There’s something thrilling about hosting a gathering and watching your guests’ faces light up at the first bite. One memorable evening, a spontaneous get-together led me to whip up these delightful Chorizo, Manchego, and Olive Skewers—a perfect blend of bold flavors and effortless elegance. The moment the rich aroma of Spanish chorizo fills your kitchen, you’ll understand why these bite-sized treats have become a staple at any celebration.
Imagine sinking your teeth into the savory chorizo, the creamy, nutty Manchego, and the briny pop of a Manzanilla olive, all drizzled with a hint of honey and topped with crunchy slivered almonds. This dish isn’t just for impressing dinner guests; it’s the ultimate appetizer for weeknight snacking or a light lunch. Plus, they come together in mere minutes, making weeknight cooking feel more like a gourmet experience than a chore. Ready to elevate your next meal with these fantastic skewers? Let’s dive in!
Why are Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers a must-try?
Bold flavors: The spicy chorizo and creamy Manchego create a mouthwatering combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
Effortless elegance: With minimal prep time, these skewers look gourmet, making you the star of any gathering.
Versatile snack: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch, they fit any occasion.
Crowd-pleaser: Guests will rave about these bites—serving them is guaranteed to impress!
Nutty crunch: The slivered almonds add a delightful texture that complements each bite.
Elevate your entertaining game with these irresistible skewers that make every culinary moment unforgettable!
Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers Ingredients
For the Skewers
• Spanish Chorizo – a spicy and smoky sausage that brings bold flavor to your bites.
• Manchego Cheese – this creamy, nutty cheese pairs perfectly with the chorizo, enhancing the overall taste.
• Manzanilla Olives – briny and flavorful, these olives add a burst of umami and balance the richness of the cheese.
For the Drizzle and Topping
• Honey – a light drizzle enhances the flavors, making the skewers irresistibly sweet and savory.
• Slivered Almonds – these crunchy bits provide an added texture and a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish.
Perfect for your next gathering, these Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers are sure to impress!
How to Make Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers
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Layer ingredients: Start by taking a skewer and layering the flavors—place a slice of Spanish chorizo on top, followed by a Manzanilla olive in the center, and finish with a cube of creamy Manchego cheese at the bottom.
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Drizzle with honey: Once your skewers are assembled, gently drizzle honey over each one. This adds a beautiful shine and infuses a sweet balance to the savory elements.
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Sprinkle with almonds: To elevate your skewers further, sprinkle slivered almonds on top. The nutty crunch will provide a delightful texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
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Serve and enjoy! Transfer your finished skewers to a plate, and they’re ready to impress your guests. Watch as they delight in each savory bite!
Optional: Pair with a refreshing white wine for an unforgettable experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers Variations
Feel free to make these delightful skewers your own with these creative twists!
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Spicy Kick: Add slices of jalapeño between the ingredients for a fiery flavor boost. Your guests will relish the heat!
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Herbed Cheese: Swap Manchego for an herbed goat cheese for a tangy twist. The fresh herbs will elevate the bites beautifully.
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Mediterranean Medley: Include cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a fresh Mediterranean vibe. The burst of flavors makes for a refreshing addition.
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Mustard Drizzle: Replace honey with a Dijon mustard drizzle for a tangy contrast. This adds an exciting zing that pairs perfectly with the chorizo.
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Nuts & Seeds: Substitute slivered almonds with toasted pumpkin seeds for an interesting crunch. It adds a nutty flavor that complements the skewers perfectly.
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Veggie Skewers: Replace chorizo with roasted bell peppers or zucchini for a vegetarian version. They’ll still deliver a deliciously satisfying bite.
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate fresh figs or apple slices for sweetness. The contrasting flavors play wonderfully with the savory components of the skewers.
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Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika on the chorizo for an extra smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the skewers. Your palate will thank you!
What to Serve with Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers?
Pair your delightful skewers with these perfect matches to create a memorable feast for any occasion.
