Typical Spanish breakfasts – Traditions, variations, and easy to make at home

These breakfasts are quick, easy, and can be found in almost any restaurant or café in Spain.

Common breakfast dishes in Spain

1. Pan con Tomate: This is bread topped with grated tomato, olive oil, and salt. Simple yet delicious, it’s a favourite in Andalucia.
2. Catalan: Building on the Pan con Tomate, the Catalan adds queso Manchego (cheese) and jamon.
3. Churros con Chocolate: Deep-fried dough sticks served with thick hot chocolate. A breakfast indulgence, especially in Madrid.
4. Sandwich mixto: Toasted bread drizzled with olive oil and sandwiched with thin slices of ham and cheese. It’s a staple in Andalusia and beyond.
5. Tortilla Española: A slice of Spanish omelette, often served cold, is another popular breakfast option, especially in northern Spain.
6. Magdalenas: These Spanish muffins are light and lemony traditionally enjoyed at breakfast with coffee, milk or fresh orange juice. They are found everywhere in Spain, in bars, bakeries, and restaurants. They’re also quite quick and easy to make at home.

Regional variations of breakfast dishes

Though these dishes are found across Spain, some regions add their own twist:

• In Andalucia, the toast is often served with local olive oil and jamón ibérico.
• In Valencia, a common breakfast drink is Horchata, a refreshing tiger nut milk.
• In Madrid, Churros con Chocolate are a traditional way to start the day.

Easy ingredients for a Spanish breakfast at home

Pan con tomate:

• fresh bread
• ripe tomatoes
• olive oil
• Salt

Catalan:

• As above but adding Manchego cheese and jamón

Churros:

• 1 cup of flour
• 1 cup of boiling water
• baking soda
• Oil for frying
• Sugar for sprinkling
• Thick chocolate for dipping (you can buy this from most supermarkets)

Sandwich mixto:

• bread
• cheese
• ham

Tortilla

• egg
• potato
• onion (optional)

You can see the full recipe here.

Magdalenas

• eggs
• sugar
• flour
• baking soda
• milk
• lemon

These traditional breakfasts are easy to prepare and reflect the simplicity of Spanish cuisine. Try them at home for an authentic Spanish morning experience!