11 Easy Manchego Cheese Recipes (Spanish-Inspired Dishes) (2024)

Bring the great taste of Spain to your very own kitchen with these Manchego cheese recipes!

Usually served as a table cheese, Manchego is a Spanish cheese hailed from the milk of Manchego sheep. It’s sweet, nutty, and simply mouthwatering.

Not sure what to do with it? Well, whether you’ve brought some back from Spain or have some left over from your last charcuterie board, you’ve come to the right place!

There are so many more ways you can enjoy Manchego than just nibbling on it. From pasta salads to enchiladas, there’s plenty to get excited about.

So, check out these Manchego cheese recipes!

1. Fried Manchego Cheese

Spanish tapas is one of my all-time favorite appetizers. They’re always so delectable and pretty simple to make. That’s why this fried Manchego cheese always goes down a treat.

Triangles of Manchego cheese are coated in egg and then breaded in seasoned breadcrumbs. The slices are fried to a delicious golden brown.

Be sure to cover each and every side of the Manchego cheese slices. That way the cheese can’t escape, and everything stays ooey-gooey on the inside. Yum!

2. Brussels Sprouts in Manchego Cheese Sauce

Brussels sprouts get a lot of stick. I’m convinced that’s only because everyone hasn’t tried this recipe!

Heavy cream and Manchego cheese create the most creamy, gooey, sauce imaginable.

It coats the Brussels sprouts in a deliciousness you can’t resist. You’ll never be a Brussels sprout hater again.

Serve the baked, cheesy sprouts with another sprinkling of freshly grated Manchego cheese. Greens have never tasted this good.

3. Grown-Up Manchego Grilled Cheese Sandwich

There’s nothing quite as nostalgic as a good old grilled cheese. This grown-up Manchego grilled cheese sandwich proves that they’re not just for the kids!

Manchego cheese is melted over caramelized onion and a layer of sweet fig in this adult-only sandwich.

They may look a little fancy, but these tasty sandwiches come together in a jiff. One bite and you won’t want regular grilled cheese ever again.

4. Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Spanish-Style

This baked macaroni and cheese is the melding of the best cheesy side dishes. That being, of course, cheese boards and mac and cheese!

It’s basically a gourmet twist on a family favorite. This mac and cheese is loaded with a cheese board favorite; nutty, sharp Manchego cheese.

You can’t have a cheese board without fruity jam. To capture that sweet flavor, this recipe uses a Spanish condiment called membrillo. It’s a paste or jelly made of quince.

Pretty neat, right?

5. Artichoke Heart and Manchego Cheese Spread

Looking for the perfect to-share party dish? This artichoke heart and Manchego cheese spread is always the shining star at my get-togethers.

And the best part is it only takes 10 minutes to whip up! It’s the ultimate finger food for watching football or hanging out.

The secret to this delicious dip’s success is a teaspoon of Pimentón de la Vera. This distinctive spice is made from dried Spanish chilis. Serve this tasty dip with crispy, sliced baguette.

6. Ham and Manchego Panini with Dipping Sauce

Manchego cheese is perfect for sandwiches. It’s light, nutty, and slightly sharp. Try out this ham and Manchego panini with dipping sauce and see what I mean!

All you need are six ingredients and 20 minutes. Yeah, that’s really all it takes to make these tasty Manchego-packed sandwiches.

Dip them into a homemade sauce made from Dijon mustard and apricot jam for the most amazing mouthful. It’s tangy, it’s sweet, it’s gorgeous.

7. Bacon Manchego Croquettes With Tabasco Ranch

Try a Southern twist on a classic Spanish tapas dish! These bacon Manchego croquettes with tabasco ranch are can’t-stop-eating levels of yum.

This recipe swaps out the Spanish ham for salty, savory bacon. Because everything’s better with a little bacon in it, right?

These scrumptious croquettes are best devoured dipped in a Tabasco and ranch sauce. It’s slightly spicy and ever so cooling. Delish.

8. Spanish Carbonara

Every bite of this Spanish take on a Roman carbonara is delightful on the taste buds. Each new ingredient adds a wonderful depth of flavor to this classic, creamy dish.

Pecorino romano cheese is swapped out for Manchego in this interesting recipe.

Paprika and pimento peppers add a nice kick of heat, and white wine and garlic deepen this pasta’s flavor.

The trick to carbonara is getting the temperature right so that the eggs don’t scramble. They simply cook into a nice and creamy sauce.

9. Shrimp, Basil, and Tomato Pasta With Manchego Cheese

Looking for a hot, fast, and comforting pasta dish? This shrimp, basil, and tomato pasta with Manchego cheese is for you.

Manchego adds a wonderful buttery, mild, and pleasant flavor to each and every noodle. Paired with the light, fresh taste of tomatoes, basil, and shrimp, it creates a sensational dish.

It only takes 20 minutes to throw this delicious dish together. Serve it with a good finishing of black sea salt or Himalayan pink salt. Yum!

10. Spanish Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are a brilliant way of cooling down after a long day in the summer sunshine.

I love to bring this Spanish pasta salad with me to barbecues. It’s even more popular than the burgers.

It’s packed with Spanish flavors like Manchego, grilled peppers, and paprika. So, every bite is truly spectacular.

Plus, this recipe is also super adaptable. So, feel free to swap out and throw in any ingredients you like or have on hand. Enjoy!

11. Spicy Black Bean, Green Chili, and Manchego Enchiladas

These spicy black bean, green chili, and manchego enchiladas are packed with goodness. They’re fantastic for making ahead and great for pleasing crowds!

Black beans, green chili, manchego, and sour cream are all drenched in a fiery red enchilada sauce. This recipe is sure to please spice lovers.

I love to indulge in these cheesy warped beauties with a side of chips, salsa, and red wine.

They taste even better when shared with friends. So, book the date with your best pals. They’ll be begging to come over again and again.

11 Ways to Cook with Manchego Cheese

Manchego cheese is a great way to add a Spanish twist to your dinners! Enjoy delectable dishes such as Spanish-style carbonara, mac & cheese, and so much more.

Ingredients

• Fried Manchego Cheese

• Brussels Sprouts in Manchego Cheese Sauce

• Grown-Up Manchego Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Spanish-Style

• Artichoke Heart and Manchego Cheese Spread

• Ham and Manchego Panini with Dipping Sauce

• Bacon Manchego Croquettes With Tabasco Ranch

• Spanish Carbonara

• Shrimp, Basil, and Tomato Pasta With Manchego Cheese

• Spanish Pasta Salad

• Spicy Black Bean, Green Chili, and Manchego Enchiladas

Instructions

• Select your favorite recipe.
• Organize all the required ingredients.
• Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!