Entremeses are small savory bites served as appetizers, typically consisting of cured meats, cheeses, potato salad, breadsticks, and other ready-to-eat savory preparations.
This time, we've chosen a good variety of cured meats including: serrano ham, chorizo, salami, and fuet, which we've also paired with Manchego cheese. If you prefer soft cheeses like camembert or brie, we recommend serving a sweet counterpoint like tomato jam. To achieve a very eye-catching presentation, we've arranged the meats in different ways (rolled, overlapping...), creating a dynamic and easy-to-eat appetizer board.
To accompany and lighten the cured meats, we've paired these entremeses with Russian salad, which we prepared very simply for this occasion by boiling the potatoes and carrots, although we could make it even faster using canned cooked potatoes and frozen carrots. We also added hard-boiled egg, tuna, peas, and mayonnaise. It's ideal to prepare the salad the day before, so you can assemble this board of appetizers in no time.
As a counterpoint to the savory foods, we've included dates and grapes in this selection of entremeses. We also love dried apricots, which work especially well for special occasions like Christmas meals. You can choose any other dried fruit you like or have on hand.
The crunchy element comes from the almonds, which we could substitute with macadamia nuts or hazelnuts. The tomatoes add a fresh touch to the ensemble, which can also be achieved with strawberries, cherries (if in season), or blueberries.
As complements, we've chosen to include stuffed olives and Kalamata olives, although other varieties you like are equally valid. A tip for an eye-catching presentation: try to have different olives (green, black or arbequina, marinated or more subtle in flavor...).
Additionally, and to accompany, we've included some breadsticks and crackers, although we could also use small toasts or a sliced baguette. As you can see, we haven't included specific quantities for the cured meats and complements as this will depend on your guests and the serving platter you have. The important thing about this recipe is to achieve an attractive arrangement of the ingredients, and below, we'll tell you how to do it. Entremeses are very versatile and can be adapted to almost any occasion or event. They are a sure bet for any table and require very little work. Take note of this recipe!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: appetizer
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Calories per serving (kcal): 446
Ingredients for the Entremeses
For the Russian salad:
- 1 large potato
- 2 small carrots
- Salt
- 1 small can of tuna
- 1 can of peas
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
For the cured meats and accompaniments:
- Serrano ham
- Chorizo
- Salami
- Fuet
- Stuffed olives
- Kalamata olives
- Pickled gherkins
- Breadsticks
- Crackers
- Manchego cheese
- Grapes
- Almonds
- Dates
- Cherry tomatoes
How to Make Entremeses
First, we're going to make a quick Russian salad which, although optional, pairs perfectly with the cured meats. To do this, dice 1 large potato and 2 small carrots into small cubes and boil them in salted water for 10 minutes. Drain and mix with 1 small can of drained tuna, 1 can of peas, 1 chopped hard-boiled egg, and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Let it cool in the refrigerator until serving time.
On the serving board, place the Russian salad in individual bowls, glasses, or small cups—shot glasses, for example. Place the rolled serrano ham, sliced chorizo, overlapping salami and inside a glass, and the fuet cut into small pieces on the board.
Next, place all the ingredients that go in bowls: the stuffed olives, Kalamata olives, pickled gherkins, and breadsticks. In the remaining gaps, arrange the crackers and the Manchego cheese cut into thin wedges.
Finish with the grapes, almonds, dates, and cherry tomatoes.
Easy Preparation Summary
- Prepare the Russian salad by boiling the diced potato and carrots and mixing them with the remaining ingredients. Reserve the mixture in the refrigerator.
- Place the cured meats on the presentation board and the salad in small cups.
- Distribute the ingredients that go in bowls harmoniously on the cured meat presentation board along with the crackers and cheese.
- Arrange the grapes, almonds, dates, and cherry tomatoes in the gaps and serve this entremeses board as an appetizer.
30 Best Recipes I Love Making at Home
If you’re like me, you probably enjoy keeping a mix of easy comfort food, classic international dishes, and crowd-pleasing desserts on hand.
Whenever I want something rich and indulgent, I usually go for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And when I’m craving something fruity and comforting, I always come back to this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe.
For easy breakfasts and lighter meals, I often make these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. When I need a gluten-free pantry staple, I also like preparing this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.
When I’m in the mood for tapas and Mediterranean flavors, I usually rotate between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. I also love serving this crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe when I want something a little more special.
For hearty lunches and cozy dinners, I always recommend this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. If I want something more filling, I’ll often make this baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.
Whenever I’m craving street food or party-style dishes, I usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. I also like serving these easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe as a simple appetizer or snack.
And if I’m putting together drinks and a full menu for guests, I’ll often pair dinner with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To round everything out, I love adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing the table with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.
More Delicious Cooking Recipes for Family
Over the years of testing and refining recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best dishes combine simplicity, reliable techniques, and bold flavor.
The recipes in this collection are the ones I personally return to again and again—whether I’m cooking a quick meal for myself or preparing something special for friends and family.
For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I often make when I want something elegant but easy. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, learning how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.
When I want something fresh and simple, I usually turn to the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often recommend the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.
I also love sharing traditional dishes from around the world, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.
Air fryer recipes are another category I cook regularly because they save time while still producing great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.
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