How to set up a complete Spanish spread in fifteen minutes

Preparing an appealing Spanish spread doesn't require spending hours in the kitchen; when you choose ready-to-serve products, you just need to take care of the combination and spend a few minutes on the presentation. In a quarter of an hour you can set up a varied table reminiscent of the appetisers of any Spanish bar, with recognisable flavours and a very neat look.

The key is to bring together foods that complement each other. A cured meat can take the centre of the table, accompanied by a cheese that softens its intensity. Canned foods add a different nuance and olives complete the set. At Your Spanish Shop we have categories dedicated to these products, as well as many Spanish appetisers to expand the selection.

Ham and cured meats to start

Ham has a natural place in a Spanish spread. If you choose a sliced format, you only have to open the pack and lay out the pieces leaving some space between them. Avoid forming a compact pile, because a light presentation lets you appreciate the texture better.

You can also choose chorizo or salchichón. The former brings a more pronounced character, while the latter fits well when the rest of the table includes intense flavours.

Your Spanish Shop has ham in different formats and a selection of Spanish cured meats, which lets you adapt the quantity to the size of the gathering.

Choose a cheese that goes with the cured meat

Cheese creates a pleasant pause between the cured meat and the salty notes of the canned foods. A semi-cured cheese is usually a versatile choice, as it keeps its personality without dominating the other flavours. When you want a more intense option, a cured cheese brings a firm texture and leaves a longer-lasting taste.

Cut it into small triangles or prepare regular cubes. If it comes as a wedge, arrange the portions in a fan shape; this arrangement takes little time and makes the board look more polished.

Canned foods to add a special touch

Spanish canned foods can turn a quick spread into a proposal with a certain gourmet air. Mussels in escabeche work very well thanks to the intensity of their sauce, while bonito offers a milder flavour. Just open the tin and place the contents on a small plate, keeping part of the liquid when it helps preserve their juiciness.

Canned vegetables also have a place on this table. Some piquillo peppers can be served at room temperature and require minimal preparation.

Olives to complete the appetiser

A bowl of olives sorts out an important part of the spread in less than a minute. Anchovy-stuffed olives keep a classic profile and go well with cheese. You can also opt for pepper-stuffed olives or a manzanilla variety.

Drain part of the brine before serving them and keep a small amount to prevent them from drying out. In the Your Spanish Shop catalogue you will find the widest variety of Spanish olives.

Add something crunchy

The crunchy component finishes shaping the table. Bread sticks go well with cheese and serve as a base for a pâté. Crisps also work as an instant appetiser; it is best to open the bag at the last moment so they keep their texture.

Place the pâté in a container and leave a knife for spreading. Put it near the bread sticks so everyone can prepare their bite easily. When you want to offer something more filling, a ready-made potato omelette can be added in small portions.

This last option is especially useful when the spread coincides with mealtime or you expect to host several guests.

Prepare some quick toasts

Toasts let you add a more elaborate part to the spread without investing too much time. You can use slices of crunchy bread and top them with crushed tomato, olive oil and a few thin slices of ham. Another option is to add bonito del norte on a base of piquillo peppers, a simple combination that brings juiciness and a very recognisable flavour.

It is best to prepare the toasts just before bringing them to the table so the bread keeps its texture. You can serve two varieties on the same tray and cut them into small portions; that way each guest can try different flavours without the spread becoming too heavy.

Prepare your spread with Your Spanish Shop

At Your Spanish Shop we gather Spanish products so you can prepare an authentic appetiser even if you live far away. In our online shop you will find cured meats and cheeses, as well as canned foods that let you complete the table in a few minutes. You can also add olives or choose other appetisers depending on the occasion.

We ship abroad and prepare each order taking into account the foods it contains. This way you can receive Spanish flavours at home and set up a complete spread in fifteen minutes, even when you are outside Spain.