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Marinated Manchego

This elegant marinated Manchego is a sophisticated addition to any tapas spread or charcuterie board. By gently poaching garlic and fresh orange slices in extra-virgin olive oil, you create a fragrant, citrus-infused base that beautifully complements the nutty profile of the Spanish sheep's milk cheese. The addition of woody rosemary provides a savoury depth that balances the bright notes of the fruit, resulting in a versatile vegetarian snack that feels truly special.

Perfect for effortless entertaining, this dish is best prepared a day in advance to allow the oils to fully penetrate the cheese. Whether served as part of a festive gathering or enjoyed as a simple weekend appetiser with a glass of sherry, it offers a wonderful contrast of textures and Mediterranean flavours. Simply pair it with some crusty bread to soak up every drop of the aromatic oil.

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Ingredients for Marinated Manchego

  • 1 head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled (about 12 cloves)

  • 1 small orange, quartered through stem end, thinly sliced crosswise, seeds removed

  • 120ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 sprigs rosemary

  • Kosher salt

  • 450g young Manchego cheese, cut or broken into 3/4" pieces

Cook garlic, orange, and oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic starts to turn golden, 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and add rosemary sprigs. Season with salt and let cool.

Pour garlic mixture into a medium bowl, add cheese, and gently toss to coat cheese. Cover and chill at least 12 hours before serving.

Cheese can be marinated 3 days ahead. Keep chilled.

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.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

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

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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