Spain has a rich cheese heritage with over 26 Designations of Origin (D.O). One of the most prominent and indigenous types is Manchego cheese, made from the milk of Manchego sheep and linked to the designation of origin of La Mancha. It's considered a delicatessen product worldwide, just like Iberian ham.

At Enrique Tomás, we will show you what it is, how it's made, and how to enjoy Manchego cheese.

This way, you can savor its flavor like a true gourmet!

What is Manchego Cheese?

Manchego cheese is a type of aged cheese that, as its name suggests, is produced in Castilla-La Mancha and is made from the milk of Manchego sheep.

There are different brands and types of Manchego cheeses – some with nuts, and there are even artisan Manchego cheeses. Regardless of the variety, its quality has led to an increasing number of fans. In fact, this Iberian cheese has a designation of origin with a regulatory council responsible for its certification. And most importantly: it's delicious!

At the World Cheese Awards, the most important cheese competition in the world, Manchego cheese consistently ranks among the top 100 cheeses every year. Its excellent taste has spread its reputation beyond our borders.

How is it Made?

Manchego sheep cheese is made from pasteurized milk and requires aging for a minimum of 30 days up to a maximum of 2 years. The milk used in this Spanish cheese contains no medicinal products, and every detail is carefully managed during the production process, resulting in an exceptionally high-quality cheese.

 
Manchego Cheese

Manchego Cheese

7 Ways to Enjoy Manchego Cheese

Now that we know what it is and how it's made, let's talk about how to enjoy Manchego cheese. In Spanish cuisine, it's typical to serve cheese as part of a shared appetizer, whether on a plate, a cheese board, or as a tapa.

Thanks to its irresistible taste and versatility, there are countless recipes where adding this type of cheese enhances the deliciousness.

Keep reading to discover them!

On Its Own

As we mentioned, enjoying Manchego cheese on its own is the most suitable way to fully appreciate its flavor. Whether served on a plate, as a tapa, or on a cheese board, being a delicatessen product of high quality, much like Iberian ham or Iberian cold cuts, it's worth savoring it solo, accompanied by a bit of bread and olive oil.

To fully savor its taste, it's important to know how to slice Manchego cheese. When done correctly, you'll enjoy all its aromas to the fullest. Prepare a cheese and wine tasting, and you'll see – all your guests will be delighted!

Furthermore, at Enrique Tomás, we also advise you on which wines to pair with this delicacy.

How to Eat Manchego Cheese

Adding Manchego Cheese to Recipes

In Salad

Just as the Italians have mozzarella for the Caprese salad, Manchego cheese is an ideal ingredient to add to salads. A good combination could feature slices of delicious tomatoes from southern Spain's orchards, accompanied by Manchego cheese, olive oil, and oregano.

Just thinking about it makes our mouths water!

Spanish Garden Tomato

Manchego Cheese

With Jam

While it's common to pair goat cheese with tomato jam, this doesn't mean it's the only one with a flavor suited for fruit preserves. Manchego cheese is just as suitable for pairing with jam.

We recommend raspberry jam, but you can choose your favorite. Peach, blueberry, apple... any combination works!

With Pasta or Pizza

Grated cheese is often added to various pasta dishes, but filled pasta also allows for incorporating this ingredient directly into the preparation. If you're making your own ravioli, we suggest stuffing them with a bit of Manchego cheese. Once they're ready, cook them and serve with a tomato and nut-based sauce that will intensify their flavor. It will be a delicious dish!

On the other hand, one of the best pizzas out there is undoubtedly the four-cheese pizza. If you make it using high-quality Manchego cheese, you'll enjoy it even more! We recommend not buying it pre-made because using quality ingredients in both the dough and the other ingredients...

will make it irresistible!

Four-Cheese Pizza

Ravioli with Manchego Cheese

In Skewers

Manchego cheese skewers are an exquisite choice for canapés, tapas, or original dinners...

Manchego Cheese Skewers

Cheese Board, Iberian Ham, and Cold Cuts

One of the most typical starters in our cuisine is a selection of Iberian cold cuts, Iberian ham, and cheese, enjoyed with bread – undoubtedly a pleasure that everyone will appreciate.

Additionally, if you add seasonal fruits, typical of each season, as accompaniments, you'll create a lighter and delicious meal or dinner to share.

Discover more at:

• How to prepare a cold cuts platter?
• Iberian Cold Cuts and Seasonal Fruits Platter.
  
  

Manchego Cheese Cake

It's a classic. This cake is prepared with just 5 ingredients: eggs, cream, sugar, water, and... of course, the finest Manchego cheese! Create caramel with a portion of the sugar and water, then beat the rest of the sugar with eggs, grated cheese, and cream. Pour the mixture into a mold and bake at 180 degrees for 35 minutes. Easy, isn't it?

As you can see, Manchego cheese can be enjoyed in countless ways, but it's clear that none of these ways is better than the others. When it comes to taste, there are no set rules, so choose the one you like the most and indulge!

 Manchego Cheese Cake

Curated and Semi-cured Cheeses at Enrique Tomás

Finally, at Enrique Tomás' online store, you can find cured cheeses from our region that are just as delicious as Manchego cheese, as well as the best deals for purchasing ham or shoulder.

Take a look at all our offers on our website!

Semi-cured Goat Cheese

Semi-cured Sheep Cheese

Semi-cured Three-Milk Cheese (Cow-Goat-Sheep)