cheese

Pecorino Romano Dip: Easy Cold Appetizer for Potlucks and Tailgate Parties

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for fall football tailgates and holiday potlucks? Look no further than this simple Pecorino Romano Dip! This cold, creamy dip is a breeze to whip up. I most recently made this for my coworker’s birthday bash, and it was a hit! Hence, I’m sharing it because I was asked several times if it would be posted 😉.

Whether you’re cheering on your team or gathering for Thanksgiving, this dip will surely be a hit. Plus, it’s an economical choice that won’t break the bank during the costly holiday season. This dip is made with tangy Pecorino Romano cheese and packs a flavorful punch without requiring fancy ingredients or techniques. In this post, I’ll walk you through making this fuss-free dip that can be served with chips or crisp fresh vegetables.

MISE EN PLACE

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s prep our ingredients. You’ll need:

1 cup of Sour Cream
1 cup of Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
1 tablespoon of Lemon Zest (I recommend using an organic lemon)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

Ingredients needed for making pecorino romano dip: Lemon, salt, pepper, and sour cream.

NOW THAT WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED LET’S GET STARTED!

RECIPE STEPS

STEP 1: MIX THE DIP
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Zest the lemon and add to the bowl, carefully avoiding the bitter white pith beneath the zest. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sour cream.

STEP 2: ADD SEASONINGS
Stir in salt and pepper. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed. Pecorino Romano is quite salty, so you may not need much additional salt.

STEP 3: CHILL & SERVE
For the best flavor, cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Serving Pecorino Romano Dip: Garnish the dip with a sprinkle of lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper. This adds a touch of elegance and hints at the flavors within.

Where Can I Buy Pecorino Romano Cheese?

Pecorino Romano cheese is a traditional Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. It’s known for its sharp, salty flavor. You can find Pecorino Romano cheese in most well-stocked grocery stores, usually in the specialty cheese section. I typically buy my Romano cheese at Kroger, the predominant grocer in my area. If they’re out of stock, then I’ll settle for Romano Cheese, which works just as fine in this dip.

What Is the Difference Between Pecorino Romano and Romano?

The key difference lies in the milk used and the resulting flavor profile. Pecorino Romano’s sheep’s milk gives it a distinctive, sharper taste, while cow’s milk Romano is milder and creamier.

Pecorino Romano:

Made from sheep’s milk.
Has a strong, tangy flavor with a salty finish.
According to Cheese Connoisseur Magazine, Pecorino is one of Italy’s oldest cheeses. The name comes from ‘Pecora’, which means ‘sheep’ in Italian.
Often used grated over pasta dishes, soups, roasted vegetables, and salads.

Romano:

In the United States, it’ refers to a cow’s milk cheese known as “Domestic Romano.”
It’s milder and less salty compared to Pecorino Romano.
Less expensive than Pecorino Romano.

COOKS TIP: If you want a more artisanal variety, visit a local cheese shop or an Italian market. Some online retailers offer high-quality Pecorino Romano.

What Is Pecorino Romano Dip Good On?

Pecorino Romano Dip is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to inspire your serving options:
Fresh Vegetables: Serve the dip with an assortment of fresh, crunchy sliced vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers. The crisp texture of the vegetables complements the creamy dip perfectly.

Crackers and Bread: Offer a variety of crackers, crostini, or slices of crusty bread.

Grilled Meats: Pecorino Romano Dip makes a fantastic topping for grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or lamb. The rich, tangy flavors add a gourmet touch to your barbecue spread.

Chips: Serve the dip with potato chips or pita chips. The dip’s creamy texture and robust flavor elevate these simple snacks to a new level.

Can I Make Pecorino Romano Dip Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Pecorino Romano Dip is an excellent make-ahead appetizer. In fact, preparing it ahead of time can enhance the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together. You can make the dip up to two days in advance. Be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give the dip a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

How Long Will This Dip Last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Pecorino Romano Dip will last for about 3 to 5 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days when the flavors are freshest. Be sure to check the dip for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or discoloration, before serving.

All in All

Pecorino Romano Dip is a delightful addition to any gathering. Its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and versatility make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Whether serving it with fresh veggies, crunchy crackers, or as a topping for grilled meats, this dip proves that simple ingredients can make a big impression. So, next time you’re cooking for a party or just looking for a new recipe, try this Pecorino Romano Dip!

Pecorino Romano Dip

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1 cup of Sour Cream
1 cup of Pecorino Romano cheese finely grated
1 tablespoon of Lemon Zest I recommend using an organic lemon
Salt to taste
Freshly ground Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

STEP 1: MIX THE DIP

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Zest the lemon and add to the bowl, carefully avoiding the bitter white pith beneath the zest. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sour cream.

STEP 2: ADD SEASONINGS

Stir in salt and pepper. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed. Pecorino Romano is quite salty, so you may not need much additional salt.

STEP 3: CHILL & SERVE

For the best flavor, cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Serve with sliced vegetables (cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots), crusty bread, pita chips, crostini, or thick-cut potato chips like wavy chips.

Garnish with additional lemon zest or freshly cracked black pepper.

Keyword cheese, dip, romano cheese, sour cream

Enjoy and if you need more tailgate and party inspo, try one of these snack recipes:

Spicy Fried Pickle Dip

Check out this recipe

Zesty Tailgate Snack Mix

Bourbon Candied Bacon

With a rich blend of sweet and savory flavors infused with bourbon's unique notes, this delicious snack will quickly become a favorite at your cookout!

Check out this recipe

Plate of candied bacon, glass of bourbon on the rocks and red flower.

Simple Marinated Manchego Cheese

Marinated Manchego Cheese: Elevate Your Cheese Platter with Flavorful Finesse

There’s something undeniably magical about marinated manchego cheese. It’s a very simple recipe to prepare, has a rich flavor profile, and effortlessly elevates any meal or snack. I even had a neighbor text me that she made this recipe for a Kentucky Derby party, and it was a hit!

And while I could go on and on about my love for this dish, today, I want to shine a spotlight on one particular topic: reducing food waste. This recipe uses leftover sun-dried tomato oil that usually gets tossed once the actual tomatoes are used in dishes like pasta salad or pizza. I always feel terrible throwing it out, knowing that it’s packed with flavor and so much potential. Therefore, I started exploring ways to use the reserved oil, and this is one of my favorite discoveries.

marinated manchego cheese ready to serve with serving spoon

A Brief Introduction to Manchego 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.

Jar of reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes. There are no tomatoes in the jar.

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 interested in another pleasing cheese dish, check out my recipe for homemade Pimento Cheese. It’s a Southern staple, that I make very often.