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What to Serve with Gazpacho? Try These 12 Side Dishes

Gazpacho is a refreshingly delicious Spanish soup that has become increasingly popular lately.

It can be served as an appetizer, light meal, or even part of a main course!

But what should you serve with gazpacho?

The possibilities are seemingly endless, but today we’re going to take it one step further and show you 12 great side dishes that will perfectly complement the unique flavor of your favorite chilled soup.

From vegetable salads and savory pancakes to vegan tacos and zesty guacamole dip, these dishes will surely satisfy everyone at your table.

If you’re looking for something special to go along with your next bowl of gazpacho – look no further!

What to Serve with Gazpacho? Try These 12 Side Dishes

1. Spanish Tortilla

A Spanish tortilla is a delicious and easy way to elevate your gazpacho game.

This dish is typically made with eggs, potatoes, and onions, but feel free to get creative with your ingredients.

The key to a good Spanish tortilla is all in the cooking method.

Be sure to cook it slowly so that the eggs are set, and the potatoes are soft and fluffy.

The taste and texture of a Spanish tortilla are similar to that of a frittata or quiche.

The eggs are rich and creamy, while the potatoes add a fluffy, starchy component.

The onions add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.

  • Adding in some chopped chorizo for a spicy kick.
  • Mixing in some shredded Manchego cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Top it off with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

2. Patatas Bravas

Patatas bravas is a Spanish dish of potatoes that are fried or roasted and then covered in a spicy sauce.

The dish is often served as an appetizer or side dish.

The potatoes used for patatas bravas are typically small, waxy potatoes.

This type of potato holds its shape well when cooked, which is important for this dish.

The potatoes are usually fried or roasted, which gives them a crispy exterior.

The sauce is typically a tomato-based sauce spiked with chili peppers to give it some heat.

There are many ways to elevate this dish.

One way is to use different types of potatoes.

Another way is to change up the sauce by adding different spices or using a different type of tomato.

You could also serve the patatas bravas with a dipping sauce on the side.

3. Croquetas

Croquetas are one of those special dishes that can be both humble and elevated.

They are usually made with leftovers, which means they are inherently frugal.

But they can also be served as an appetizer or main course, making them perfect for entertaining.

There are endless ways to make croquetas, but the most common fillings are ham, chicken, or beef.

The beauty of this dish is in its versatility.

You can really use any type of meat (or even vegetables) that you have on hand.

The filling is then bound together with a béchamel sauce and breadcrumbs before being fried to golden perfection.

Croquetas are typically served with a dipping sauce, such as aioli or salsa.

But they can also be enjoyed on their own.

If you’re looking to elevate your croqueta game, try serving them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.

For a truly show-stopping presentation, serve them atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

4. Calamares A La Romana

Calamares a la Romana, or Roman-style squid, is a dish that is popular in Spain and other parts of Europe.

The dish is made with squid that is fried and then served with a garlic mayonnaise sauce.

The taste of Calamares a la Romana is both savory and slightly sweet.

The garlic mayonnaise sauce elevates the dish and gives it a rich flavor.

The texture of the squid is also unique.

When fried, the squid becomes crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

There are a few tips to keep in mind when making this dish.

First, be sure not to overcook the squid.

If it is cooked for too long, it will become tough and rubbery.

Second, use fresh squid if possible.

Frozen squid can also be used, but it will not be as good as fresh.

Finally, make sure to let the mayonnaise sauce cool before serving so that it does not melt the squid.

5. Empanadas

Empanadas are a type of turnover made from dough that is typically filled with a variety of savory ingredients.

The dough is then fried or baked, depending on the recipe.

Empanadas can be found in many different cultures, each with its own unique spin on the dish.

Empanadas are usually quite savory, thanks to the filling inside the dough.

The most common fillings include meats like chicken or beef, as well as vegetables like potatoes or onions.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to fillings, so feel free to get creative.

The dough itself is also quite versatile and can be made from a variety of different flours, including wheat, corn, and even gluten-free options.

If you’re looking to elevate your empanada game, there are a few things you can do.

First, try experimenting with different fillings.

As mentioned before, there are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can put inside your empanada.

Get creative and think outside the box.

You can also experiment with different doughs.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own dough from scratch.

There are plenty of recipes available online that can guide you through the process.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation.

Empanadas can be served plain, or you can garnish them with dipping sauces, herbs, or even fruits.

6. Gambas Al Ajillo

Gambas al ajillo is a Spanish dish of shrimp cooked in garlic.

The dish is commonly served as an appetizer but can also be served as a main course.

The dish is typically made with shrimp, garlic, olive oil, white wine, and red chili peppers.

The taste of Gambas al ajillo is savory and slightly spicy.

The shrimp are cooked in garlic and olive oil, which gives them a rich flavor.

The dish is also seasoned with white wine and red chili peppers, which add a touch of sweetness and heat.

