What to Eat with Manchego Cheese- 8 Incredible Sides You’ll Enjoy
I’m always on the lookout for new, interesting cheese combinations.
So, I was stoked when I discovered manchego cheese – a sheep’s milk cheese from Spain. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with bolder flavors.
When I first started exploring what to eat with manchego cheese, I realized it is a chameleon.
It can take on different flavors depending on what you pair it with. For example, if you pair it with fruit, the sweetness of the fruit will come through. If you pair it with a savory dish, the salty, umami flavors will be highlighted.
I’ve had some amazing combinations, as well as some not-so-amazing ones. But most importantly, I’ve learned it is essential to get it right when pairing manchego cheese with a side dish. Therefore, I wanted to share some of my favorite what-to-eat with manchego cheese combinations.
What To Eat With Manchego
- Mediterranean Salad
- Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
- Prosciutto
- Salted Crackers
- Green Beans Fried with Garlic
- Garlic Bread with Tomatoes
- Roasted Corn with Lime
Mediterranean Salad
I love pairing manchego cheese with a Mediterranean salad. The key to this combination is to use high-quality olive oil.
The best olive oils will have fruity, green flavors that compliment the nuttiness of the cheese. I also like to add some acidity to balance out the richness of the cheese.
My go-to Mediterranean salad includes baby spinach, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
The sweetness of the roasted peppers pairs perfectly with the cheese, and the acidity cuts through the richness. The result is a light, refreshing, and utterly addicting salad.
Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
Piquillo peppers are small, sweet peppers that are native to Spain. They can be difficult to find fresh, so I usually buy them jarred.
Stuffed piquillo peppers make an excellent to eat with manchego cheese dish. The peppers and cheese are a match made in culinary heaven. The crispness of the dish contrasts wonderfully with the soft richness of the cheese, and it’s just delicious.
I like to stuff my piquillo peppers with a mixture of manchego cheese, chorizo, and breadcrumbs. Then, I fry them until they are golden brown and crispy.
The result is an irresistible appetizer that is sure to please any crowd.
Prosciutto
There are only a few things in this world that can make manchego cheese taste even better, and prosciutto is one of them.
Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that is thinly sliced and often served as an antipasto. It has a salty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with manchego cheese.
The salty, savory flavors of prosciutto are the perfect complement to the nutty sweetness of manchego cheese. I like to pair them together on a simple charcuterie board with some crackers and a drizzle of honey.
The result is a heavenly combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Salted Crackers
I tend to gravitate toward salty snacks, so it should come as no surprise that I love pairing manchego cheese with salted crackers.
The saltiness of the crackers brings out the sweetness of the cheese, and the crunch is just irresistible. I like to pair them with a simple accompaniment like a fig spread or honey.
The sweetness of the fig spread pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the crackers and the cheese. The honey is a nice touch, but it’s not necessary.
The key to this what-to-eat with manchego cheese combination is to use high-quality crackers. I like to use crackers that are made with whole wheat flour and have a good amount of salt.
Green Beans Fried with Garlic
Green beans are a classic side dish, but they are often overlooked when it comes to what to eat with manchego cheese. I don’t know why, but it seems like people just don’t think to pair the two together.
The funny thing is green beans are the perfect side dish for manchego cheese. They are crispy, and crunchy, and have a slight bitterness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cheese.
So, you’re missing out if you’ve never tried this what-to-eat with manchego cheese combination.
I like to fry my green beans in garlic and olive oil until they are crispy.
Then, I top them with a generous amount of grated manchego cheese. The result is a side dish that is packed with flavor and texture. Trust me, you’re going to love it.
Garlic Bread with Tomatoes
If I didn’t tell you before, I love garlic. It should go without saying that I adore garlic bread with manchego cheese.
This dish is so simple, but it is absolutely delicious. And the key is to use high-quality bread and fresh tomatoes.
I prefer to slice a loaf of sourdough bread into thick pieces and then toast it. I also love to add tomatoes to my garlic bread.
The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the garlic and cheese. Plus, the acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the cheese. It’s just heavenly.
Roasted Corn with Lime
Finally, one of my all-time favorite what to eat with manchego cheese combinations is roasted corn with lime. This dish is so fresh and flavorful, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to manchego cheese.
The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of the cheese, and the lime adds a bright, acidic touch that takes the dish to another level.
There is a bit of prep work involved with this combination.
First, you need to roast the corn. I like to do this on the stovetop, but you can also roast it in the oven. Once the corn is roasted, I add a generous amount of grated manchego cheese and a squeeze of lime. The result is a dish that is packed with flavor and texture.
I guarantee you’re going to love it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you eat the skin on Manchego cheese?
The skin on Manchego cheese is edible, but it’s not my favorite part. I prefer to remove the skin before eating.
Can you freeze Manchego cheese?
Manchego cheese can be frozen, but it’s not my preferred method of storage. The texture of the cheese changes when it’s frozen, and it can become crumbly.
If you must freeze Manchego cheese, I recommend grating it before freezing. This will help to preserve the texture of the cheese.
What meat does Manchego pair with?
Manchego cheese pairs well with a variety of meats, but my personal favorite is ham. The saltiness of the ham brings out the sweetness of the cheese, and they just compliment each other so well.
I also love to pair Manchego cheese with chicken. The mild flavors of the chicken allow the flavor of the cheese to shine.
What is special about Manchego cheese?
Manchego cheese is special because it’s a sheep’s milk cheese. This gives the cheese a unique flavor that you can’t find in other cheeses.
Manchego cheese is also special because it’s only made in the La Mancha region of Spain. This makes it a true Spanish delicacy.
Conclusion
So, we’re done exploring what to eat with Manchego cheese. I hope you’ve found some new and exciting combinations that you’re excited to try.
I want you to always remember that the wrong pairing can make the cheese taste bland or overwhelming. But the right pairing will elevate both the cheese and the dish to new heights.
There are no hard and fast rules – it is all about what you like. I have found that some of the best pairings for manchego cheese are the simplest. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun.
Happy cooking! And, as always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always happy to help.