Kamil Perry
Iberico cheese, or Queso Iberico in Spanish, is a blend of sheep, goat, and cow's milk. It is buttery and flavourful, with a balanced taste and texture. To serve Iberico cheese, it is recommended to bring it to room temperature and add it to a cheese platter with quince paste, jam, or picos (small Spanish breadsticks). It can also be added to tapas dishes, paired with cured meats, or shredded over omelettes and salads. For a simple pairing, Iberico cheese can be served with crispy bread or picos, and for a drink, a nice Spanish wine is recommended.
How to serve Iberico cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Spanish, made from a blend of sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk |
| Temperature | Bring to room temperature before serving |
| Platter | Add to a cheese platter with quince paste, jam, picos artesanos, and Spanish wine |
| Pairing | Cured meats, Spanish vegetables, tapas dishes, or pintxos |
| Charcuterie Board | Iberico cured meats, foie gras, picos (small Spanish breadsticks), and cheese |
| Wine | Medium Spanish reds, pinot noir, or sauvignon blanc |
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What You'll Learn
Serving Iberico cheese on a charcuterie board
To serve Iberico cheese on a charcuterie board, it is recommended to use an actual board made of wood, slate, or any other material instead of a simple plate. This gives the presentation a more curated and original look, as well as a rustic touch with a lot of personality.
When it comes to the ingredients, a traditional charcuterie board is just a meat platter, but it has expanded to include abundant displays of meats, cheeses, dried and fresh fruits, vegetables, toasted nuts, and briny olives, plus honey, jams, jellies, chutneys, mustards, and more. To serve Iberico cheese on a charcuterie board, you can include other Spanish jamón and Iberian cured meats, such as Iberico ham, chorizo, and salchichon. You can also add accompaniments like crispy toasts, picos (small Spanish breadsticks), foie gras, and pâté.
When adding fruits to your charcuterie board, it is recommended to place them in a separate dish to avoid getting the meat soggy with fruit juice, which can affect its quality and texture. Some fruits that pair well with Iberico cheese include grapes, apples, pears, dried apricots, dried cranberries, and fresh figs.
Iberico cheese is made from a blend of sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk, giving it a rich, buttery, and balanced taste and texture. It pairs well with Spanish cured meats, such as jamón, chorizo, or ham tapas, as well as roasted red bell peppers, and sliced cured ham on toasted bread. It also goes well with medium Spanish reds, pinot noir, or sauvignon blanc.
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Iberico cheese and wine pairings
Iberico cheese, also known as Queso Iberico, is a Spanish cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain. It is made from a blend of sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk, giving it a unique and complex flavour profile. When it comes to pairing Iberico cheese with wine, there are several options that can enhance the overall tasting experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Medium Spanish Reds: Spain is known for its robust and full-bodied red wines. Pairing Iberico cheese with a medium-bodied Spanish red wine can create a harmonious combination. Look for wines from regions such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, or Priorat to complement the cheese's buttery and nutty attributes.
- Pinot Noir: For a more delicate wine pairing, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. Its light to medium body and red fruit flavours will complement the cheese's richness without overwhelming its more subtle notes.
- Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer white wine, Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile option. Its crisp acidity and fruity flavours can provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery texture and slight barnyard taste of the Iberico cheese.
- Sparkling Wine or Cava: For a festive or celebratory touch, consider pairing Iberico cheese with a glass of sparkling wine or Spanish Cava. The effervescence and brightness of these wines can balance the cheese's richness, creating a delightful pairing experience.
- Sweet Wines or Dessert Wines: Depending on the occasion and your palate preferences, sweet wines or dessert wines can also be paired with Iberico cheese. Wines such as Moscato, Sauternes, or even a Spanish Pedro Ximénez can complement the cheese's complexity and provide a delightful conclusion to a meal.
When creating an Iberico cheese and wine pairing, it is essential to consider the specific characteristics of the cheese and your personal taste preferences. Experimenting with different wines and cheese accompaniments, such as quince paste, jam, or cured meats, can help you discover your favourite combinations. Remember to serve the cheese at room temperature to fully appreciate its flavour and texture.
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Iberico cheese with tapas
Iberico cheese is a Spanish cheese with a buttery, full-bodied taste. It is made from a blend of sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk. The cow's milk lends a touch of acidity, while the richness and butteriness come from the sheep's milk, and the goat's milk adds a hint of barnyard complexity.
