Originally from Spain, Manchego is a white cheese made from sheep’s milk. It’s a very versatile cheese that can be used to top burgers, add flavor to salads, and is delicious melted in sandwiches.
If your recipe calls for Manchego cheese and you don’t have any on hand, there are some excellent choices to use in its place. Today we’re sharing 7 of the best Manchego cheese substitutes.

What is Manchego Cheese?
Manchego cheese is made with the milk of the Manchega breed of sheep. It’s golden in color, has a semi-hard texture, and the flavor is a combination of buttery, salty, and nutty.
Best Manchego Cheese Substitutes
Mozzarella
Easy to source and economical in price, mozzarella is an excellent substitute for recipes that involve the melting of the cheese.
English Cheddar
Because of its strong, sharp taste, cheddar is a great option to use in place of manchego. Choose an aged cheddar for the best flavor.
Monterey Jack
Depending on the recipe you’re making, you’ll want to select the best type of monterey jack. The regular version has a mild and buttery flavor, while the Dry Jack is aged and stronger in flavor. Pepper Jack has a spicy taste that adds a kick to dishes.
Asiago
Fresh Asiago cheese is a good substitute for Manchego cheese, and is easy to source at grocery stores and delis.
Muenster Cheese
The flavor of Muenster ranges from mild to sharp. It melts well, making it a good choice when you want a gooey melted cheese.
Parmesan
This cheese is easy to find at grocery stores and is a good substitute for Manchego. Be sure to select aged hard parmesan for its sharp and flavorful taste.
Pecorino Romano
If you enjoy the taste of this cheese, it can be used in recipes calling for Manchego with great results.
Can you Substitute Manchego for Parmesan?
Yes, but because manchego isn’t as salty and sharp as parmesan, you may want to add a pinch more salt to your recipe.
What Does Manchego Cheese Taste Like?
Manchego has a flavor that’s a combination of buttery, salty, and nutty. You may also notice a zesty fruit flavor as well.
How to Substitute Manchego
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mozzarella
- optional other substitutes
Notes
- Use mozzarella or other substitutes to replace manchego cheese according to the recipe.
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