Crispy Manchego Cheese Fritters with Sweet Beer Jam Recipe

One bite of these manchego cheese fritters can transport you to a rustic Spanish countryside kitchen.

Little culinary surprises like these transform simple ingredients into magic.

Crispy golden exteriors hide creamy, melting cheese centers that dance with flavor.

Pomegranate beer jam adds a playful twist, blending sweet and tangy notes perfectly.

Unexpected combinations make this recipe a conversation starter at any gathering.

Small plates with big personalities always spark joy around the table.

You won’t be able to stop at just one fritter, so consider making extra.

Manchego Cheese Fritters That Feel Gourmet With Every Bite

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into golden, crispy fritters in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or weekend treats.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The combination of salty Manchego cheese and sweet-tangy pomegranate beer jam creates an unexpected taste experience that surprises and delights every palate.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Straightforward steps and basic techniques make these fritters accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, encouraging culinary confidence with each crispy bite.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or unexpected brunch item that impresses guests without requiring complex cooking skills or expensive ingredients.

Manchego Fritter and Jam Ingredient Combo

Main Ingredients:

• Manchego Cheese: Classic Spanish sheep's milk cheese with nutty flavor, provides richness and texture to fritters.

• Flour: Provides structure and base for crispy exterior, all-purpose white flour works best.
• Baking Powder: Helps create light and airy texture in fritters.

• Eggs, Milk: Create smooth batter consistency and help ingredients bind together.

• Safflower Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point, perfect for deep frying at consistent temperature.

• Pomegranate Arils: Fresh and vibrant fruit that adds sweet-tart flavor to jam.
• Beer: Adds depth and unique complexity to jam's flavor profile.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps jam thicken.

• Salt: Crucial for seasoning fritters and balancing overall taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens jam's flavor and helps balance sweetness.
• Lemon Zest: Adds citrusy aromatic notes to jam.

Manchego Cheese Fritters with Pomegranate Beer Jam – Cooking Guide

Step 1: Create Fruity Beer Sauce

Grab a small saucepan and toss in fresh pomegranate arils, rich beer, granulated sugar, bright lemon juice, and zesty lemon zest.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Lower the temperature and let everything bubble softly.

Cook until the sauce becomes thick and glossy, with softened pomegranate seeds.

This will take around 15 minutes.

Once done, set the sauce aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix Fritter Batter

Prepare two separate mixing bowls.

In the first bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

Crumble fresh Manchego cheese into the dry ingredients.

In the second bowl, crack eggs and whisk them smoothly.

Pour milk into the eggs and blend well.

Slowly combine the wet ingredients with the dry mixture, stirring until just incorporated.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven.

Pour safflower oil to fill about halfway up the pot.

Use a cooking thermometer to heat the oil to precisely 350°F.

Maintain this temperature throughout frying.

Step 4: Fry Golden Fritters

Use a small ice cream scoop or two spoons to carefully drop batter into the hot oil.

Fry the fritters for approximately 5 minutes, turning them halfway to ensure even golden browning.

Watch the oil temperature, adjusting the heat to keep it consistent at 350°F.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer the freshly fried fritters onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Plate the crispy fritters and serve with the vibrant pomegranate beer sauce drizzled on top or served alongside for dipping.

Cheese Fritter Tips With Manchego Richness

• Choose high-quality Manchego cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor profile in your fritters.
• Monitor oil temperature carefully with a thermometer to ensure crispy, golden-brown fritters without burning or undercooking.
• Whisk wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can create dense, tough fritters instead of light, airy texture.
• Use an ice cream scoop for consistent fritter shapes and even cooking, helping each bite look professional and taste uniform.
• Simmer pomegranate beer jam slowly and stir occasionally to achieve the right sticky texture without burning the ingredients.

Manchego Fritters Stored Crisp with Jam On the Side

• Store leftover fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cooled fritters individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for maximum 2 weeks. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm fritters at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer for even heating.
• Crisp fritters at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. This method helps maintain original texture and crunch.

Sweet Pairings For Cheese Fritters

• Pair with Spanish Red Wine: Enjoy a robust Tempranillo that complements the rich, salty Manchego cheese and cuts through the fritters' crispy texture.
• Elevate with Charcuterie Board: Add cured meats like jamón ibérico and marcona almonds to create a Spanish-inspired appetizer spread that enhances the fritters' flavor profile.
• Match with Herbal Cocktail: Create a gin-based cocktail with rosemary or thyme to provide a refreshing, botanical contrast to the deep-fried, cheesy bite.
• Complement with Citrus Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with orange segments and lemon vinaigrette to balance the fritters' heaviness and provide a zesty, fresh counterpoint.

Manchego Cheese Fritters with Pomegranate Beer Jam Options

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the same crispy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Vegetarian Beer Option: Swap traditional beer with non-alcoholic craft beer or sparkling apple cider in the jam for a lighter, alcohol-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Fritter Swap: Use grated zucchini or cauliflower as a base instead of traditional batter, mixing with Manchego cheese and eggs for a lighter appetizer.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute Manchego with nutritional yeast and use plant-based milk, creating a similar fritter with vegan-friendly ingredients that maintain the original recipe's essence.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Manchego cheese is ideal due to its sharp, buttery flavor that adds depth to the fritters. Its melting properties and distinctive taste make it perfect for this dish.

• Can I use a different oil for frying?

Safflower oil is recommended for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable or canola oil if needed. Just ensure the oil can reach and maintain 350°F without burning.

• How do I know when the fritters are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown exterior and a crispy texture. The fritters should be evenly colored and take about 5 minutes to cook completely. Cut one open to check the inside is cooked through.

• Is the pomegranate beer jam necessary for the recipe?

While not mandatory, the jam adds a unique sweet-tangy flavor that complements the savory cheese fritters. It elevates the dish by providing a complex taste contrast to the crispy fritters.

Manchego Cheese Fritters with Pomegranate Beer Jam Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy manchego cheese fritters dance with tangy pomegranate beer jam, creating a Spanish-inspired appetizer that delights the senses. Creamy cheese, golden-brown crust, and sweet-tart jam invite you to savor an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) Manchego cheese, shredded
• 5 ounces (142 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 8 ounces (227 grams) fresh pomegranate arils

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 cup beer (pale lager recommended)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for finishing)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Safflower oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Craft the vibrant pomegranate beer jam by combining pomegranate seeds, beer, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Simmer the mixture on low, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and thickens to a glossy consistency, approximately 15 minutes.
3. Remove jam from heat, allowing it to cool and further thicken while preparing the fritters.
4. Heat safflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to precisely 350°F, using a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy.
5. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a dry foundation for the fritters.
6. Gently fold freshly grated Manchego cheese into the flour mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. In a separate bowl, vigorously beat eggs and incorporate milk, creating a smooth liquid base.
8. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a light, airy batter.
9. Carefully drop small portions of batter into the hot oil using an ice cream scoop or two spoons.
10. Fry the fritters for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown exterior.
11. Monitor oil temperature, adjusting heat to maintain consistent 350°F for optimal frying.
12. Remove fritters using a slotted spoon, placing them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
13. Immediately season with a light sprinkle of salt while still hot.
14. Plate the crispy fritters alongside the rich pomegranate beer jam, allowing guests to drizzle or dip as desired.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Flexibility: Swap Manchego with other hard, flavorful cheeses like Pecorino or aged Parmesan for diverse taste profiles.
• Temperature Control Matters: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt fritters.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for celiac-friendly version.
• Jam Customization: Experiment with different beer styles to create unique jam flavors, from stout’s richness to pale ale’s brightness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg