Manchego cheese tapas are the perfect little appetizers not only for a Spanish-themed party. With their simple and quick preparation and short ingredient list, they are the ideal last-minute bites.
Special diet information
What does this manchego cheese tapas recipe contain?
Dairy – Yes
Gluten – Yes
Meat – Yes
Nuts – No
Refined sugar – Yes (low amount – in fig jam)
How to make manchego cheese tapas
First, prep all the ingredients – cut the baguette into thin slices. Cut the cheese and get the jam.
Next, find a serving tray/platter and assemble the bites: a slice of baguette + a slice of chorizo + a cheese wedge + jam.
Sprinkle with black pepper and serve. Using toothpicks to secure these canapes is optional.
How to cut manchego cheese?
To make these manchego tapas, simply cut the block into thin triangles (wedges), and each cut in half again. They should be quite thin (about ¼-inch/5-millimeters).
Possible variations
- Cheese – use other hard cheese, even cheddar will work.
- Chorizo – try jamon (or prosciutto) as a substitution.
- Jam – spread a little bit of pesto over the baguette instead.
Frequently asked questions:
Appetizers, snacks, canapes – literally any small-sized meal (even paella can be a tapa when served in a small bowl or plate). They vary from pub to pub so there is no right or wrong when it comes to these traditional Spanish appetizers.
In most Spanish pubs, you would find simple snacks – a slice of tortilla Espanola, a bowl of olives or fried potatoes (patatas bravas), a few slices of jamon with fresh baguette,…
Then, there are places that go the extra mile and turn simple pub snacks into amazing creations. The great place to see this is in Madrid’s San Miguel Market (Mercado San Miguel) or in any tapas bar in San Sebastian.
Now that does not mean that in order to taste the best Spanish tapas, you need to go to those places.
You can make them at home or (when in Spain) visit any local pub and have a look at what they have on offer. They are usually ready-made behind a chilled or heated glass counter, which is usually a part of the bar area.
Yes and no. Some establishments can have a selection of a few (usually you can choose 1) when you order a glass of beer. However, this is not a rule so if not sure always ask.
More Spain-inspired appetizers for you to try:
- Patatas Bravas
- Fried Manchego
- Almond Stuffed Olives
- Garlic Shrimp
- Chorizo Bites
- Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Olive and Feta Shooters
Manchego Cheese Tapas
Ingredients
- 1 baguette (medium, thinly sliced, see note 1)
- chorizo (sliced, see note 2)
- ½ pound Manchego cheese (250 grams)
- black pepper (to taste)
- 9 teaspoons fig jam (see note 3)
Instructions
- Place the baguette slices onto a serving platter. Top each with a slice of chorizo.
- Cut manchego cheese into about ¼ inch slices (5 millimeters) and cut each slice in half. Cut off the black parts. Place one manchego wedge on top of the chorizo. Season with black pepper and top with about a ½ teaspoon of jam.
- Secure with a toothpick (optional). Repeat with the rest of them.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe yields 18 slices but you can get more or less, depending on the size of your baguette. Mine was about 10-12 inches long (26-30 centimeters). Cut it into about ½-inch (1-centimeter) thin slices.
- You will need thinly sliced Spanish chorizo from the deli counter. At least 18 slices.
- Don’t overdo it with fig jam. A little goes a long way here. You might need less than 9 teaspoons. The nutritional information is per 1 bite.
- These bites can serve (as an appetizer alongside with other snacks) 6 people.
Dalia says
Should the baguettes be toasted, or fresh, before assembling?
Julia | Appetizer Addiction says
Hi Dalia. Most Spanish tapas are quite simple so the baguette is not toasted. However, if you prefer it toasted, go ahead and do so! Hope this helps.