I like paella, but I often have difficulties selecting what to serve with it.
So I conducted some research and came up with a list of the top 8 paella starters.
Of course, the choices are unlimited, but these are my personal favorites.
Enjoy!
Also see: What Wine Pairs With Paella? ten of the best wines
Contents
- What Starter Goes with Paella?
- What Starter Goes with Paella? (8 Best Appetizers)
- FAQs
- What is paella paired with?
- What is a good salad to serve with paella?
- Is paella a starter?
- What kind of bread goes with paella?
- What appetizer to serve with paella?
- What snacks go with paella?
- How do you host a paella party?
- How do you eat paella etiquette?
- What is a paella party?
- What is considered a starter dish?
What Starter Goes with Paella?
There are many sorts of appetizers that go well with paella. If you want to keep things light, offer a salad or soup. If you want something more substantial, try foods like cured meats, cheeses, or shellfish.
Whatever way you go, make sure your appetizer complements the tastes in your paella (for ideas on what side dish to serve with paella, see here).
Keep scrolling for more ideas!
Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Spinach
If you haven’t had prosciutto-wrapped scallops yet, you’re in for a tremendous treat.
Also see: What Salad Pairs with Scallops? 13 Delicious Salads
The salty, cured ham complements the sweet, juicy shellfish nicely, and the spinach gives a delightful flash of color and freshness.
Although they seem spectacular, these scallops are really extremely simple to make.
Wrap each scallop with a piece of prosciutto, then pan-fry until the ham is crispy and the scallops are done.
The texture of these scallops is truly unique.
See Also: 20 Best Sauces for Scallops
The crunchy prosciutto complements the delicate, juicy scallops perfectly.
Every bite is a delight.
Scallops wrapped in prosciutto make a wonderful appetizer or main dish.
If serving as an appetizer, try cutting the scallops in half to make them bite-sized.
Here are a few pointers to help you make flawless scallops:
- Before wrapping the scallops in prosciutto, make sure they are completely dry. The ham will not crisp up otherwise.
- If you can’t get prosciutto, use bacon instead. However, bacon is somewhat saltier than prosciutto, so adjust the spice appropriately.
- Before using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will keep them from catching fire.
Prosciutto-wrapped scallops are guaranteed to impress whether you’re hosting guests or just looking for a great, easy-to-make supper.
Authentic Gazpacho
Everybody loves a good ol fashioned gazpacho.
It’s light and refreshing, and ideal for a hot summer day.
Plus, its incredibly easy to make.
Simply cut up some veggies and stir them together, and presto!
Youve got a delicious soup.
When cooking gazpacho, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, make sure to use ripe tomatoes.
They’ll add a lot more flavor to the soup and make it taste better.
Second, don’t be hesitant to try various veggies.
Cucumbers, peppers, and onions are traditional gazpacho ingredients, but feel free to experiment and add anything you like.
Finally, be sure to season your soup well.
A little salt and pepper help bring out the flavors of the veggies.
With these pointers in mind, give gazpacho a try.
It’s a tasty appetizer that’s ideal for summer occasions.
Baked Goat Cheese
Have you tried baked goat cheese?
It’s a wonderful appetizer that’s ideal for entertaining.
The rich, creamy taste of the cheese is a genuine pleasure, and making a batch ahead of time is simple.
When your guests come, just throw it in the oven and serve!
Baked goat cheese has a creamy, somewhat hard texture.
It isn’t as crumbly as some other cheeses, making it ideal for spreading over crackers or toast.
You don’t have to worry about it melting all over your hands since it’s baked.
Baked goat cheese is rather simple to produce in terms of difficulty.
You just need a few basic materials to get started.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Before you begin baking, make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature.
This will help it to bake evenly.
Second, be careful not to over-bake the cheese.
It should be golden brown on the exterior yet soft and creamy in the inside.
So, what are some pointers for perfecting baked goat cheese?
Before you begin baking, make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature.
This will aid in uniform baking. Second, watch out for overbaking the cheese.
It should be golden brown on the exterior yet soft and creamy in the inside.
Baked goat cheese is an excellent appetizer for any occasion.
It’s likely to delight whether you’re throwing a dinner party or simply having a few friends around for drinks (see also: what drink to offer with paella).
So, give it a try and see for yourself!
Sweet Corn Pancakes with Bacon
Sweet corn pancakes with bacon are another excellent accompaniment to paella.
They have a delicious taste and are pretty simple to prepare.
They have a great fluffy texture and combine well with a variety of toppings.
You may prepare them ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven, or you can make them right immediately and serve them.
In either case, they’ll be a big hit with your visitors!
Creamy Prosciutto Cracker
Are you a fan of prosciutto?
If so, you’ll like this creamy prosciutto cracker appetizer!
The savory ham complements the creamy cheese spread well, and the whole meal is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Simply allow the crackers to cool fully before topping with the cheese, otherwise the cheese will melt and become sloppy.
This meal is appropriate for both a casual gathering and a more formal affair.
Simply adapt the number of crackers to the number of guests you’re serving.
