Blog Post Tapas at Home – Capture the Sunshine Without Leaving the Kitchen

There’s something utterly magical about a table covered in little dishes, each one bursting with colour, flavour, and sunshine. That’s the joy of Spanish tapas, no stress, no strict timings, just food made for sharing and savouring.

Tasty Tapas

At Meg’s Scottish Kitchen, we believe entertaining should be joyful, not exhausting.

And tapas? They’re your secret weapon. Perfect for feeding a crowd, ideal for mixing and matching flavours, and brilliant for hosts who want to enjoy the party too.

✨ Hosting a Tapas Party – My Kind of Gathering

A few weeks ago, we hosted a spontaneous Friday night tapas party for friends who were visiting from London. I lit some candles in the garden, opened a bottle of chilled albariño, and laid the table with a mix of ceramics and wooden boards. With a little prep done the day before—like a tortilla and a jar of marinated olives—it all came together with ease.

By the time our guests arrived, I wasn’t still chopping onions in a panic or trying to plate a main course in a sweat. I was there, glass in hand, laughing and nibbling alongside everyone else.

The best bit? Watching everyone build their own plates, sharing dishes, and leaning into that relaxed, sociable way of eating that Spain does so well.

🍤 Simple, Tasty Tapas Recipes

Here are a few of my go-to tapas dishes—minimal faff, maximum flavour. Perfect for a sunny weekend lunch or a laid-back evening with friends.

🧄 Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Prawns)

Ready in minutes, but always the first thing to disappear.

Ingredients:

• 250g raw peeled prawns

• 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced

• ½ tsp chilli flakes

• Olive oil

• Handful of chopped parsley

• Squeeze of lemon

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and chilli, sizzle gently until fragrant.

3. Toss in the prawns and cook until pink.

4. Sprinkle with parsley, a dash of salt, and a squeeze of lemon.

Serve hot with crusty bread for mopping up the garlicky oil.

🍳 Mini Chorizo Tortilla Bites

Make ahead and serve at room temperature—ideal for stress-free hosting.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs

• 150g cooked potatoes, cubed

• 1 small red onion, finely sliced

• 75g chorizo, diced

• Olive oil, salt and pepper

Method:

1. Fry the onion and chorizo in a little olive oil until the chorizo releases its oils.

2. Add the potatoes and warm through.

3. Beat the eggs with salt and pepper, pour into the pan, and cook gently until set.

4. Cool slightly, slice into cubes, and serve with toothpicks.

🍅 Marinated Peppers with Capers & Garlic

Vibrant, colourful, and plant-based.

Ingredients:

• 
  

  2 red peppers, roasted and sliced

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 1 tbsp capers

• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of smoked paprika

Method: Combine everything in a bowl, toss gently, and let sit for 30 mins. Best served at room temp with toasted sourdough.

Meg’s Tapas Tips

• Do-ahead dishes like tortilla, marinated veg, and olives let you enjoy the party too.

• Keep it rustic—no need for matching plates or fussy plating.

• Balance the menu with hot, cold, meat, veg, and a sweet bite or two.

• Add a pitcher of sangria, or offer jugs of sparkling water with slices of citrus and mint.

🫒 Easy Tapas Additions

If you’re short on time or energy, these shop-bought ideas will round out your menu beautifully:

• Manchego cheese with honey and walnuts

• Roasted almonds with sea salt

• 
  

  Anchovies or boquerones

• Olives marinated in orange zest and rosemary

• A loaf of good bread and a bowl of quality olive oil

💌 Let’s Bring the Sunshine to You

Want to recreate the magic of sun-filled days in Spain? Look no further—we’ve got you

covered here at Meg’s Scottish Kitchen. Tasty recipes without the stress.

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📲 Follow along on Instagram @MegsScottishKitchen for weekly inspiration and behind-the-scenes kitchen stories.

Tapas are about joy, not perfection. So light a few candles, pour yourself something sparkling, and let the flavours do the talking.