Manchego cheese, hailing from the La Mancha region of Spain, is a popular and delicious addition to many dishes, with its distinct flavor and creamy, firm texture. However, there are times when you may not have access to authentic manchego cheese, or you’re simply looking for a tasty alternative. This article is here to help you explore the world of manchego substitutes, providing you with options that are both versatile and accessible.
The perfect manchego substitute should not only offer a similar taste and texture but also hold up well in various culinary applications, such as grating, melting, and pairing with other ingredients. This journey will take you through a variety of cheese types, from Spanish to Italian, American, and even non-dairy options. Along the way, you’ll discover usage ideas and pairings that will elevate your dishes, with answers to frequently asked questions that will guide you in selecting the best substitute for your needs.
Consider taste, texture, and culinary versatility when choosing a substitute.
Discover usage ideas and pairings that enhance your dishes with alternative cheeses.
Understanding Manchego Cheese
Manchego cheese is a popular Spanish cheese originating from the La Mancha region, which is known for its unique and flavorful dairy products. It is made from the milk of Manchega sheep, known for their high-quality milk, and boasts a rich, nutty flavor and aroma.
There are four main categories of Manchego cheese, determined by their aging process: Fresco, Semicurado, Curado, and Viejo. Fresco is a young cheese, aged for only a few weeks, and has a milder taste. Semicurado is aged for around three months and possesses a slightly stronger flavor. Curado, aged for six months, has a more pronounced nutty taste. Lastly, Viejo is an aged cheese that matures for over a year and develops a deep, robust flavor.
Manchego cheese typically has a pale yellow color and a hard texture. The aroma of this iconic cheese is hinting at the natural grasses and hay consumed by the Manchega sheep, which contributes to its unique and authentic taste.
When enjoying Manchego cheese, you are likely to experience its nutty and rich flavors which pair well with a variety of foods and beverages. Its versatility and distinctive characteristics make it a favorite in Spanish cuisine, and an excellent option for diversifying your cheeseboard.
In summary, Manchego cheese is a celebrated Spanish cheese known for its delicious nutty taste, exceptional aroma, and close ties to the La Mancha region’s farming heritage. As you explore the different ages and flavors of Manchego cheese, you will undoubtedly discover why it stands out among other cheeses and is loved by many.
Qualities of a Good Manchego Substitute
When looking for a good Manchego cheese substitute, there are certain qualities you should consider. First and foremost, flavor should be similar to Manchego’s characteristic taste – a combination of mild, sweet, and nutty notes.
Texture is another crucial aspect to consider. Manchego has a distinct, firm texture that can range from semi-soft to hard, depending on its age. A good substitute should also possess a similar texture to ensure it can be used in the same culinary applications as Manchego.
The way a cheese melts plays an important role in various dishes. Manchego has a moderately good melting capacity, which means it can be used in recipes requiring melted cheese without losing too much of its original structure. Your substitute should offer similar melting capabilities to ensure it performs well in these recipes.
A suitable Manchego substitute should have a flavor profile that can be described as:
Mild – not too sharp or overpowering
Sweet – with a subtle sweetness characteristic of Manchego
Nutty – reminiscent of nuts, adding depth and complexity
To recap, a good Manchego cheese substitute should have a similar flavor, texture, and melting capability as the original cheese. By considering these qualities, you can find a suitable alternative that closely matches the characteristics of Manchego and performs well in your favorite recipes.
But what happens if you run out of Manchego cheese and there’s none left at the grocery store? What are you supposed to do when you can’t get your hands on your favorite cheese? The answer is easy, buy a replacement.
Take Manchego cheese, for example. This cheese is of Spanish origin, and yet some cheeses are similar to it that can be found all over the world.
Real Manchego gets its name from the type of sheep that its milk is sourced from, Manchega sheep or Manchego sheep.
These ingredients make it unique, and yet you can still find cheeses just like it that are manufactured in different countries, using ingredients from different animals.
While you may love Manchego cheese, there comes a time when everybody fancies a change. Luckily, there are a lot of variations of Manchego cheese which are surprisingly similar to the real thing.
So if you fancy a change from Manchego cheese, but still want a gooey and runny cheese, then you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of 9 excellent substitutes for Manchego cheese which could be the perfect option for you.
Mozzarella
The first alternative that we would recommend is Mozzarella.
Mozzarella is a cheese which is of Italian origin, however, it is a staple in dishes all over the world as it was transferred into many different cultures during the Second World War.
During the war, many Italian immigrants took Mozzarella on the journey with them which is why it has transferred into so many different cultures.
Mozzarella is produced using the milk from either a crow or a water buffalo and because of this, it has an extremely milky taste.
However, other than the slight taste of milk, mozzarella does not have many other flavors which is why it is used in so many different dishes.
