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Queso Manchego con Aceitunas y Piquillos

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This elegant Spanish appetiser, Queso Manchego con Aceitunas y Piquillos, offers a sophisticated balance of flavours and textures. The nutty, firm profile of the Manchego cheese provides a wonderful base for the vibrant, salty tapenade made from cured black olives, sweet piquillo peppers, and umami-rich anchovies. It is a visually striking dish that brings the authentic taste of a traditional tapas bar into your home with minimal effort.

Perfect as part of a party platter or as a light starter before a Mediterranean meal, this dairy-free alternative recipe is naturally full of Mediterranean sunshine. The combination of rich olive oil and fresh parsley lifts the heavier notes of the cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing snack that pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of dry Sherry or a crisp white wine.

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Ingredients for Queso Manchego con Aceitunas y Piquillos

  • One 1 3/4-inch wedge (about 230g ) Manchego cheese

  • 30 cured black olives, pitted and chopped

  • 110g chopped piquillo peppers or pimientos

  • 6 anchovy fillets

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

  • Minced fresh parsley

How to make Queso Manchego con Aceitunas y Piquillos

Cut the wedge of cheese lengthwise into 1/8-inch slices to form triangular pieces. In a mortar or mini processor, mash to a paste the olives, piquillos, anchovies, and oil.

Spread about 3/4 teaspoons of the mixture on each cheese slice. Sprinkle with parsley and arrange attractively on a serving dish.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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