A Perfect Wine Night Appetizer: Melted Manchego Cheese with Rosemary & Honey
If you’ve ever found yourself searching for the perfect small bite to enjoy with a glass of wine, look no further. This Melted Manchego Cheese, Rosemary & Honey Wedges recipe is an easy, elegant, and flavor-packed appetizer that’s made to impress. With just a handful of ingredients, this simple recipe pairs beautifully with everything from crisp white wines to light-bodied reds.
Why This Appetizer Works with Wine
Cheese and wine are a classic duo, but not all pairings are created equal. Manchego, a firm sheep’s milk cheese from Spain, is known for its nutty, buttery flavor and firm texture. When gently melted over a crispy pizza crust, it transforms into a creamy, savory layer that perfectly complements herbal rosemary and sweet drizzles of honey.
The balance of salt, herb, and sweetness makes this dish a versatile pairing for dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay and lighter reds such as Pinot Noir or Grenache. You can also adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste—or the bottle you’re uncorking.
Melted Manchego Cheese, Rosemary & Honey Wedges Recipe
Ingredients:
1 Eckert’s pizza round, defrosted
Extra virgin olive oil
6 oz Manchego cheese (or another semi-hard cheese like Dry Jack, Marisa, or Gruyere), shaved into curls
1–2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2–3 Tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the pizza crust on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Lightly brush the crust with olive oil and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Arrange the cheese curls evenly across the warm crust and return to the oven. Bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted beautifully.
Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and drizzle generously with honey.
Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Serves: 4 to 6 as an appetizer.
Hosting Tip
This is a great appetizer for wine tastings, holiday parties, or casual nights in. Pair it with a charcuterie board and a seasonal fruit platter for a complete spread that’s both easy and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re planning your next wine night or just want to enjoy a flavorful, gourmet snack, this Manchego cheese recipe is a go-to favorite that’s sure to be requested again and again.
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