When serving Iberico cheese with tapas, there are several options to consider. A classic pairing is with Manchego cheese, another Spanish cheese with a similar flavour profile. For a simple yet delicious tapa, slice a baguette to your desired thickness, toast the slices, and top each with a slice of Iberico cheese, a slice of Manchego cheese, and a sun-dried tomato, drizzling honey over the creation. This combination of flavours and textures is sure to impress.
For a heartier option, try a tapas dish of Iberico cheese with beef sirloin and an Iberico-mustard sauce. Alternatively, shred the cheese over an omelette or salad, or serve it with chorizo or ham tapas. To accompany these dishes, medium Spanish reds, pinot noir, or sauvignon blanc are excellent wine choices.
If you wish to create a charcuterie board featuring Iberico cheese, carefully select a variety of Iberian products, such as cured meats, picos (small Spanish breadsticks), and other cheeses. A well-curated board with a rustic touch can be achieved by using a wooden or slate serving platter. For a simple yet effective pairing, serve the Iberico cheese with crispy bread or picos, creating a crunchy texture contrast that enhances the overall sensory experience.
Iberico cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be showcased in various tapas presentations, each offering a unique culinary journey through the flavours of Spain.
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Iberico cheese with fruit
Iberico cheese is a Spanish cheese made from a blend of cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk. It has a smooth, buttery texture and a complex flavour profile, making it a versatile addition to any Spanish cheese board or tapas platter.
When serving Iberico cheese with fruit, it is recommended to place them in separate dishes to avoid the juice from the fruit making the cheese soggy. Fruits that complement Iberico cheese include:
- Figs
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
Iberico cheese can also be served with nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to further enhance its nutty and buttery notes. For a more substantial dish, it can be melted over crusty bread with tomato or added to gratin dishes for a rich, creamy flavour.
Iberico cheese pairs well with a variety of wines, including:
- Red wines: A robust Rioja or Ribera del Duero will add a rich, bold contrast to the cheese.
- White wines: A crisp Albariño or a Spanish Verdejo will balance the creaminess of the cheese.
- Sherry: Amontillado or Fino Sherry will bring out the savoury notes of the cheese.
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Iberico cheese with bread
Iberico cheese is a buttery Spanish cheese with a complex, rounded flavour and a balanced texture. It is made from a blend of sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk. The cow's milk adds a touch of acidity, while the richness and butteriness come from the sheep's milk, and the goat's milk lends a hint of barnyard taste.
When serving Iberico cheese with bread, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of bread you choose can enhance the flavour of the cheese. A simple crusty baguette or picos (small Spanish breadsticks) can be a great pairing, allowing the flavour of the cheese to shine.
You can also experiment with different toppings and accompaniments to create a more complex dish. For example, you can grate a ripe tomato and mix it with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and peppers. Spread this mixture on toasted bread, and add thin slices of Iberico cheese on top. The heat from the toast will slightly melt the cheese, creating a delicious texture.
Another option is to create a platter with Iberico cheese, thinly sliced Iberico ham, and picos or regañas (Spanish breadsticks). You can also include other types of cheese, such as Manchego, a sheep's milk cheese from the La Mancha region, which has a nutty and slightly tangy flavour that complements the savoury taste of Iberico ham.
When serving Iberico cheese, it is important to note that it should be served at ambient temperature, between 21°C and 24°C, to fully appreciate its texture and flavour. Additionally, be sure to cut the cheese into thin slices to get the most out of its flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Iberico cheese, or Queso Iberico, is a Spanish cheese from the La Mancha region in Spain. It is made from a blend of sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk.
Iberico cheese is often served as part of a charcuterie board or cheese platter. It can be cut into triangles or wedges and paired with quince paste, jam, picos (small Spanish breadsticks), or other cheeses like Manchego.
Iberico cheese pairs well with Spanish wines, including medium reds, pinot noir, and sauvignon blanc.
Iberico cheese can be served with cured meats, Spanish vegetables, or tapas dishes like chorizo or ham tapas. It also goes well with fruit like melon, fresh figs, or grapes, and bread.
Both Iberico and Manchego are Spanish cheeses, but Manchego is made primarily from sheep's milk and is produced in the La Mancha region. Iberico cheese is made from a blend of sheep's, goat's, and cow's milk and can be produced in various regions within the Iberian Peninsula.
