Queso Manchego vs Pimento Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Queso Manchego and Pimento Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Queso Manchego and Pimento Cheese?"
• "Is Queso Manchego and Pimento Cheese the same?"
• "How does Queso Manchego compare to Pimento Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Queso Manchego compare to Pimento Cheese?"
• "Is Queso Manchego or Pimento Cheese better?"

Queso Manchego Overview

Manchego is a PDO-protected cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain, exclusively from the milk of Manchega sheep. It has a firm and compact consistency and a buttery texture, with a distinctive flavor that is well-developed and tangy, often with a slight piquancy in older cheeses. Manchego is aged for a minimum of two months and up to two years, developing a deeper flavor and harder texture with time.

Pimento Cheese Overview

Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Queso Manchego comes from Spain. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Queso Manchego has a PDO (1996). Pimento is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Queso Manchego is made with sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.

Composition and Texture

Queso Manchego's texture can be described as "compact". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".

Taste and Aroma

Queso Manchego has a slightly acidic taste. Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".

Appearance and Aging

Queso Manchego's appearance is colored white to yellowish ivory , is available in cylindrical with flat faces and is aged fresco (2 weeks), semi-curado (3 weeks to 4 months), curado (3-6 months), viejo or anejo (1 year) . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .

Rind and Rennet Type

Queso Manchego's rind is described as pleita and flor imprints and uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Queso Manchego is ranked #27 out of 996 types based on community views. Pimento is ranked #110 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Queso Manchego and Pimento pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a compact cheese, go for Queso Manchego. But if you enjoy a spreadable consistency, Pimento might be the better pick. Queso Manchego has a slightly acidic taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pimento offers a sweet, rounded chili profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Queso Manchego to Other Cheeses

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses