Appetizers & Starters > Meat-Based Starters > Charcuterie Boards > Cured Meats Selection

Spanish Tapas Board with Chorizo and Manchego

Transport your taste buds to Spain with this delectable tapas board. Featuring spicy chorizo, nutty Manchego cheese, and other traditional Spanish ingredients, this appetizer is a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of Spanish cuisine.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 4 oz Spanish Chorizo (cured)
  • 4 oz Manchego Cheese
  • 3 oz Serrano Ham
  • 1/2 cup Marcona Almonds
  • 1/2 cup Spanish Olives (Gordal or Manzanilla)
  • 4 oz Membrillo (Quince Paste)
  • 1 bag Picos de Pan (Breadsticks)
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • as needed Fresh Rosemary Sprigs

Selecting Your Meats

Choose Spanish cured chorizo, which is typically spicier and has a distinctive flavor. Serrano ham is another must-have, offering a salty and savory taste. Look for high-quality meats from a specialty store or online retailer. Consider the level of spiciness you prefer when selecting your chorizo.

Choosing Cheeses

Manchego cheese is a quintessential Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a nutty, slightly tangy flavor and a firm texture. Look for different ages of Manchego for a variety of flavors, from young and mild to aged and robust.

Adding Spanish Elements

Include Marcona almonds, which are sweeter and rounder than regular almonds. Spanish olives, such as Gordal or Manzanilla, add a briny and savory element. Membrillo (quince paste) provides a sweet and fruity contrast to the savory meats and cheeses. These components offer an authentic Spanish touch.

Arranging the Board

Start by placing the cheeses and membrillo on the board. Arrange the chorizo and Serrano ham in an appealing way. Scatter the Marcona almonds and olives around the board to fill in the spaces. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika for added flavor. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tapas board with picos de pan (Spanish breadsticks) for enjoying the flavors. Offer a selection of Spanish wines that pair well with tapas, such as a dry sherry like Fino or a red wine like Rioja. A cold Spanish beer also complements the flavors nicely.

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FAQ

  • Can I substitute the Manchego cheese?

    If you can't find Manchego, you can substitute with other sheep's milk cheeses like Zamorano or Roncal.
  • Where can I find membrillo?

    Membrillo can be found in specialty food stores, Spanish markets, or online retailers.
  • How can I make the board spicier?

    Use a spicier variety of chorizo, such as Chorizo Ibérico de Bellota, or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the olive oil.