Primarily you will find it in Italian dishes, however, thanks to the ease at which it melts, mozzarella has been introduced to lots of other meals.
So if you want a gooey and runny substitute for Manchego cheese, mozzarella is definitely one of the best options available.
Monterey Jack
Another great option is Monterey Jack which is of American origin. In fact, Monterey Jack was first produced in California and it was an instant hit with cheese fans across the US.
While it is produced and sold in solid form, a lot of people will only recognize Monterey Jack when it is melted as this is the form in which it is most commonly served.
Traditionally, Monterey Jack is of a creamy and mild flavor, however, changes have occurred to the recipe over the years, and now it is more famously known as a spicy cheese.
You can still get your hands on the traditional, mild Monterey Jack but its dry and pepper versions have definitely become the more popular choices.
So if you fancy a change from Manchego cheese, you should consider giving Monterey Jack a try.
English Cheddar
Alternatively, you can use English Cheddar. Cheddar has an incredibly rich history in the United Kingdom, dating all the way back to the 1100s in the town of Cheddar, in England.
It has a unique taste and comes in a lot of different varieties so that you can choose the flavor which you like the best.
Similar to Monterey Jack, you will usually buy English Cheddar in its solid form, however, it is easy to melt, and once you do you will struggle to find a gooier cheese.
Cheddar usually has a yellow color which gives it the perfect aesthetic look when it is melted.
However, the yellow color is actually added to the Cheddar during the manufacturing process, so it is not uncommon to find cheddar that is white in color.
So if you fancy something a little bit different, and are interested in a strong taste, English Cheddar might be the perfect choice for you.
Muenster Cheese actually originates in France, but you will probably be more familiar with the American version which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
The original Muenster gets its name from the region in France where it was first made, and the American version has simply taken the name from this.
Similar to a lot of other cheeses, the American version of Muenster is quite different from its traditional ancestor.
That being said, they are both still manufactured in a very similar way as they are both made with pasteurized whole cow’s milk.
It has a pale yellow color which is caused by the rind of the cheese, and it can range in flavor depending on the source of the cheese.
It has a soft and smooth texture when in its solid-state, and melts remarkably well, so if you want a gooey substitute for Manchego, Muenster cheese might be the best option for you.
Asiago
Another wonderful substitute is Asiago. This cheese is another one that hails from Italy and it comes in different varieties depending on how aged the cheese is.
As it ages, Asiago cheese becomes drier and a lot more crumbly, and it is known as Asiago d’allevo. But fresh Asiago is a much smoother consistency, and it is fresh Asiago that is a good substitute for Manchego cheese.
This fresh cheese is known as Asiago Pressato, and it is sold in a fresh and soft cheese which has only matured for a handful of months.
It has a rind that can sometimes alter the color of this cheese, but most of the time Asiago Pressato will have a light brown rind which is similar to the color of straw.
While the fresh version of this cheese is mild in taste, it has an extremely pungent smell which is created during the manufacturing process.
It is an excellent cheese for consuming when solid, grated, and even melted for a runny treat, which is why Asiago Pressato is such a wonderful substitute for Manchego cheese.
Chihuahua
Alternatively, you could substitute your Manchego cheese with Chihuahua. Yes, you aren’t hallucinating, Chihuahua is not only a type of dog, but it is also a type of cheese.
As you would expect, this cheese originates from Mexico, and it actually comes from the Mexican State of Chihuahua which is what it is named after.
While you may expect this cheese to be slightly spicy due to its Mexican origin, this is not the case. In fact, Chihuahua cheese is actually very similar to a cheese that we looked at earlier, and that is Cheddar.
Chihuahua cheese is very pale in color with a yellowish tint, and it tastes very similar to cheddar. It is lightly salted and has an incredibly yummy taste which is only enhanced when you consume the cheese in different forms.
While Chihuahua cheese is usually solid in form, similarly to Cheddar, it tastes incredible when it is melted, so if you want a yummy and gooey cheese, Chihuahua could be a great choice.
Parmesan
You could also choose to give Parmesan a go. Parmesan is another Italian cheese that is famously used as the finish on a dish of pasta.
It is well known for being crumbly and having a flavor that completes a dish, but what is Parmesan actually made of?
Parmesan is not given its name because of the region it was made in, as is the case with many Italian cheeses, instead it is given its name due to the manufacturing process.
For a cheese to be classified as Parmesan, it must be made from the milk of a cow that regularly feasts on fresh grass and hay.
The food that the cows eat affects the quality of the milk that is produced and helps give Parmesan its unique taste and texture. It also comes with a strong smell, like many cheeses do, which aids its naturally nutty taste.
While you may have only considered using Parmesan on pasta previously, it is actually excellent for using in a variety of dishes. This is why it is an excellent alternative for Manchego cheese.
