Queso Manchego Crostini {Easy Spanish Appetizer}
on Jun 29, 2020
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This Queso Manchego Crostini is an easy and delicious appetizer made with simple ingredients that pack in some big flavors! All you need is sliced bread, olive oil, Spanish Queso Manchego, and other favorite toppings to make a party platter or delightful finger food.
Ever since my trip to Spain a few years ago, I have been obsessed with Queso Manchego cheese.
I think I’ve nailed many dishes using Queso Manchego. But to be honest, my favorite way of using Manchego cheese is to add it to crostini. It’s one of the simplest finger food that’s full of flavor!
What is Queso Manchego?
Queso Manchego is a staple cheese in Spanish cuisine. It’s made from both pasteurized and unpasteurized sheep milk in the region of La Mancha, and comes under the PDO guidelines. It uses the milk of sheep of the Manchega breed that produces particularly delicious and flavorful milk.
Queso Manchego cheeses are usually aged from 2 months to up to 2 years. The color ranges from pale yellow to greenish-black. They have a distinctive and inedible rind with a basket weave pattern. It’s a full-fat cheese which is rich in calcium and essential vitamins such as A, D, and E.
Queso Manchego Crostini
Before you move onto a more exciting recipe, let me assure you – these are not your typical crostini. Thanks to a surprise ingredient in there, these crostini bites will be one of the most popular finger food at your next party. Even better? They take less than 10 minutes to make!
The secret ingredient is Queso Manchego! Have you ever tried Manchego cheese before?
This magical cheese adds so much flavor to the crostini. If you’d like to have a quick snack, it’s the best! All you need to do is to toast the bread and add Queso Manchego cheese and your favorite toppings on top. So delicious!
What does queso manchego taste like?
The flavors sharpen with age, so does the texture. It has a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that’s unique to sheep’s milk. It pairs well with honey, almonds, or marmalade.
How to make Queso Manchego crostini
- Cut a baguette into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Lightly brush each slice with olive oil and place on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake at 400°F for 6-8 minutes or until lightly toasted. Let it cool. (You can also store them in an airtight container until ready to use later).
Serve it up with your favorite topping (such as cherry tomatoes and roasted bell pepper) and thinly sliced manchego cheese…that’s it! So easy!
Topping variations
Without a doubt, this Queso Manchego Crostini is packed with big flavors. You can cut Manchego cheese into thin slices or shred it. Below are some great topping options that pair well with Manchego:
- Roasted bell peppers (see the photo below)
- Cherry tomatoes or sundried tomatoes
- Olives
- Guacamole
You can also sprinkle with your favorite herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley. Once you take a bite, you’ll fall in love with this queso manchego crostini!
Other ways to use Queso Manchego
As an ambassador for its Spanish culture, Queso Manchego suits all kinds of cheese boards and palates. It pairs well with figs, almonds, olives, and prosciutto. You can also add dates, apples, grapes, apricots, and honey.
More recently, many recipes have incorporated Manchego cheese into mac & cheese, salads, sandwiches, and hand pies. It melts well and works wonders with all types of egg dishes.
Queso Manchego Crostini {Easy Spanish Appetizer}
Ingredients
- 1 baguette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 block Queso Manchego cheese
- your favorite toppings
Instructions
- Preheat oven 400°F.
- Cut a baguette into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Lightly brush each slice with olive oil and place on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes or until lightly toasted.
- Let it cool. (You can also store the cooled slices in an airtight container and use them later).
- Cut Queso Manchego cheese into thin slices.
- Place Manchego cheese on top of the baguette slices and serve it up with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
