Cheeses from Spain

Afuega'l Pitu is among the oldest Spanish cheeses, originating from Asturias. It is known for its striking red or orange rind and a spicy, tangy flavor profile. This cheese can be made from either pasteurized or unpasteurized cow's milk and has a unique, crumbly texture that sharpens as it ages.

Aragon cheese is a traditional Spanish cheese known for its semi-hard texture and mild, nutty flavor. It is made from sheep's milk, which gives it a rich, creamy quality. The cheese has a pale yellow color and a slightly crumbly consistency. Its taste is balanced with subtle hints of sweetness and a gentle tang. Aragon cheese is often enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits and nuts. It also complements a variety of wines and can be used in cooking to add depth to dishes. This cheese is a regional specialty, celebrating the cheesemaking heritage of Spain.

From the lush pastures of Galicia, Spain, Arzúa-Ulloa is crafted from the milk of local cows. This soft, creamy cheese has a mild, slightly salty taste and a smooth, supple texture, making it excellent for melting. It is often used in traditional Spanish cooking and pairs beautifully with fruity red wines.

Cabrales is a strong, pungent blue cheese from the Asturias region in northern Spain. It is traditionally made from a mixture of raw cow's, goat’s, and sheep's milk that is aged in natural limestone caves, facilitating the development of its intense flavor and blue veining. Cabrales is known for its deep, spicy earthiness and can be quite sharp, making it a favorite among blue cheese aficionados.

Caña de Cabra is a soft-ripened, semi-soft cheese from the Murcia region of Spain, made from pasteurized goat's milk. It features an ivory color and is wrapped in a bloomy rind, which gives it a mild mushroom aroma. The cheese has a creamy and mild flavor, making it approachable for those new to goat cheeses. Its texture is smooth and spreads easily, ideal for pairing with crusty bread or fresh fruits. Known also as MitiCana de Cabra or MitiCaña® de Cabra, this cheese is a popular choice for cheese boards and casual snacking.

Canarejal is a soft cheese from Spain made from sheep's milk. It has a creamy texture and a pale yellow color. The cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor with a rich, buttery taste. Its soft consistency makes it a great choice for spreading on bread or crackers. Canarejal is often enjoyed as part of a cheese board or paired with fruits and nuts. It is best served at room temperature to fully appreciate its creamy texture and flavor.

Castigliano is a hard cheese from the Castile-Leon region in Spain. It is made from a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk, which can be either pasteurized or unpasteurized. The cheese has a yellow color and a natural rind. Its flavor is a balanced mix of acidic, salty, and spicy notes, offering a rich aroma. Castigliano is often enjoyed on its own or used to enhance various dishes. Its firm texture makes it suitable for grating over salads or pasta. Sometimes referred to as Queso Castellano, this cheese reflects the traditional cheesemaking heritage of its region.

From Galicia, Cebreiro is a traditional Spanish cheese made from cow's milk. It has a unique, conical shape and a soft, creamy texture similar to cottage cheese but firmer. Cebreiro has a mild, slightly lemony flavor, making it a versatile cheese for both savory and sweet dishes.

Cuajada is a soft cheese from Spain, traditionally made from either cow's or sheep's milk. It has a creamy texture that is smooth and slightly gelatinous. The flavor is mild and fresh, with a hint of natural sweetness. Often enjoyed as a dessert or snack, Cuajada is sometimes served with honey, sugar, or fruit to enhance its gentle taste. It is a popular choice in Spanish cuisine, valued for its simple, comforting qualities. Cuajada is typically enjoyed chilled and can also be used as an ingredient in various desserts.

Gamonedo is a blue cheese from the Asturias region in northern Spain. It is unique due to its dual-smoking and blue-mold maturation process, giving it a distinct smoky flavor with spicy blue veins. The cheese is typically aged for several months in natural caves, which enhances its complex flavor profile.

