Marinated Manchego Cheese: Elevate Your Cheese Platter with Flavorful Finesse
There’s something undeniably magical about marinated Manchego cheese. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet packed with rich, savory flavor that effortlessly elevates a meal, appetizer spread, or afternoon snack. I even had a neighbor text me to say she made this recipe for a Kentucky Derby party, and it was a hit!
While I could go on and on about my love for this dish, there’s another reason I keep coming back to it: it’s a delicious way to reduce food waste.
This recipe puts leftover sun-dried tomato oil to good use. You know, that flavorful oil left behind in the jar after you’ve used the tomatoes in pasta salad, pizza, or another recipe. I always hate tossing it because it’s infused with so much flavor and still has plenty of potential. So, I started experimenting with ways to use the reserved oil instead of throwing it away, and this marinated Manchego has become one of my favorite discoveries.
What is Manchego Cheese?
Aged Spanish sheep’s-milk cheese.
For those who aren’t acquainted, Manchego is a Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk. It hails from the La Mancha region of Spain, hence the name. With its distinctively nutty and buttery flavor, Manchego has rightfully earned its place as a staple in cheese lovers’ hearts and charcuterie boards around the globe. Its texture is semi-hard, and through aging, the flavors become bold and sharp.
For this recipe, I opted for a fresher, less cured, or aged manchego. A more aged manchego is crumblier, and I want the cheese to hold its shape while it marinates. If your local store has a cheesemonger, they can help with selecting the right cheese. For example, I talked with a cheese clerk at Kroger who helped me locate the manchego and select an affordable wedge that met my needs for this particular recipe.
Why Marinated Manchego?
Now, let’s talk about why I’m particularly smitten with marinated Manchego. You see, while Manchego shines on its own, marinating it takes its flavor game to a whole new level. Plus, this recipe calls for only 5 ingredients!
The Marinade Magic
To create this tantalizing treat, we start with a simple yet vibrant marinade. I like repurposing the leftover oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes for this task. That oil infuses the tomatoes’ intense, concentrated flavor, adding a delightful depth to our marinade. Most brands also infuse their tomatoes with garlic, seasonings, and herbs.
Tip: Check the ingredient list on your jar of sun-dried tomatoes to see which flavors you can expect to taste.
MISE EN PLACE
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s prep our ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1/2 pound of Manchego cheese – rind removed, cubed, or sliced into bite-sized pieces.
- 1/3 cup of reserved sun-dried tomato oil
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme – leaves removed from stems
- 1 teaspoon of orange zest
- Salt and pepper – to taste
NOW THAT WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED LET’S GET STARTED!
RECIPE STEPS
STEP 1: DICE THE CHEESE
First, slice your Manchego cheese into bite-sized pieces. This allows the marinade to permeate every nook and cranny, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
STEP 2: MAKE THE MARINADE
Next, combine the sun-dried tomato oil with freshly grated orange zest and fragrant fresh thyme in a bowl. The citrusy brightness of the orange zest and the earthy aroma of the thyme complement the richness of the cheese beautifully.
Tip: Personalize this recipe by incorporating your favorite herbs instead of the thyme.
Tip: Shake up the marinade ingredients in the jar to save on dishes.
STEP 3: MARINATE THE CHEESE and SERVE
Now, gently toss the sliced Manchego in the marinade until each piece is coated with this flavorful dressing. Cover the bowl and let it work its magic in the fridge for at least an hour, though I find that letting it marinate overnight truly intensifies the flavors.
VIDEO
Here’s a short video to see the recipe steps in action.
Serving suggestions for Marinated Manchego Cheese
- Serve as part of a charcuterie board or appetizer platter
- Toss in fresh leafy greens for a simple salad
- Toss in pasta dishes for added flavor
- Paired with crackers for an easy snack
Cheese Substitutes for Marinated Manchego Cheese
If you find yourself unable to find manchego in your local grocery store, you’ll want to opt for a cheese with a similar texture. Here are some other cheeses to consider for this recipe:
- Aged Pecorino-Romano: According to Chef’s Pencil, this is the closest non-Spanish cheese to manchego.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: Very similar in firmness, sharpness, and salty profile.
- Castellano: A Spanish cheese with a firm texture.
- Asiago: Accessible in many American groceries. It’s semi-aged and also has a firm texture.
All in All
Overall, this is a wonderfully simple appetizer to make for yourself or guests. Marinating cubes of manchego (or similar cheese) is effortless, all while delivering an elevated tasting experience. I’m pleased with finding a new way to stretch the leftover sun-dried tomato oil.
If you’re a fellow cheese lover, there’s plenty more to explore! For more cheesy inspiration, check out my How to Make Smoked Mac and Cheese, which features cheddar cheese for a rich, smoky bite. You can also find creamy goat cheese in Fried Goat Cheese Please, or take comfort food to the next level with my Pimento Cheese Twice-Baked Potato. Each recipe offers a different way to enjoy plenty of cheesy goodness.
Marinated Manchego Cheese
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound of Manchego cheese – rind removed cubed, or sliced into bite-sized pieces.
- 1/3 cup of reserved sun-dried tomato oil
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme – leaves removed from stems
- 1 teaspoon of orange zest
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Dice your Manchego cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- Next, combine the sun-dried tomato oil with freshly grated orange zest and fragrant fresh thyme in a jar or whisk in a bowl.
- Now, gently toss the sliced Manchego in the marinade until each piece is coated with this flavorful dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. Preferably overnight for a more intense infusion.
Notes
SAVE THIS FOR LATER. PIN THIS RECIPE TODAY!
