The Best Spanish Cheeses to Buy in the US (2026)
Our picks of Manchego and other Spanish cheeses available in the US: best first Manchego, best for a board, best blue and best gift.
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We looked for cheeses with a clear PDO or origin, sold in formats that travel well, and available in the US today. Cheese ships chilled: check delivery options and refrigerate on arrival.
Our top picks
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Best first Manchego
PDO Queso ManchegoManchego D.O.P. duo: 3-month semi-cured + 12-month aged (1 lb) with picos
First Manchego, tasting at home
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Best for a cheese board
PDO Queso ManchegoManchego D.O.P. 12 months aged, 2 wedges (1 lb total)
Cheese boards, wine nights
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Best gift
Assorted Spanish cheesesigourmet Spanish Cheese Tasting Gift Box (Manchego, Mahón, Idiazábal, Murcia al Vino + membrillo)
Gifts, holidays
At a glance
| Product | Grade | Origin | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchego D.O.P. duo: 3-month semi-cured + 12-month aged (1 lb) with picosCasa Mayor | PDO Queso Manchego | La Mancha | First Manchego, tasting at home | Check price |
| Manchego D.O.P. 12 months aged, 2 wedges (1 lb total)Casa Mayor | PDO Queso Manchego | La Mancha | Cheese boards, wine nights | Check price |
| Manchego D.O.P. ages trio: 3, 12 and 18 monthsCasa Mayor | PDO Queso Manchego | La Mancha | Gifts, tasting parties | Check price |
| Spanish cheese assortment: Manchego, Idiazábal, Mahón and goat (4 × 8 oz)Spanish cheese selection | Assorted Spanish cheeses | Spain | Cheese boards, parties | Check price |
| Cabrales D.O.P. blue cheese (1 lb)Cabrales | PDO Cabrales | Picos de Europa, Asturias | Blue-cheese fans, after dinner | Check price |
| igourmet Spanish Cheese Tasting Gift Box (Manchego, Mahón, Idiazábal, Murcia al Vino + membrillo)igourmet | Assorted Spanish cheeses | Spain | Gifts, holidays | Check price |
Best first Manchego: the duo
Manchego D.O.P. duo: 3-month semi-cured + 12-month aged (1 lb) with picos
Casa Mayor · La Mancha · 2 wedges + breadsticks
The best way to learn Manchego: taste a young, buttery wedge next to an aged, nutty one. Comes with picos, the crunchy Spanish breadsticks.
Why we like it
- Side-by-side tasting built in
- Includes picos
Keep in mind
- Smaller amount of each style
Best for: First Manchego, tasting at home
Price and availability on Amazon.com
Best for wine and boards: 12-month Manchego
Manchego D.O.P. 12 months aged, 2 wedges (1 lb total)
Casa Mayor · La Mancha · 2 vacuum-sealed wedges
Twelve months gives Manchego its nutty, caramel depth and a crumbly bite. The version to serve if you want people to ask 'which cheese is this?'.
Why we like it
- PDO: real Manchega sheep milk
- Two wedges: open one at a time
Keep in mind
- Too firm for sandwiches
For a tasting party: three ages
Manchego D.O.P. ages trio: 3, 12 and 18 months
Casa Mayor · La Mancha · 3 wedges
Three ages in one box makes a great conversation starter — and a very good gift for cheese lovers.
A tour of Spain: four-cheese assortment
Spanish cheese assortment: Manchego, Idiazábal, Mahón and goat (4 × 8 oz)
Spanish cheese selection · Spain · 4 wedges
A quick tour of Spain: sheep (Manchego, Idiazábal), cow (Mahón) and goat. Ideal for a board for 6–10 people.
Why we like it
- Four regions, three milks
Keep in mind
- Brands vary by batch
For blue lovers: Cabrales
Cabrales D.O.P. blue cheese (1 lb)
Cabrales · Picos de Europa, Asturias · 1 lb piece
Spain's great blue: cave-aged in the mountains of Asturias, powerful and spicy. For blue-cheese lovers only — and wonderful with sweet sherry.
Why we like it
- Unique cave-aged blue
Keep in mind
- Very strong
- Keep well wrapped: it perfumes the fridge
Best gift: Spanish cheese tasting box
igourmet Spanish Cheese Tasting Gift Box (Manchego, Mahón, Idiazábal, Murcia al Vino + membrillo)
igourmet · Spain · Gift box
A ready-made Spanish cheese night: four classic cheeses plus quince paste and crackers.
Buying tips
- Look for “D.O.P.” / “PDO” and “Manchega sheep’s milk”. “Manchego-style” is not Manchego. → How to spot the real thing
- Buy wedges you’ll finish in 2–3 weeks; a whole wheel only for a party.
- Add quince paste and almonds and you have a board. → Spanish cheese board