The Spanish poet Baltasar del Alcázar (1530–1606) wrote the much-anthologized poem 'Tres cosas me tienen preso,' in which he compares a dish of ham, eggplant, and cheese to the beautiful Inés and finds the food more satisfying. The poem is a witty celebration of culinary pleasure, and its inclusion of cheese highlights the importance of dairy in Spanish gastronomy and literature.

Alcázar's poem is a masterpiece of Spanish Golden Age poetry and one of the most famous cheese poems in the Hispanic tradition. It has inspired countless imitations and responses, and its playful celebration of food over love reflects the broader tradition of food poetry in Spanish literature. The poem remains a beloved example of how cheese can be a vehicle for poetic wit and cultural commentary.