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Crispy Breadsticks: Their crunchy texture adds a satisfying contrast, perfect for balancing the rich flavors of the skewers.
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Garlic Aioli: This creamy dip enhances the savory taste of the chorizo while adding a delightful garlic kick.
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Mediterranean Salad: A light mix of greens, cucumbers, and feta adds freshness and a zingy contrast to the skewers.
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Red Wine: A fruity red complements the skewers’ bold flavors and elevates the entire dining experience.
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Charcuterie Board: Moisten your palette with an array of meats, cheeses, and olives for a diverse flavor exploration.
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Fruit Platter: Sweet seasonal fruits like grapes and figs create a summertime sweetness that balances the savory skewers.
These pairings ensure your gathering not only looks stunning but delights in every bite!
How to Store and Freeze Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers
Room Temperature: Enjoy your skewers fresh for up to 2 hours at room temperature; after that, store them in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Keep any leftover Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days for best taste.
Freezer: These skewers can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: For best results, thaw skewers in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to revive their flavors.
Make Ahead Options
These Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious bites with minimal last-minute work! You can assemble the skewers (layering chorizo, olives, and cheese) up to 24 hours in advance, covering them tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. For the honey drizzle and slivered almonds, consider adding these just before serving to keep the texture crisp. When you’re ready to impress your guests, simply pull the skewers from the refrigerator, drizzle with honey, sprinkle the almonds, and enjoy these tasty delights just as you made them—flavorful and vibrant!
Expert Tips for Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers
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Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality Spanish chorizo and authentic Manchego cheese for the best flavors. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in these skewers.
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Proper Skewering: Ensure you skewer the ingredients securely to prevent them from sliding off when serving. Layer the chorizo, olive, and cheese tightly together.
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Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, adjust the amount of honey. A light drizzle enhances the flavor without overpowering the savory notes of the chorizo and cheese.
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Crunchy Finish: Don’t skip the slivered almonds! They add texture and balance to every bite, complementing the creamy Manchego and spicy chorizo.
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Serve Fresh: These skewers are best enjoyed fresh. Prepare them just before serving to maintain the vibrancy of the ingredients and their appealing presentation.
Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best Spanish chorizo for my skewers?
Absolutely! When selecting Spanish chorizo, look for a sausage that is firm with a deep red color, indicating quality paprika. There shouldn’t be too much oil oozing out, as this can mean it’s overcooked. Aim for a chorizo that comes from Spain if possible, as the authentic flavor profile can elevate your skewers.
What’s the best way to store leftover Chorizo, Manchego, and Olive Skewers?
To keep your skewers fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavors and textures. If you know you won’t finish them within this time, consider freezing them.
Can I freeze Chorizo, Manchego, and Olive Skewers?
Certainly! To freeze your skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there’s no air escaping, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method will keep them delicious for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What should I do if my skewers fall apart while assembling?
Very understandable! To prevent this, make sure to thread the ingredients tightly on the skewer. If the skewers seem slippery, try using wooden or bamboo skewers, which can provide a sturdier hold. You can also cut your chorizo and cheese into slightly larger pieces for added grip.
Are Chorizo, Manchego, and Olive Skewers suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
While many can enjoy these delicious skewers, if you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, consider substitutions. For instance, you can swap out chorizo for a meat alternative for vegetarian or vegan options. Additionally, if someone has a dairy allergy, using a dairy-free cheese can still create an enjoyable bite. Always check ingredient labels to confirm they align with dietary needs!
Irresistible Chorizo, Manchego and Olive Skewers for Parties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Layer ingredients by placing a slice of Spanish chorizo on top, followed by a Manzanilla olive in the center, and finish with a cube of creamy Manchego cheese at the bottom.
- Once your skewers are assembled, gently drizzle honey over each one.
- To elevate your skewers further, sprinkle slivered almonds on top.
- Transfer your finished skewers to a plate, and they’re ready to impress your guests.