A Spanish Christmas Feast: Top Dishes You Must Try This Holiday Season

Kristin Espinar is a travel enthusiast, language expert, and passionate advocate for cultural exploration, sharing her love for Europe and its rich traditions through curated travel experiences and insightful writing.

Kristin Espinar

Spain’s Christmas celebrations are filled with a rich array of flavors, ingredients, and traditional dishes. A Spanish Christmas feast offers everything from sweet treats to savory delights, showcasing the best of Spanish holiday foods. Whether you’re in Spain or celebrating at home, exploring these traditional Spanish Christmas dishes brings authenticity and festive flair to your holiday table. Let’s dive into a Spanish Christmas feast and discover the top dishes you must try this season!

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Spain celebrates Christmas with a rich variety of flavors, ingredients, and dishes. From sweet treats to savory feasts, Spanish cuisine shines during the holiday season. Whether you’re in Spain or at home, exploring these dishes adds authenticity to your Christmas celebration. Let’s dive into a Spanish Christmas feast and discover the top Spanish holiday foods you must try this holiday season.

Closeup of a tray with different turron, mantecados and polvorones, typical christmas sweets in Spain

Turrón: The Sweet Star of Spanish Christmas

Turrón is a classic Spanish Christmas sweet, loved across the country. This delicious treat, made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds, dates back to the 15th century. Turrón comes in many varieties, from soft and chewy to hard and crunchy and is one of the most popular Spanish holiday foods.

Types of Turrón: The two main types are Turrón de Jijona (soft) and Turrón de Alicante (hard). Jijona’s version has a smooth texture due to finely ground almonds. Alicante’s version contains whole almonds, giving it a crunchy bite.
Where to Try It: In Madrid, visit Casa Mira, a historic shop that offers handmade turrón using traditional recipes. In Barcelona, Vicens Turronería offers innovative flavors like chocolate and fruit blends, perfect for adventurous foodies.
Homemade Turrón Recipe: For a DIY experience, make your own turrón at home. Combine honey, sugar, and egg whites over low heat. Stir in roasted almonds and pour the mixture into a mold. Let it cool, and enjoy!

Polvorones and Mantecados: The Essential Christmas Cookies

Polvorones and mantecados are traditional Spanish Christmas cookies. These crumbly, almond-based sweets melt in your mouth and are perfect with coffee or tea. These finish traditional Spanish Christmas dishes in a delightful way.

Differences Between Polvorones and Mantecados: Polvorones get their name from the Spanish word “polvo,” meaning dust. They have a powdery texture and are usually flavored with cinnamon or lemon. Mantecados, on the other hand, contain lard (manteca), which gives them a denser texture.
Where to Try Them: Head to La Despensa de Palacio in Seville, where you can sample freshly made polvorones. In Andalusia, Estepa is known as the home of the best mantecados. Local bakeries like La Flor de Estepa sell a variety of flavors.
Recipe for Homemade Polvorones: Combine flour, sugar, ground almonds, and lard. Knead into a dough, shape into rounds, and bake until golden. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Plan Your Trip

As you plan your holiday trip to Spain, use this map to find the perfect hotels for your stay.

Bacalao a la Vizcaína: A Classic Christmas Main Course

Bacalao a la Vizcaína, or cod in Biscayne sauce, is a beloved Christmas dish in northern Spain, particularly the Basque Country. The dish features salted cod cooked in a rich tomato and red pepper sauce.

What Makes Bacalao Special: The use of bacalao (salted cod) dates back to the era when refrigeration was not available. It became a staple in Spanish cuisine. The key to its unique flavor lies in its sauce, which blends tomatoes, onions, garlic, and red peppers.
Where to Enjoy Bacalao: In Bilbao, visit Café Iruña, a historic restaurant known for its bacalao a la Vizcaína. In San Sebastián, Bodegón Alejandro serves an excellent version of this classic dish.
Cooking Bacalao at Home: Start by soaking salted cod for 24-48 hours, changing the water several times. Prepare a sauce with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and red peppers. Cook the cod in the sauce and serve with crusty bread.

Cochinillo Asado: The Perfect Roast for a Festive Gathering

Cochinillo asado, or roast suckling pig, is a popular Christmas dish in central Spain, especially in Castilla y León. The dish involves slow-roasting a young pig until its skin becomes crisp and golden. This is one of the most classic Spanish holiday foods.

Why Cochinillo is Special: Cochinillo symbolizes abundance and is often the centerpiece of holiday tables. The secret lies in its simple preparation: just salt, water, and a wood-fired oven.
Where to Try Cochinillo Asado: Head to Mesón de Cándido in Segovia, a legendary restaurant famous for its cochinillo. In Madrid, Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, offers an iconic version of this dish.
Cooking Cochinillo at Home: While challenging, roasting cochinillo at home is possible. Preheat the oven to high, season the pig with salt, and roast until the skin crisps. Let it rest, then carve and serve.

Cordero Asado: Roast Lamb with a Spanish Twist

Cordero asado, or roast lamb, is another classic Christmas dish enjoyed in many Spanish households. This dish, like cochinillo, comes from the Castilla y León region, known for its pastoral lands.

The Beauty of Simple Ingredients: Cordero asado requires only lamb, salt, garlic, olive oil, and rosemary. This simplicity allows the meat’s natural flavor to shine.
Where to Experience Cordero Asado: In Madrid, visit Casa Lucio for a succulent cordero asado. In the region of La Rioja, try Restaurante Alameda in Fuenmayor for a rich and tender version.
Homemade Cordero Recipe: Rub the lamb with olive oil, garlic, salt, and rosemary. Roast it in a hot oven until the skin turns golden and crispy. Serve with roasted potatoes and a green salad.

Mariscos: A Seafood Extravaganza

Seafood plays a central role in Spanish Christmas feasts, particularly in coastal regions like Galicia, Catalonia, and Andalusia. Mariscos (seafood) ranges from prawns and lobster to clams and mussels.

Why Seafood is a Christmas Favorite: Fresh seafood symbolizes prosperity and luxury. Families often enjoy a mariscada (seafood platter) on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.
Top Spots for Seafood Feasts: In Galicia, visit O Grove, a small fishing village known for its seafood restaurants. In Barcelona, Rías de Galicia offers a refined seafood dining experience.
Create a Seafood Feast at Home: Prepare a seafood platter with grilled prawns, clams, mussels, and crab. Serve with lemon wedges, aioli, and crusty bread for dipping.

Roscón de Reyes: The King of Spanish Cakes

Roscón de Reyes is a ring-shaped cake that celebrates Epiphany on January 6th. This cake, adorned with candied fruits, represents the crowns of the Three Kings.

A Fun Family Tradition: Inside the roscón, bakers hide a figurine and a bean. The person who finds the figurine gets crowned as “king” or “queen” for the day. The one who finds the bean must buy next year’s cake.
Where to Taste the Best Roscón: In Madrid, visit El Riojano, a century-old bakery renowned for its roscón. In Valencia, Horno San Bartolomé serves a light and fluffy version that locals love.
Baking Roscón at Home: Mix flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and orange zest into a dough. Shape it into a ring and let it rise. Decorate with candied fruits and bake until golden. Hide the surprises, and it’s ready to serve!

Jamón Ibérico in Spain – A key component of the Spanish Christmas Feast

Jamón Ibérico: A Luxury You Can’t Miss

No Spanish Christmas is complete without Jamón Ibérico. This cured ham, made from Iberian pigs, is a delicacy enjoyed throughout Spain. This is a popular food throughout the year but also a popular gift of Spanish holiday foods.

The Finest Spanish Ham: Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, the highest quality, comes from acorn-fed pigs. Its rich, nutty flavor and buttery texture make it a prized item on any Christmas table.
Where to Taste Authentic Jamón Ibérico: Visit Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid or Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria in Barcelona. Both markets offer high-quality jamón tastings from reputable vendors.
How to Serve Jamón at Home: Slice the jamón thinly and arrange it on a platter. Serve with picos (small breadsticks), Manchego cheese, and a glass of Rioja or Sherry.

Truchas de Navidad: A Canary Islands’ Sweet Surprise

Truchas de Navidad, or Christmas turnovers, come from the Canary Islands. These pastries, filled with sweet potato and almond paste, offer a unique twist to the Spanish Christmas dessert menu.

Why Try Truchas?: These turnovers are light, crispy, and filled with flavors that are unique to the Canaries. They add diversity to the typical dessert table.
Where to Find Them: If visiting Tenerife, stop by La Garriga Dulcería to try fresh truchas. In Gran Canaria, Panadería Pulido offers a delightful selection of these pastries.
Homemade Truchas Recipe: Mix mashed sweet potatoes with ground almonds, sugar, and cinnamon. Fill pastry dough with the mixture, fold, and fry until golden. Dust with powdered sugar.

Mazapán: A Sweet Almond Delight

Mazapán, or marzipan, is another beloved Christmas sweet in Spain. Made from ground almonds and sugar, it’s a staple in Toledo, where artisans craft it into various shapes. This is a very popular traditional Spanish Christmas dish from Toledo.

Why Mazapán Stands Out: It’s simple yet incredibly flavorful, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth. Toledo is known for its high-quality mazapán, made from local almonds.
Where to Find the Best Mazapán: Visit Santo Tomé in Toledo, a famous shop specializing in mazapán for over a century. They offer classic and modern varieties, perfect for gifting.
Easy Mazapán Recipe: Blend ground almonds with powdered sugar and a bit of water. Mold the dough into desired shapes, bake briefly, and enjoy.

Conclusion: Celebrate Christmas the Spanish Way

A Spanish Christmas feast offers a delicious journey through tradition, culture, and flavor. From savory dishes like bacalao a la Vizcaína to sweet treats like turrón and polvorones, these dishes make the holiday season special. This a traditional Spanish Christmas dish. Whether you’re dining in a traditional Spanish restaurant or cooking at home, these recipes and recommendations will help you enjoy an authentic Spanish Christmas feast. Embrace the flavors, and make your holiday unforgettable!

FAQs

What food do Spanish eat at Christmas?

Spaniards enjoy a variety of dishes at Christmas, such as roast lamb, seafood, Iberian ham, and traditional sweets like turrón, polvorones, and mantecados. These are the most traditional Spanish Christmas dishes.

What do they eat in Spain on holidays?

During holidays, Spanish people often eat festive dishes like paella, roast meats, seafood platters, and traditional desserts such as flan, churros, and roscón de Reyes. These are the most common Spanish holiday foods.

What are traditional holiday foods?

Traditional holiday foods in Spain include jamón ibérico, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), bacalao (cod), turrón (nougat), and rosquillas (fried pastries).

What are 5 typical foods in Spain?

Five typical Spanish foods are paella, tortilla española (Spanish omelette), jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), gazpacho, and churros con chocolate.

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