Gamoneu is a traditional Spanish cheese from Asturias, crafted using a blend of unpasteurized cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. This hard, artisan cheese has a pale yellow color and a distinctive smoky aroma. Its flavor profile is a rich combination of buttery and nutty notes, with a hint of smokiness and a touch of spiciness. Gamoneu is known for its complex taste and is typically enjoyed as part of a cheese board or paired with rustic bread and wine. The cheese is also referred to as Gamonedo or Queso de Gamonéu.

Goat Nevat is a semi-soft cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk in Spain. It has a creamy flavor that is mild and approachable, making it a favorite among goat cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is crafted with a bloomy rind, which contributes to its sweet aroma. Its artisan production ensures a high-quality texture that is both smooth and enjoyable. Nevat is typically enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits and nuts, complementing its gentle taste. This cheese is exclusively produced in Spain, highlighting its regional specialty. Known also simply as Nevat, it is a testament to the skillful cheese-making traditions of the area.

Queso Iberico is a hard cheese from Spain made using a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. It can be crafted from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, contributing to its rich and aromatic profile. This cheese has a buttery and nutty flavor with a strong taste that captures the essence of its mixed milk origins. The cheese is typically white in color and features a natural rind. Known also as Iberico Cheese, it offers a satisfying density and a complex taste that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its rich aroma and firm texture make it a popular choice for cheese lovers seeking a traditional Spanish flavor.

Idiazabal is a traditional Spanish cheese from the Basque Country, made from raw sheep's milk and often smoked over beechwood, giving it a distinctive, robust flavor. It has a slightly dry, but buttery texture, with a smoky, nutty taste. Idiazabal is often enjoyed on its own or used in cooking.

La Peral is a semi-soft blue-veined cheese from Spain, made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a pale yellow color and a creamy texture with blue veins running through it. The flavor is a combination of spicy and sweet, offering a balanced taste experience. Its aroma is buttery and rich, making it inviting to the senses. La Peral is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or used in various culinary dishes. This cheese is often compared to other blue cheeses but stands out due to its unique blend of flavors and textures.

La Retorta is a soft to semi-soft cheese from Spain, made from sheep's milk. It has a creamy flavor that is both rich and smooth, offering a satisfying taste experience. The cheese has a pale yellow color, which is typical for cheeses made from sheep's milk. Its texture is soft, making it easy to spread and perfect for pairing with crusty bread or fresh fruits. Ideal for those who enjoy a milder cheese with a creamy profile, La Retorta is a delightful addition to any cheese board.

Mahón is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk on the island of Menorca, part of Spain's Balearic Islands. It is known for its buttery and salty flavor, which can vary from mild to sharp depending on its age. The cheese has a pale yellow color and a washed rind that contributes to its nutty and sweet aroma. Mahón is often enjoyed as a table cheese and pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of wines. Its texture is firm yet slightly crumbly, making it suitable for grating or slicing. This cheese is sometimes referred to as Mahon Reserva or Aged Mahon when it has been matured for longer periods, enhancing its flavor profile.

Mahón-Menorca is a cow's milk cheese from the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. It has a square shape with rounded edges and is known for its orange rind and soft to hard texture depending on age. The flavor is slightly salty and tangy, with buttery notes in younger cheeses and a sharper taste in older ones.

Monte Enebro is an artisanal goat cheese from Avila, Spain, created by cheesemaker Rafael Baez and his daughter Paloma. It has a distinctive ash-covered rind with a creamy, slightly acidic interior that features strong, tangy blue mold flavors developing towards the center of the cheese. Monte Enebro is highly regarded for its complex flavor profile and creamy texture.

Penamellera is a semi-hard artisan cheese from Asturias, Spain, made from a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. It is a pasteurized cheese known for its strong, aromatic scent and pale yellow color. The flavor profile is a mix of acidic and bitter notes, with hints of herbs. The cheese is wrapped in a natural rind, which contributes to its distinctive taste and aroma. Its texture is firm yet smooth, making it a versatile choice for various culinary applications. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a dish, Penamellera offers a rich sensory experience.