What is it?

Manchego, Spain’s most well-known cheese, is made from sheep’s milk and always features a basket weave pattern on its rind. It’s usually aged at least three months—and often more—so the flavor can range from mild to sharp. We like aged manchegos (1 year or older), for their firmer texture and nutty flavor.

Manchego pairs well with sweet things like figs, or Spain’s famous membrillo—a firm, slicable quince paste

Don’t have it?

If don’t have Manchego, try another aged Spanish cheese, such as Mahón.

How to choose:

Manchego cheese has found its way into many supermarket cheese sections, but if you can’t find it there, try a speciality cheese shop, or online.

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Recipes

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  Recipe

  Grilled Chicken, Pear, Almond, and Manchego Salad

  Simply seasoned chicken balances sweet juicy pears, buttery cheese, and a bold vinaigrette in this main-course salad.

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  Recipe

  Nuevo Latino Shrimp and Grits

  A garlicky chipotle-spiked marinade for the shrimp and a verdant tomatillo and cilantro salsa give this dish some Latin flair. You’ll make more salsa than you need, but that’s good…

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  Recipe

  Shaved Squash Carpaccio with Capers and Ricotta Salata

  Refreshing and light, this is a perfect first course for a summer dinner. Make it up to a few hours in advance, keeping it covered and chilled and adding the…

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  Recipe

  Smoky Spanish Albondigas Soup

  This is a lighter Spanish version of spaghetti and meatballs. Manchego and smoked paprika add depth of flavor while saffron dresses up the tomatoey broth.

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  Mashed Potato Gratin with Manchego & Horseradish

  This has all the comfort-food joy of traditional mashed potatoes, but with a more sophisticated feel.

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  Recipe

  Twice-Baked Potatoes with Chorizo and Roasted Red Pepper

  Manchego, chorizo, and smoked paprika lend a Spanish flavor to a beloved American comfort food. These potatoes are big enough to be a main dish; make halves (see variation below)…

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  Recipe

  Manchego and Marcona Almond Pesto

  丰富的羊的奶与烤奶酪对好lmonds. In this Spanish twist, the two come together with peppery arugula and lemon zest to make a bright tasting pesto that…

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  Recipe

  Smoked Chicken and Corn Quiche

  In this Southwestern take on a traditional quiche, smoked chicken and sweet corn add texture to the silky custard, while roasted poblano chiles lend a touch of heat.