There are a few tips that can help you elevate this dish.

First, make sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.

Second, if you want a bit more spice, you can add additional red chili peppers to the dish.

Finally, if you want to add some color and texture, you can garnish the dish with parsley or lemon wedges before serving.

7. Pulpo A La Gallega

Pulpo a la Gallega, or Galician-style octopus, is a dish that originates from the northwestern region of Spain.

It is typically made with an octopus that has been boiled and then served with olive oil, paprika, and salt.

The dish is simple but flavorful, and the key to elevating it is in the quality of the ingredients.

The best octopus for this dish is fresh and of good quality.

If you can find a Spanish octopus, that is even better.

The texture of the octopus should be firm but not rubbery, and it should be cooked just long enough so that it is tender.

To really bring out the flavors of the dish, use good quality olive oil and paprika.

You can also add other seasonings to taste, such as garlic or chili peppers.

Serve Pulpo a la Gallega with crusty bread so that you can soak up all of the delicious juices.

8. Paella

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that typically consists of rice, seafood, and vegetables.

The dish is typically cooked in a large shallow pan over an open fire.

Paella has a unique flavor and texture that makes it a popular choice for both home cooks and professional chefs alike.

One of the things that makes paella so special is its distinct taste.

The rice is cooked in a broth made from either chicken or seafood, which gives it a slightly salty flavor.

The vegetables and seafood also contribute to the overall flavor of the dish.

Paella is typically served with a lemon wedge, which helps to brighten up the flavors.

Another reason why paella is so popular is because of its unique texture.

The rice is usually tender but firm, and the vegetables and seafood are cooked just enough so that they retain their shape and texture.

Paella is typically served hot, which allows all of the flavors to meld together.

If you’re looking to elevate your next paella dish, there are a few things you can do.

First, be sure to use quality ingredients.

Fresh seafood and vegetables will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.

Second, consider cooking your paella over an open fire for a smoky flavor.

And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to find what you like best.

9. Catalan Cream

Catalan cream, or crema Catalana, is a rich and creamy custard dessert with a history dating back to the Middle Ages.

The dish is said to have originated in the city of Catalonia, Spain, and it remains a popular treat in Spanish-speaking countries today.

Catalan cream is similar to crème brûlée in both taste and texture, but it is typically made with milk instead of cream and flavored with lemon or orange zest.

To elevate the dish, some chefs add a splash of rum or brandy or top it with fresh fruits or berries.

10. Arroz Con Leche

Arroz con Leche is a traditional Latin American dish made with rice, milk, and sugar.

It is typically served as a dessert but can also be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast food.

The dish is simple to make, but its flavor and texture can vary depending on the ingredients and methods used.

Typically, Arroz con Leche is thick and creamy, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar.

The rice is usually cooked until it is soft and tender but still retains some of its shapes.

To elevate the dish, some cooks like to add spices such as cinnamon or vanilla.

Others may top it with fruit or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

11. Flan

Flan is a smooth, custard-like dessert that can be made in many different flavors.

The most common flavor is vanilla, but flan can also be made in chocolate, coffee, or caramel.

Flan is typically served with a fruit sauce or syrup, but it can also be enjoyed on its own.

The texture of the flan is creamy and smooth, with a slightly firm center.

The taste is sweet and rich, with a hint of vanilla.

Flan can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.

To elevate your flan dish, try serving it with a homemade fruit sauce or syrup.

Fresh berries or diced fruits are a great addition to this already delicious dessert.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different flavors of flan.

Chocolate, coffee, and caramel are all excellent choices.

12. Churros

Churros are a type of fried dough that is popular in Spain and Latin America.

They are often served with a dipping sauce, such as chocolate or caramel.

Churros are typically long and thin, and they have a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior.

If you’ve never had churros before, you’re in for a treat.

These fried dough snacks are delicious, and they can be enjoyed in many different ways.

One of the best things about churros is that they can be customized to suit your taste.

For example, if you like your churros to be extra sweet, you can dip them in a sugar-coated dipping sauce.

Or, if you prefer a savory flavor, you can top them with shredded cheese or salsa.

Conclusion

We’ve gone through 12 delicious side dishes that go great with gazpacho.

No matter what your preference is, there’s sure to be something on this list that will compliment your gazpacho perfectly.

So next time you’re making gazpacho, be sure to serve it with one of these amazing side dishes.

What to Serve with Gazpacho? Try These 12 Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Spanish Tortilla
  • 2. Patatas Bravas
  • 3. Croquetas
  • 4. Calamares A La Romana
  • 5. Empanadas
  • 6. Gambas Al Ajillo
  • 7. Pulpo A La Gallega
  • 8. Paella
  • 9. Catalan Cream
  • 10. Arroz Con Leche
  • 11. Flan
  • 12. Churros

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!