Spain may be known for its hearty dishes, but did you know that Spanish breakfast, or el desayuno, is usually very light? In fact, in Spain, breakfast is the smallest meal of the day. Just because these meals are not as filling as the typical American breakfast doesn’t mean they lack flavor. For instance, the first item on this list – the hot chocolate – is so rich and luscious, you won’t want hot chocolate any other way again. Apart from the beloved beverage, there are plenty of other fantastic Spanish breakfast foods to brighten up your morning! From savory to sweet, there’s a dish to satisfy any craving. Looking for a new and exciting way to start your day? These Spanish breakfast foods are sure to satisfy your tummy and make your heart happy.
10+ Favorite Spanish Breakfast Foods
1. Spanish Hot Chocolate
Ahh, Spanish hot chocolate. If you’ve never tried this drink, you’re missing out. This ultra-rich and thick hot chocolate is the reason I love Spain. The secret to its consistency is simple: cornstarch. So yes, you can make Spanish hot chocolate at home. Due to its thickness, Spanish hot chocolate is considered more of a dip than a beverage. A dip for what, you ask? Why, churros, of course! There is perhaps no more iconic Spanish combo than churros and hot chocolate.
2. Churros Con Chocolate
Crisp and fluffy fried pastry dough covered in cinnamon sugar and dunked in thick chocolate – can you think of a better way to start the day? While we see churros con chocolate as a dessert, this Spanish classic is usually eaten for breakfast. With this simple recipe, there’s no need to head to a churreria! Whip up your own churros and make your kids fall in love with you even more.
3. Spanish Omelette
Ready to level up your regular scrambled eggs? Say hello to the Spanish omelette. The Spanish omelette is a rich and savory dish guaranteed to boost your energy in the morning. It’s a combination of eggs and crisp and tender potatoes and is flavored with onions, salt, and black pepper. Since it’s loaded with potatoes, this dish is a complete meal just by itself. All you’ll need is a cup of hot coffee or chocolate, and your breakfast is ready.
4. Cafe Con Leche
Not a fan of hot chocolate? Try café con leche instead. Cafe con leche is another popular Spanish beverage that comprises espresso and milk. The formula is simple: it’s a 1:1 ratio of espresso and scalded milk. It’s perfect as it is, but you can add sugar to sweeten it a little.
5. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Orange juice is a common breakfast beverage in Spain. In fact, most cafes in Spain have a juicer and serve their guests freshly squeezed OJ. Sure, it’s not the most affordable drink (unless you have your own orange tree), but a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice is loaded with all things good for you. It’s worth every penny. It’s a healthy and refreshing way to start your day!
6. Torrijas (Spanish French Toast)
We all know what French toast is, but are you familiar with Spanish French toast? Give your traditional French toast a Spanish spin with the simple addition of cinnamon. This Spanish version of the classic is made of bread pudding sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and drizzled with honey. Now, that sounds like heaven to me!
7. Frisuelos (Crepes)
Whether you like them sweet or savory, frisuelos, or Spanish crepes, will make you extra happy in the morning. For sweet crepes, fill them with apple compote, egg custard, or whipped cream. For something rich and savory, stuff it with scrambled eggs and cheese. You’ll have a fantastic meal, whichever way you go.
8. Magdalenas
In Spain, it’s not uncommon to have sweets for breakfast. Magdalena is a sweet cupcake with a bright, lemony flavor. This cupcake is incredibly light, fluffy, and downright addictive. Don’t be surprised to find yourself devouring at least two! A Magdalena is best paired with a hot cup of coffee. Yum!
9. Pan Con Tomate
Sandwiches are also a common breakfast in Spain, with pan con tomate being a popular choice. Pan con tomate consists of toasted bread topped with ripe tomato pulp, olive oil, and garlic. It may sound simple, but the flavor is spectacular. There’s something truly special about the combination of tomato, olive oil, and garlic! It also couldn’t be easier to make. You’ll simply take a ripe tomato and rub it against a piece of bread. Drizzle it with olive oil and top it with garlic, and that’s it!
10. Bocadillos
A bocadillo is another Spanish sandwich made with a baguette. There are different types of bocadillos – chorizo, cold cuts, ham, and tuna, to name a few. They have one thing in common: they’re rubbed with a slice of ripe tomato and drizzled with olive oil to moisten the bread. With this recipe, you’ll make a simple ham and cheese bocadillo using Serrano ham and Manchego cheese. It’s just delicious.
11. Spanish Fruit Salad
Spain is highly abundant in fruits, which is why fruit salad is considered a breakfast staple. Sweet and refreshing, it’s a wonderful way to get you pumped for the day. To make it, all you’ll need is to cut up fresh strawberries and bananas and drizzle them with fresh orange juice.
12. Breakfast Empanadas
Empanadas are golden brown turnovers with a rich and savory filling. I can’t get enough of these treats! Empanadas come in a variety of fillings, but for this recipe, you’ll use a combination of chorizo, potatoes, red bell peppers, eggs, and shredded Mexican cheese. The result is an unbelievably scrumptious empanada. The filling is sinful, yes, but the empanadas are baked, not fried. At least there’s that! 🙂
13. Spanish Migas
Spanish migas is a scrumptious dish made of pan-fried day-old bread and chorizo. How amazing does that sound? The bread and sausage are simply cooked in olive oil and flavored with garlic and paprika. It’s a simple recipe that yields a stunning dish. Click on a star to rate it!
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