9 Best Manchego Cheese Substitutes

Wondering what to do when you run out of Manchego cheese? Don’t stress it, just use a replacement! In this post, you’ll find 9 Best Manchego Cheese Substitutes you can use.

What is Manchego Cheese?

Manchego cheese originates from Spain and is made of Manchego sheep’s milk. It has a nutty and salty taste and is traditionally served with quince paste. 

The cheese is aged for three to four months and can last for up to two years.

What Does Manchego Cheese Taste Like? 

The flavor of Manchego cheese has a salty, buttery and nutty flavor that you would expect of a sheep’s milk cheese. However, Manchego is rather mild in  comparison to other sheep and goat’s milk cheeses., Its distinctive creaminess lingers on your palate long after you eat it. 

Best Manchego Cheese Substitutes

English Cheddar

It has a unique taste and comes in several different varieties which allows you to choose the flavor which you like the best. 

As it ages, English Cheddar develops a distinct sharp taste.

Fresh Asiago

Asiago cheese comes from Veneto, Italy at the plateau at the foothills. It is made from whole cow’s milk and its texture is due to its aging process. The fresh variety,  known as  Asiago Pressato,  has a smooth texture and makes for a good Manchego substitute., 

Monterey Jack 

Monterey Jack is an all-American cheese and originated in a monastery in California called Mexican Franciscan friars of Monterey.

It quickly became popular and is now a favorite among cheese lovers worldwide.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua cheese is very pale in color with a tint of yellow and has a very similar taste to cheddar. It is only slightly salted and has an incredibly yummy taste which is enhanced when the cheese is consumed in different forms.

Although Chihuahua cheese is usually solid in form, much like Cheddar, it also tastes amazing when melted.  So, if you want yummy and gooey cheese, Chihuahua could be the one for you.  

Mozzarella 

Mozzarella is made from pasteurized or unpasteurized milk from either cows or water buffalos. It is brined, has a milky taste, and a semi-soft consistency. It is commonly known for its melting, browning, and elastic-like consistency and often comes in the shape of a pear or loaf.  

It is primarily found in Italian dishes but because of its great melting ability, mozzarella works well in lots of other meals.

Muenster Cheese

The taste of Muenster cheese ranges from mild, savory and bland to sharp Jack-like cheese. Its texture is moist, soft, and smooth but develops a pungency as it ages. When in solid form, it has a soft and smooth texture but it can also melt quite well.  

Parmesan

Though Italian hard cheese or Parmesan cheese might be controversial,  the density, hardness and granular texture of Parmesan is probably the most renowned internationally. You might only consider using Parmesan on pasta but it is excellent in a variety of dishes.

Pecorino Romano

You should eat Pecorino Romano when it is young, rubbery and soft so that you can enjoy it at its runniest state.

As it ages, it becomes crumbly, flaky, grainy, and dense, while achieving a salty, spicy, smoky, and sharp flavor, and an aroma that is strong and nutty. Since it does have an extremely salty taste, Pecorino Romano might not be liked by everyone. 

Zamorano

Zamorano is a popular cheese originating from Spain. It is made from sheep’s milk but it must be the milk of Castilian and Churra sheep. 

It has a very buttery taste with a hint of nuttiness which is somewhat due to its high-fat content. 

Can you Substitute Manchego for Parmesan?

Yes. When you are unable to get a good quality parmesan, an alternative such as Manchego could take its place.

You May Also Like

• 9 Best Taleggio Cheese Substitutes
• Best Cheesecloth Substitutes