. Alfajores

After indulging in hearty Spanish Christmas foods for dinner, there’s nothing quite like capping off the meal with a delicious dessert. 

One of my favorites is alfajores, a traditional Spanish cookie made with a blend of almonds, honey, and spices, sandwiched together with rich dulce de leche or jam, and often dusted with powdered sugar.

It’s one of the most extraordinary Spanish Christmas desserts and the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling after a wonderful Christmas celebration.

Recipe to make the best Alfajores

30. Leche Frita

One of my all-time favorite Spanish Christmas desserts has to be Leche Frita. Despite its name, which translates to “fried milk,” this treat is far more decadent than it sounds. 

It’s a traditional Spanish Christmas recipes made by thickening sweetened milk with flour and cinnamon, then chilling it until firm. 

The result is a dessert that’s crispy on the outside, creamy and soft on the inside, and often dusted with sugar and cinnamon.

Leche Frita is comforting, indulgent, and a perfect way to end any holiday meal in Spain! 

Check the recipe here

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Spanish Christmas Drinks

31. Cava

Just as it is important to have the best food during the holidays, it is equally important to have a great wine to completely enjoy the days off. Spanish Cava is what we would know as champagne.

It goes back to the 19^th century, and since then, it has been one of the most respected Catalan drinks.

Of course, everything sparkly just goes with the Christmas spirit, and what better drink to complement it than sparkling wine?

There are many varieties of Cava, and they all go incredibly well with Christmas lunch or dinner.

If you’re in Catalonia, don’t forget to visit wineries near Barcelona to learn more about the winemaking process.

Buy Spanish cava here

32. Sangría

If you love the Spain food culture, don’t miss this drink! Sangria, a beloved Spanish drink, is very common in Spanish households.

You can combine sangria with other festive punch ingredients like cranberry juice, ginger ale, and pomegranate molasses.

Garnish with cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks for a stunning presentation.

It’s a festive, fruity option that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you warm.

33. Jerez Dulce

Regardless of being stuck with some daily tasks or enjoying the most important holiday meal, Jerez Dulce is a drink to keep nearby.

They are naturally sweet, and since sherry, in general, needs a lot of time to age properly, Jerez Dulce can’t be a wrong choice.

If you’re wondering what to eat in Spain at Christmas time, Jerez wine is a must!

Buy Jerez Dulce from Spain here

34. Ponche Navideño

After eating traditional Spanish food for Christmas, no celebration is complete without a glass of Ponche Navideño.

This traditional holiday drink is a warm and comforting blend of flavors that will leave you feeling cozy and festive.

Typically made with water, sugar, citrus fruits, cinnamon, cloves, and anise, it is often spiked with rum or brandy for an extra kick.

Every time I indulge in Ponche Navideño, I’m transported to lively holiday gatherings filled with laughter and cheer, making it an essential part of my Spanish Christmas experience.

35. Vino Dulce

If you’re looking for a sweet and indulgent treat to complement your Spanish christmas meals, Vino Dulce is a must-try.

This sweet dessert wine, often made from Pedro Ximénez or Muscat grapes, is rich and luscious, with flavors ranging from caramel and dried fruit to honey and nuts.

It’s the ideal accompaniment to traditional Christmas desserts like turrón or polvorones, as its sweetness enhances the flavors of these treats.

Sipping on a glass of Vino Dulce, one of the best Spanish Wines, makes me feel a touch of luxury in my holiday celebrations, which makes me look forward to another celebration the next year.

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Quick Overview of Christmas traditions in Spain

Spanish food culture is one of its most famous features, and for a good reason. It is a foodie paradise of sorts, and just imagine tasting Spanish Christmas food.

So, regardless of your location during the holiday season, here are some of the best meals you can try.

You can also prepare (I included a few Christmas recipes) for yourself or the people you plan to spend Christmas with. 

Traditional Spanish Christmas lasts for days, and there are a lot of events going on. 

Not only the most beautiful places in Spain but every single town in Spain is beautifully decorated during this time of the year.

The legendary Spanish Lottery

One of the biggest is the Spanish National Lottery, also known as El Gordo.

The fun fact is that it is the biggest lottery in the world (held since 1812), and more or less, the whole of Spain participates in it.

Also, it is customary that instead of the classical Spanish Christmas song, people sing the lottery winning numbers. 

Christmas Mass in Spain

For those who are eager to celebrate their faith, there is also La Misa Del Gallo organized on Christmas Eve.

This Misa is also known as the Midnight mass. It is common to eat a Christmas dinner before or after this event.  

Reyes Magos bring the gifts

Although there are many more interesting traditions from the country, I would mention two more because they are rather unique.

The first one happens on January 6^th, and it is called Los Reyes Magos, or the three kings who are known to give sweets and presents to the children (not Santa Claus). 

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A short FAQ about Spanish Dishes for Christmas

You can’t get enough of Spanish Christmas food? Have a look at my below.

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