Pecorino Romano
Next, we come to Pecorino Romano, and if you want to try a historic cheese, then this is the one for you.
The rich history of Pecorino Romano can be traced all the way back to Roman times, and because of this it is protected by European Union Law, just like Parmesan is.
Due to the legal protection of this cheese, it has to be produced in a specific way for it to be sold under the Pecorino Romano name.
Not only that, but the law also dictates that this scrumptious cheese can only be produced in certain Italian provinces, which can make it more difficult to get your hands on.
The production process of Pecorino Romano is the same as it was back in the Roman days, and in particular, the aging process of this cheese is vital for it to achieve its trademark taste.
To enjoy Pecorino Romano at its runniest state, you want to eat it when it is young so that it is still rubbery and soft.
This cheese does have a very unique flavor which means that a lot of people don’t enjoy it, but if you want to try some traditional Italian cheese then Pecorino Romano is a brilliant choice.
Zamorano
Finally, we would recommend giving Zamorano cheese a try if you fancy a change from Manchego cheese. Zamorano cheese hails from Spain, and is unique to some of the other options we have looked at on this list as it is produced using sheep’s milk.
This cheese is quite similar to both Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses as the production process has to be very specific.
For Zamorano, the production relies on a specific type of sheep being used to source the milk as the milk must come from either Churra or Castilian sheep. This Spanish cheese made from sheep milk makes a great queso dip.
This cheese is named after the area in Spain from which it originates, and unlike some of the other cheeses we have looked at it is very crumbly in texture.
It tastes very buttery and has a nutty twang which is partly due to the high-fat content that you will find in this cheese.
That being said, most cheeses have a high-fat content, so this shouldn’t put you off of trying Zamorano. So if you want to try something different, Zamorano could prove to be the perfect cheese for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you substitute Manchego for parmesan?
Parmesan is one of the most popular cheeses in the world and is used widely thanks to its sharp, complex flavors which are often fruity or nutty to taste. It is actually often referred to as The King of Cheeses, such is the recurring popularity.
While Parmesan has an iconic taste and texture, and true parmesan is a closely monitored and controlled product there are inferior versions that may taste bitter or not be produced using traditional methods.
In the event you’re unable to get your hands on a good quality parmesan, an alternative cheese may be able to take its place.
Manchego is another cheese with a complex, nutty flavor and a comparable texture that can be shaved in a similar way to parmesan due to its hardness.
This makes Manchego a suitable substitute for parmesan, but be aware that manchego is a little less salty than parmesan and may be slightly milder or less sharp, so you may have to take this into account when balancing other flavors and ingredients to account for this substitution.
What is queso manchego in English?
Queso is the Spanish word for cheese, however, it has multiple meanings in different contexts and can actually refer to a particular Mexican dish known as Mexican Cheese Dip.
Queso manchego quite simply means manchego cheese. This cheese is made in the La Mancha region of Spain and is created using milk from a breed of sheep known as the Manchega breed, which gives the cheese its name.
This is a key difference between manchego and parmesan, as parmesan is made using cow’s milk and is traditionally made in northern Italy.
Manchego is usually aged for anywhere around 60 days to 2 years, and the amount of aging will often affect the quality of the cheese and its flavor profile.
Are pecorino and manchego similar?
Pecorino is another popular cheese that may be a little less well known than parmesan, but has a very storied history and has its own unique flavor.
Pecorino is believed to have originated from Roman cuisine, which means it will give you a real taste of history.
The production process and name of this cheese are protected by EU law to ensure that its quality and identity are protected and its prestige remains intact.
This cheese has a very unique flavor that changes as it ages, being milkier when fresher and nuttier and more complex when aged.
Pecorino is made using sheep’s milk, which is the same raw ingredient as manchego. While they are similar in this respect and the flavors may be comparable, there are key differences between these cheeses that become more apparent as they age. However, a nutty flavor and hard texture do make them similar to the inexperienced.
How does Manchego cheese taste?
Manchego has one of the most notable and distinguished flavors of any hard cheese and is also known for its distinctive yellow appearance.
One of its most recognizable characteristics is the hatching or crossed patterns that appear on the rind of the cheese. This is created by the traditional presses that form the cheese.
Always remember that the rind of this cheese is inedible.
Instead, aim for the middle of the cheese which is the softest part of the cheese.
On first tasting, you will notice intense, zesty flavors of fruit and sometimes a nutty profile that is followed by a slightly salty taste.
These rich, complex flavors make Manchego suitable for various uses such as an accompaniment with pasta dishes or as an addition to bread and dessert dishes.
While the Manchego cheese taste is an incredibly yummy cheese, it is always nice to try something new, and if gooey and runny cheeses are your favorite, one of these options could be perfect for you. My family loves queso Manchego.
9 Substitutes For Manchego Cheese That Are Just As Gooey
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
