When it comes to Spanish cuisine, serrano ham and manchego cheese are two of the most iconic ingredients. Both with a rich history and distinct flavor profiles, they are often paired together to create a simple yet sophisticated appetizer or snack. Serrano ham is a dry-cured ham made from the hind leg of a white pig, while manchego cheese is a firm, flavorful cheese made from sheep's milk. Together, they offer a delicious balance of salty, savory, and nutty flavors. Whether you are entertaining guests or just looking for a quick and easy meal, a serrano ham and manchego cheese plate is sure to please.
Let's cook with our recipes!
PAN CON TOMATE WITH SERRANO HAM AND MANCHEGO CHEESE
Steps:
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Lightly flour a work surface and place the dough on top. Dust your hands as well and begin to stretch your dough, working in a circle. Stretch the dough until it is 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Place the dough on the grill and cook until charred on both sides, about 10 minutes total.
- Clean and remove the stem ends of the tomatoes. Place them in a food processor and pulse to break them up. Strain the tomato pulp through a large fine-mesh strainer to remove some of the liquid.
- Spread the tomato pulp over the top of the cooked pizza dough. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with sea salt. Top with the Serrano ham and manchego cheese. Drizzle more olive oil over the top.
CROQUETTES WITH SERRANO HAM AND MANCHEGO CHEESE
Croquettes are adorned with parsley for these bite-size appetizers.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers Finger Food Recipes
Yield Makes about 16
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat butter and oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until butter has melted. Add onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Whisk in milk, and cook, whisking, 3 minutes. Whisk in ham and 1/3 cup cheese. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Spread mixture onto a baking sheet, and let cool completely. Mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Whisk together eggs in a shallow dish. Stir together breadcrumbs and remaining 1/4 cup cheese in another shallow dish. Scoop tablespoons of cooled mixture, and shape with floured hands into 2-inch ovals. Working with 1 oval at a time, coat in beaten egg, then in breadcrumb mixture. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Heat 2 1/2 inches oil in a large, heavy stockpot until it registers 375 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry croquettes, flipping once, until dark golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes total. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. (Adjust heat between batches as needed to keep oil at a steady temperature.) Serve warm, garnished with parsley sprigs.
EGGS WITH SERRANO HAM AND MANCHEGO CHEESE, GREEN OLIVE RELISH, AND MIGAS
Provided by Jeanne Thiel Kelley
Categories Cheese Egg Olive Brunch Bake Kid-Friendly High Fiber Lunch Ham Arugula Pan-Fry Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Small Plates
Yield Makes 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- For relish:
- Combine all ingredients in small bowl. DO AHEAD: Relish can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
- For migas:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Stir olive oil and garlic in large bowl. Add bread cubes and toss to coat well. Transfer bread to heavy large baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted yet still chewy, about 10 minutes. Cool.
- For salad:
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, and shallots in large bowl. Add arugula, frisée, and migas; toss well. Season lightly with fleur de sel. Divide salad among 4 plates.
- For eggs:
- Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add eggs; immediately cover top of each egg with cheese, dividing evenly. Cover and cook until egg whites are just set and cheese softens, about 2 minutes. Carefully transfer 1 egg to each plate; top with ham and season with pepper. Top each egg with relish, dividing evenly.
- A Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk; sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.
SERRANO CHIPS WITH QUINCE PRESERVES AND MANCHEGO
Categories Cheese Fry Cocktail Party Quick & Easy Quince Ham Winter Gourmet
Yield Makes 32 hors d'oeuvres
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Cut ham into 32 (3- by 2- by 2-inch) triangles. Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then fry ham in 4 batches, turning occasionally, until crisp and a shade darker, about 1 minute. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Using a cheese plane or vegetable peeler, shave 32 small pieces of cheese from wedge. (Each piece should be about 1 inch square.) Top each ham chip with 1/8 teaspoon quince preserves, then press cheese squares into preserves.
- *Available at specialty foods shops.
- **Available at The Spanish Table (206-682-2827; spanishtable.com).
Tips:
- When selecting Serrano ham, look for a deep red color with streaks of fat running through it. The fat should be firm and not too soft.
- Manchego cheese should have a firm texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Look for a cheese that is aged for at least 6 months.
- To assemble the cheese plate, start with a base of Manchego cheese. Then, add slices of Serrano ham around the cheese. Fill in the remaining space with olives, nuts, and fruit. You can also drizzle the plate with olive oil and sprinkle on some fresh herbs.
- Serve the cheese plate immediately. The Serrano ham and Manchego cheese are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Conclusion:
A Serrano ham and Manchego cheese plate is a delicious and easy-to-assemble appetizer. It is perfect for any occasion, from a casual gathering to a formal party. The combination of salty ham, nutty cheese, and sweet fruit is sure to please everyone. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy snack or appetizer, give this cheese plate a try.
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