Enjoy!
Ham and Apple Cheese Wraps
Because of the same tastes, this appetizer pairs well with paella.
The recipe is simple to prepare; the most difficult aspect is waiting for the cheese to melt.
The wraps are soft and gooey, and the apples provide a wonderful crunch.
Pair this meal with Riesling or another fruity white wine.
Antipasto Bites
These adorable tiny nibbles are ideal for any occasion and are really simple to create!
Antipasto Bites are a terrific way to start a meal and are full of flavor.
The mix of meats, cheeses, and veggies results in a delicious mouthful.
The texture is also excellent. Not too soft or too crunchy.
When creating Antipasto Bites, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- To begin, use a mixture of meats and cheeses.This will add flavor and intrigue to the bits.
- Second, evaluate the veggies’ texture.Cucumbers, for example, may get a touch mushy. Others, such as carrots, may be a little crunchy. Choose a vegetable mixture that will give the bites the ideal texture.
- Don’t forget about the dipping sauce!For these nibbles, a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dipping sauce is ideal. If you’re feeling brave, try a pesto or sun-dried tomato sauce.
You’ll be able to make the ideal Antipasto Bites for any occasion if you keep these guidelines in mind.
Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips
This Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips is the last of my appetizers to serve with paella.
See Also: 46 Best Wonton Wrapper Recipes
The crab rangoon taste is delicious, and the wonton chips offer a nice crunch.
This meal is simple to prepare and may be served as an appetizer or as the main course.
When cooking this meal, keep texture in mind. You want the crab rangoon to be smooth and the wonton chips to be crispy.
My cooking recommendations for this meal include using fresh crab meat and pre-cooking the wonton chips.
This recipe is ideal for a dinner party or a relaxing night in with friends.
What Starter Goes with Paella? (8 Best Appetizers)
Ingredients
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Spinach
- Authentic Gazpacho
- Baked Goat Cheese
- Sweet Corn Pancakes with Bacon
- Creamy Prosciutto Cracker
- Ham and Apple Cheese Wraps
- Antipasto Bites
- Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips
Instructions
- Choose your favorite appetizer to offer before your Paella.
- Prepare the ingredients in the order specified in the recipe.
- Enjoy in no time!
FAQs
What is paella paired with?
Rich white wines like Roussanne, Chardonnay, and Viognier match well with seafood paella and mixed paella. Meanwhile, lighter red wines like Garnacha, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, and Rioja Crianza pair well with duck, sausage, or rabbit paella.
What is a good salad to serve with paella?
Salads
Salad à la maison. Romaine and mesculon mixed lettuce, tomatoes, juliene cut carrots and red sliced cabbage.
Salad Caesar.
Mediterranean Salad.
Basque Salad.
Levante Salad.
Ibiza Salad.
Gazpacho.
Vichyssoise.
Is paella a starter?
Paella’s major component is rice, and it’s a hearty main course dish that’s best served fresh, never cold. Valencians often favor Senia rice, which is stickier and more prone to overcook.
What kind of bread goes with paella?
The kind of bread used with paella may be decided by the bread. A traditional white bread or a more substantial loaf from a boulangerie will do the trick. Furthermore, several flatbreads, such as naan or pita bread, complement this meal.
What appetizer to serve with paella?
What appetizer goes well with paella?
Gazpacho… Albondigas (Spanish meatballs)…
Tortilla de Espana.
Jamón croquettes…
Peppers from Padron.
Vegetable bits that have been stuffed and grilled.
Marinated olives with a sangria jug.
Tapas plate in a flash.
What snacks go with paella?
Look through the whole list of paella sides and see which ones grab your attention!
Bruschetta. Our Simple Green Mom Greek-style bruschetta goes well with any kind of paella.
Salad Caesar.
Crusty bread prepared from scratch.
Sweet plantains fried.
Red peppers that have been roasted.
Fried Padron Pimientos.
Croquettes de ham.
Green Beans with Garlic.
How do you host a paella party?
How to Throw a Tapas and Paella Party in Spain
Select the Paella Party Menu.
Print all of the recipes and go shopping.
Make the dessert the day before the party.
In the morning, make the tortilla.
Assemble the Ensalada Mixta.
Prepare the Paella de Marisco ingredients.
Decant the wine, slice the tortilla, and preheat the grill.
How do you eat paella etiquette?
1. – The paella is shaped like a circular package of little soft cheese servings. You eat from the outside and work your way at an angle to the middle, carefully avoiding the piece of the person next to you.
What is a paella party?
A paella party is a Spanish-themed party with a huge paella dish as the centerpiece. The meal is often prepared with seafood, chicken, and rice and is cooked over an open fire in a large paella pan. A paella party is an excellent way to entertain a big gathering.
What is considered a starter dish?
Nowadays, the appetizer is often the first course offered before the main course. Starters are available in a broad range of flavors and may be served hot (vol-au-vents, soufflés) or cold (cold cuts, pâtés). They may, however, be served after the soup or hors d’oeuvres as part of a formal meal.
