Spanish Meat and Cheese Board

This Spanish Meat and Cheese board is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Spain, right from your home! This beautiful board makes the perfect appetizer that anyone would love to enjoy.

I love a good cheese and charcuterie board-especially one with a theme! This Spanish Meat and Cheese board hits all the right notes. I'll show you how to put it together!

*This post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure for further details.

What is a Spanish Cheese Board?

A Spanish Cheese Board is simply a cheese board containing Spanish ingredients or Spanish inspired ingredients! Using meats, cheeses and accompaniments that you would traditionally find in Spain, plus a few extras to tie the board together.

With these incredible flavors, you can pretend you're in Spain!

Cheese

These are the cheeses I've included in this board. There are no strict rules, so look for whatever Spanish cheeses strike your fancy!

Manchego: Manchego is probably the most well know Spanish cheese. It is a firm sheep's milk cheese from La Mancha, Spain with a delicious nutty flavor.

Iberico: Iberico is a firm cheese made from a blend of cow, sheep and goat's milk. It is creamier than manchego, but similar in flavor and looks.

Drunken goat (Murcia al Vino): A wine soaked goat's cheese from the region of Murcia, Spain. This semi firm cheese is bright white in color and has a creamy consistency and slightly tangy flavor with a hint of wine.

Cabrales: Not pictured on this board, but Cabrales would be an excellenct addition to your Spanish cheese board if you can find it! Cabrales is a pungent blue cheese from the Asturias region of Spain.

Meat

Italy does not have the market cornered on cured meat! Spain makes some absolutely incredible cured pork products that are definitely worthy of their own board.

Serrano ham: Serrano ham (Jamón Serrano) looks very similar to Italian prosciutto, but Serrano ham is aged longer. If you can't find Serrano ham locally, you can order it online or use prosciutto in a pinch.

Spanish chorizo: Not to be confused with Mexican chorizo! Spanish chorizo is pork sausage, varying in texture from region to region, that is spiced with smoked paprika, giving it a dark red color and delicious smoky flavor. In the United States, you will most commonly find a dry cured Spanish chorizo that can be mild or spicy. I love this one!

Sobrasada spread: Sobrasada is a spreadable pork sausage, similar in style to Italian 'nduja. This pork is essentially a spreadable chorizo and it's so tasty! I bought this brand locally, but you can order it online as well.

Iberico Ham: I didn't include this on my board, but if you are feeling extra fancy and have access to it- I highly recommend it! Iberico ham (Jamón ibérico) is made from heritage Iberico pigs, who have been slow raised and fed an acorn diet which helps marble the meat.

Accoutrements

Accoutrements refers to all the "extras" on the board that aren't meat or cheese. These condiments, fruits and nuts complement the meat and cheese and create wonderful pairing opportunities. Having the right accoutrements helps take a cheese board to the next level!

Bread: Warm crusty bread is always welcome on a cheese board!

Crackers: An assortment of crackers varying in texture and taste gives your guests options.

Quince Paste: A jelly made from quince fruit. Also referred to as "membrillo" in Spain.

Fresh fruit: I like including fresh fruit on cheese boards and went with grapes this time.

Dried fruit: Dried fruit may be even more important than fresh fruit for a cheese board! I love adding dried apricots because not only are they delicious and pair well with cheese, but they add a beautiful color to the board.

Olives: Spain is known for their olives, particularly Manzanilla olives.

Marcona almonds: You can't have a Spanish Meat and Cheese board without marcona almonds! Marcona almonds are native to Spain and are famous for their delicious smooth, buttery flavor- much different in taste and texture than regular almonds.

Smoked Salt: I love a pinch of flaky smoked salt on top of the quince paste! You can use regular flaky salt as well. It's a fun addition to the board, but certainly not a necessity.

Honey: Not pictured on this board, but a drizzle of honey goes well with the sobrasada and cheese.

What is quince paste?

Quince paste, known as "membrillo" in Spain, is a paste made from quince fruit. It is traditionally served with manchego cheese or as a sweet snack. Quince paste can be difficult to find in stores, but you can order it online! It's a great addition to cheese boards and it's especially delicious with a bit of smoked sea salt!

I like to cut the quince paste into both wedges and cubes. That way your guests can choose if they'd like a wedge to fit with their manchego wedge, or a smaller bite.

Tips and Tricks

Don't forget the utensils! Make things easier on your guests and make sure there are an adequate amount of serving utensils like, cocktail forks and cheese knives, on the board.

Put out a pit bowl. Make sure to put out a bowl to discard olive pits!

Serve with Spanish wines. This is the perfect opportunity to try some delicious Spanish wines! Since you've got a variety of meats and cheeses on the board, it only makes sense to have a variety of wines, right? Red Rioja, white Txakoli or Albariño, Sparkling Cava or even a dry sherry like Manzanilla or Fino are all great choices.

You might also like