SPANISH TAPAS: Manchego Cheese Platter | Yaya's Spoon

manchego cheese

💰Cheaper: queso blanco

Queso blanco is a less expensive cheese option.

chorizo

🥗Healthier: turkey chorizo

💰Cheaper: salami

Salami offers a similar flavor profile at a lower cost.

almonds

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are a budget-friendly nut alternative.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: maple syrup

Maple syrup is often less expensive and provides a similar sweetness.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the red bell pepper in a shallow pan to roast without oil.

Roast the pepper for about 15 minutes until the skin sweats and blisters.

Add dry cumin seeds to a non-greased pan on low to medium heat until fragrant.

Remove the warmed cumin seeds and set aside to cool.

Remove the outer skin from the shallot and slice it finely.

Chop the garlic cloves and add both to a small sauce bowl.

Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture.

Zest the lemon and add fresh lemon juice to the mixture.

Optional: add approximately a quarter cup of sherry or substitute with apple cider vinegar.

Double the amount of extra virgin olive oil compared to the sherry or vinegar added.

Add the cooled cumin seeds to the sauce and whisk together until mixed.

Place the sauce in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Remove the outer wax casing from the manchego cheese and slice it into thin uniform pieces.

Remove the roasted bell pepper from the oven and allow it to cool.

Peel a tiny slit on both sides of the pepper to help heat escape, then remove the stem, seeds, and stringy parts.

Slice the roasted pepper into thin strips.

Drizzle olive oil on the cuban bread and toast it until crunchy and warm.

Thinly slice the bread and add it to a serving platter or use crackers as a substitute.

Top the manchego cheese slices with the toasted bread or crackers.

Add the roasted bell pepper slices on top of the cheese.

Drizzle each slice with the sauce mixture and top with olives.

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens