Bushra Griffith
Manchego is a Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk, giving it a crumbly texture and rich, buttery flavour. It has a complex taste that is nutty, sweet and milky. In Spain, it is commonly served as a table cheese, but it can be used in a variety of recipes, from appetisers and tapas to mains like creamy risotto or pasta. It is a popular addition to charcuterie boards and can be swapped for cheddar or gouda in sandwiches. Manchego is a versatile cheese that can be melted, grilled or served raw. It pairs well with both sweet and savoury ingredients, including quince paste, fresh and dried fruits like figs, grapes and berries, cured meats, and nuts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Spain |
| Region | La Mancha |
| Texture | Crumbly |
| Flavor | Buttery, nutty, sweet, milky, tangy |
| Rind color | Orange |
| Rind pattern | Zigzag |
| Milk | Sheep |
| Aging period | 60 days to 2 years |
| Preservation | Parchment paper, rubber band/tape, cheese drawer in the fridge |
| Preservation duration | Up to 2 months |
| Serving suggestions | Fresh figs, quince paste, Marcona almonds, serrano ham, Spanish crackers, green olives, pistachios, rosemary, wine, wine, honey, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, chorizo, sopes, French bread, sourdough, apples, tomato jam, sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, hazelnuts, grapes, cured meats, charcuterie boards, scallop and chorizo stacks, risotto, pasta, pastry, bocadillos |
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What You'll Learn
Serve with quince paste and Spanish crackers
Manchego cheese, a staple of Spanish cuisine, has a rich, buttery flavour and a crumbly texture. It is made from sheep's milk and can be aged anywhere from 60 days to 2 full years. The best way to serve Manchego cheese is on a wooden board, accompanied by quince paste and Spanish crackers.
Quince paste is a sweet jelly made from quince fruit. It can be found in jars, tubes, or even cubed. The quince paste will complement the nutty, sweet, and milky flavours of the Manchego cheese. Spanish crackers, on the other hand, are thin and crispy, baked in olive oil and seasoned with salt and herbs. These crackers will enhance the texture and flavour of the cheese.
When assembling your cheese board, consider adding other items such as Marcona almonds, serrano ham, fresh figs, green olives, and pistachios. Garnish with fresh rosemary twigs, and don't forget to pour yourself a glass of wine to complete the experience. This combination of flavours and textures will create a delightful spread for your next gathering or a relaxing evening at home.
Additionally, Manchego cheese is very versatile and can be used in various recipes. It melts well, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or even added to a baked pasta dish with chorizo. You can also slice it thinly and drizzle it with honey or pair it with a robust red wine or dry white wine.
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Add to a charcuterie board
Manchego, a Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk, is a great addition to a charcuterie board. It has a nutty, sweet, and milky flavour, with a crumbly texture. Its distinctive zigzag pattern and orange rind make it easy to identify.
When creating a charcuterie board with manchego, it is best to start with a wooden board. Place the cheese on the board and add some quince paste, a sweet jelly made from quince fruit, which is commonly paired with manchego. You can also add some fresh figs, which have a sweet, jammy consistency that complements the cheese well. Other fruits that pair well with manchego include grapes, berries, and tomatoes.
For some crunch, add some Marcona almonds, pistachios, and Spanish-style crackers. Spanish crackers are thin and crispy, baked with olive oil and seasoned with salt and herbs. You can also add some cured meats to the board, such as serrano ham, salchichon, lomo, or chorizo. Olives, especially green olives, are another savoury addition to the board.
To finish off the charcuterie board, garnish with fresh rosemary twigs and enjoy with a glass of wine, either red or white.
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Include in a grilled cheese sandwich
Manchego cheese is a popular Spanish cheese with a nutty, buttery, and sharp flavour. It is made from sheep's milk and can be aged from two months to two years. This cheese is a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches as it melts well and has a strong flavour.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with Manchego cheese, start by thinly slicing the cheese. You can use a variety of breads, such as sourdough, Italian crunchy bread, or ciabatta. Butter the outside of the bread slices and spread fig jam or honey on the inside of one slice for a sweet touch. For a savoury sandwich, add sautéed mushrooms, onions, and spinach, along with thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto. You can also sprinkle Medjool dates or apples for added sweetness.
Assemble the sandwich by layering the ingredients between the bread slices. If using a panini maker, grill the sandwich for about 4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can use a griddle or a large skillet to cook the sandwich. Apply even pressure when grilling to ensure all the ingredients melt together perfectly.
For a vegan option, use a vegan butter substitute such as sun butter or almond butter, and omit the ham or prosciutto. You can also bake the sandwich in the oven at 375ºF for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. Enjoy your grilled Manchego cheese sandwich as a delicious and indulgent treat!
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Pair with fresh figs and wine
Manchego cheese is a popular Spanish cheese with a distinctive flavour profile—nutty, slightly tangy, and ranging from mild to sharp depending on its age. It is made from the milk of Manchega sheep, native to the La Mancha region in central Spain. The salty and nutty flavour of Manchego cheese is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of fresh figs. When serving, slice the figs and place them alongside wedges of Manchego cheese for a visually stunning board. You can also drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the tapa.
To further elevate your Manchego and fresh fig pairing, serve it with a glass of wine. A good wine can elevate the Manchego tasting experience. Opt for a robust red wine such as an aged Rioja to complement the intensity of an older Manchego. If you prefer white wine, go for a dry variety. For a romantic occasion, pop open a bottle of sparkling wine to cut through the richness of the Manchego, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing.
If you want to add more elements to your cheese board, consider including nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios, which provide a wonderful contrast to Manchego's smooth texture. You can also add some dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, or dates to balance out the smoky flavour of the cheese. For a surprising twist, try including Spanish olives stuffed with anchovies—the rich and savoury flavour of the anchovies pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of the Manchego cheese.
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Use in a creamy risotto or pasta
Manchego cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including creamy risottos and pasta. Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started:
Creamy Chorizo and Manchego Risotto
This delicious and savory risotto combines Italian and Spanish ingredients to create a comforting dish. To make this risotto, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chorizo and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly crisped. In a separate pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil and add diced onions. Sauté for 5-10 minutes, or until tender, then add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add sherry or wine and let it simmer until completely absorbed. In a separate pot, combine broth, saffron, paprika, red pepper, and salt, and bring to a gentle simmer. Once the rice is creamy and tender, remove from heat and stir in the cooked chorizo. Add shredded Manchego cheese and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Serve immediately with additional grated Manchego on top.
One-Pan Manchego Mac and Cheese
This easy and flavorful one-pan mac and cheese can be made in just 30 minutes. To make this recipe, cook your desired type of short, tube-shaped pasta al dente according to the package instructions. In a pan, heat olive oil and add garlic. Add milk and bring to a simmer. Add shredded Manchego cheese, dijon mustard, and season with sea salt and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and mix well. Top with fried breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Variations and Substitutions
The above recipes can be modified to suit your taste preferences and ingredient availability. Here are some ideas:
- For the Chorizo and Manchego Risotto, you can use Spanish Sherry wine instead of dry white wine to add a deeper yellow color.
- When making the One-Pan Manchego Mac and Cheese, you can use other types of cheese such as Asiago, Gouda, or White Cheddar as substitutes for Manchego.
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Frequently asked questions
Manchego is a Spanish cheese with a nutty, sweet, and milky taste. It is often eaten raw as an ingredient in traditional Spanish tapas, paired with fresh bread, jamón, and marinated olives. It is also commonly served as a table cheese, with drinks. Other foods that go well with Manchego include quince paste, Marcona almonds, serrano ham, fresh figs, Spanish crackers, green olives, and pistachios.
Both robust red wine and dry white wine are good pairings with Manchego cheese.
To preserve leftover Manchego cheese, wrap it in parchment paper and seal it with a rubber band or tape. Store it in the cheese drawer of your fridge. This should keep it fresh for up to two months.
Manchego works great in a range of recipes, from appetizers or tapas, to mains like creamy risotto or pasta, and even pastry. It can be used in sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and baked pasta dishes.
