What Starter Goes with Paella? (8 Best Appetizers)

I’m a big fan of paella, but I sometimes have trouble deciding what starter to have with it.

So, I did some research and came up with a list of the 8 best starters for paella.

Of course, there are endless possibilities, but these are my personal favorites.

Enjoy!

Read Also: What Wine Goes With Paella? (10 Best Wines)

What Starter Goes with Paella?

There are a few different types of starters that go well with paella. If you want something light, you can serve a salad or soup. If you’re looking for something more substantial, you can opt for dishes like cured meats, cheeses, or seafood.

Whichever route you choose, make sure your starter compliments the flavors in your paella (click here to see what side dish to serve with paella).

Keep scrolling for more ideas!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Spinach

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of tasting prosciutto-wrapped scallops, you’re in for a real treat.

See Also: What Salad Goes with Scallops? 13 Best Salads

The salty, cured ham pairs perfectly with the sweet, succulent seafood, and the spinach adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Although they may look impressive, these scallops are actually quite easy to prepare.

Simply wrap each scallop in a slice of prosciutto, then pan-fry until the ham is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.

The texture of these scallops is truly unique.

See Also: 20 Best Sauces for Scallops

The crispy prosciutto contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy scallops.

Every bite is a delight.

Prosciutto-wrapped scallops make an excellent appetizer or main course.

If serving as an appetizer, you may want to consider cutting the scallops in half so that they’re bite-sized.

Here are a few tips to ensure that your scallops turn out perfectly:

• Make sure the scallops are dry before wrapping them in prosciutto. Otherwise, the ham will not crisp up.
• If you can’t find prosciutto, you can use bacon. However, bacon is much saltier than prosciutto, so you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using. This will prevent them from burning.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal, prosciutto-wrapped scallops are sure to please.

Authentic Gazpacho

Everybody loves a good ol’ fashioned gazpacho.

It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer day.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make.

Just chop up some vegetables, blend them together, and voila!

You’ve got a delicious soup.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making gazpacho.

First, make sure to use ripe tomatoes.

They’ll be much more flavorful and make for a tastier soup.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables.

Cucumbers, peppers, and onions are classic gazpacho ingredients, but feel free to mix it up and add in whatever you like.

Finally, be sure to season your soup well.

A little salt and pepper go a long way in bringing out the flavors of the vegetables.

With these tips in mind, go ahead and give gazpacho a try.

It’s a delicious starter that’s perfect for summertime gatherings.

Baked Goat Cheese

Have you tried baked goat cheese?

It’s a delicious starter that’s perfect for entertaining.

The rich, creamy flavor of the cheese is a real treat, and it’s easy to bake up a batch ahead of time.

Just pop it in the oven when your guests arrive and enjoy!

Texture-wise, baked goat cheese is creamy and slightly firm.

It’s not as crumbly as some other cheeses, so it’s easy to spread on crackers or bread.

And because it’s baked, you don’t have to worry about it melting all over your hands.

When it comes to difficulty level, baked goat cheese is pretty easy to make.

Just a few simple ingredients and you’re good to go.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature before you start baking.

This will help it to bake evenly.

Second, be careful not to over-bake the cheese.

It should be slightly golden brown on the outside, but still soft and creamy in the middle.

So, what are some tips for making the perfect baked goat cheese?

First, make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature before you start baking.

This will help it to bake evenly. Second, be careful not to over-bake the cheese.

It should be slightly golden brown on the outside, but still soft and creamy in the middle.

Baked goat cheese is a great starter for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just having a few friends over for drinks (see also: what drink to serve with paella), it’s sure to please.

So, give it a try and see for yourself!

Sweet Corn Pancakes with Bacon

Another great appetizer that goes with paella is sweet corn pancakes with bacon.

They have a great flavor and are relatively easy to make.

The texture is nice and fluffy, and they go well with a variety of toppings.

You can make them ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven, or make them fresh and serve them right away.

Either way, they’re sure to be a hit with your guests!

Creamy Prosciutto Cracker

Are you a fan of prosciutto?

If so, you’ll love this creamy prosciutto cracker starter recipe!

The flavorful ham pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese spread, and the whole dish is surprisingly easy to make.

Just be sure to let the crackers cool completely before topping with the cheese, otherwise the cheese will melt and become runny.

This dish is perfect for a casual get-together or a more formal event.

Just adjust the amount of crackers depending on how many people you’re serving.

Enjoy!

Ham and Apple Cheese Wraps

This starter goes with paella due to the similar flavors.

The dish is easy to make and the hardest part is waiting for the cheese to melt.

The wraps are gooey and the apples give a nice crunch.

Consider pairing this dish with a Riesling or other fruity white wine.

Antipasto Bites

These cute little bites are perfect for any occasion, and they’re so easy to make!

Antipasto Bites are a great way to start off a meal, and they’re packed with flavor.

The combination of meats, cheeses, and vegetables makes for a perfect bite.

The texture is also perfect – not too soft, and not too crunchy.

There are a few things to consider when making Antipasto Bites:

• First, make sure to use a variety of meats and cheeses. This will make the bites more flavorful and interesting.
• Second, consider the texture of the vegetables. Some vegetables, like cucumbers, can get a little soggy. Others, like carrots, can be a bit crunchy. Choose a mix of vegetables that will give the bites the perfect texture.
• Finally, don’t forget the dipping sauce! A simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dipping sauce is perfect for these bites. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a pesto or sun-dried tomato sauce.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create the perfect Antipasto Bites for any occasion.

Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips

Lastly on my list of starters to serve with paella is this Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips.

See Also: 46 Best Wonton Wrapper Recipes

I love the flavor of crab rangoon, and the wonton chips add a great crunch.

This dish is easy to make and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

It is important to consider the texture when making this dish, as you want the crab rangoon to be smooth and the wonton chips to be crispy.

My tips for making this dish are to use fresh crab meat and to cook the wonton chips ahead of time.

This dish is perfect for a dinner party or a night in with friends.