Randy Chandler
Hot chocolate is a popular drink in Colombia, but it is made with a unique twist: cheese! This combination of chocolate and cheese is known as Chocolate completo or Chocolate santafereño. The cheese is typically added in cube form to the bottom of the mug, and then hot chocolate is poured on top and allowed to melt the cheese. The cheese adds a salty flavour to the sweet drink, creating a delicious sweet-and-salty combination. While the exact origins of this tradition are unknown, it is believed to have stemmed from the Colombian custom of pairing chocolate completo with almojábanas or pan de queso, which are types of soft, cheesy bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Colombia |
| Drink | Hot chocolate |
| Cheese | Muenster, mozzarella, halloumi, Queso Compasigna, Queso Blanco, Queso Pera, double cream cheese, curd cheese |
| Preparation | Cheese cubes are added to the bottom of the cup, hot chocolate is poured in, and the mixture is allowed to sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts |
| Taste | Sweet, salty, thick, creamy |
| Tools | Chocolatera, molinillo |
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What You'll Learn
- Colombian hot chocolate is made with milk and chocolate, with no instant powder
- The cheese is often Muenster, mozzarella, or halloumi, added in cubes
- The cheese is sometimes melted into the chocolate, or served on the side
- The salty cheese is a perfect snack after sipping sweet hot chocolate
- The tradition may have come from pairing chocolate with cheesy bread
Colombian hot chocolate is made with milk and chocolate, with no instant powder
Colombian hot chocolate is a unique and traditional delicacy. It is made with milk and chocolate, with no instant powder, and is served with a surprising side of cheese. This combination of chocolate and cheese may seem odd to some, but it is a beloved treat in Colombia and has gained interest worldwide.
The process of making Colombian hot chocolate starts with heating milk in a pot on the stove. Chocolate is then added to the warm milk, creating a rich and indulgent mixture. This blend of milk and chocolate is the base of the drink, and it is then enhanced with the addition of sugar, creating a sweet and inviting beverage.
The unique twist comes in the form of cheese cubes added directly to the hot chocolate. These cubes can be made from various types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Muenster, or Queso Blanco, a traditional Colombian cheese. The cheese melts partially, creating a thick and creamy texture within the hot chocolate. The salty flavour of the cheese combines with the sweetness of the chocolate, resulting in a delightful contrast that delights the taste buds.
The origin of this unusual combination is not entirely clear. One theory suggests that it stems from the traditional pairing of chocolate completo with almojábanas or pan de queso, which are soft and cheesy bread pieces. Over time, it became common to add cheese directly to the hot chocolate, creating a more efficient way to enjoy the sweet and salty flavours together.
Preparing Colombian hot chocolate in the traditional way involves using a chocolatera to heat the milk and chocolate and a molinillo to whisk the mixture. These tools are readily available in Colombia and can even be purchased online for those aiming for authenticity. Whether enjoyed with family and friends or as a solo treat, Colombian hot chocolate offers a delightful sensory experience that combines sweet and salty flavours in a uniquely indulgent way.
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The cheese is often Muenster, mozzarella, or halloumi, added in cubes
While the exact origins of the tradition are unknown, Colombians have been drinking hot chocolate with cheese for a long time. The cheese is added to the bottom of the cup in cubes, melting into the hot chocolate and making it extra thick and creamy. The salty flavour of the cheese combines with the sweet flavour of the chocolate, creating a unique taste.
The cheese used in Colombian hot chocolate is often Muenster, mozzarella, or halloumi. Muenster cheese is soft and has a very mild taste, making it a popular choice for those who want to tone down the saltiness of the drink. Mozzarella is also a suitable option, as it melts well and adds a stringy texture to the hot chocolate. Halloumi, on the other hand, is a salty and squeaky cheese that can be used if you want a more pronounced salty flavour in your drink. However, it is recommended to soak halloumi in water overnight to reduce its saltiness.
Some people also suggest using Queso Blanco, a Colombian cheese, or "Queso Doble Crema", which translates to double cream cheese, as alternatives. These cheeses are said to melt nicely in hot chocolate, enhancing the creaminess of the drink. Additionally, in Colombian culture, hot chocolate is often enjoyed with almojábanas or pan de queso, which are soft, cheesy pieces of bread. This further emphasises the beloved combination of sweet and salty flavours.
Preparing Colombian hot chocolate with cheese involves heating milk in a pot and adding chocolate, stirring until it melts and combines. Sugar is then added, and the mixture is brought to a low boil. Cubes of the chosen cheese are placed at the bottom of mugs, and the hot chocolate is poured on top, melting the cheese. This results in a unique, indulgent drink that combines sweet and salty flavours in a delightful way.
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The cheese is sometimes melted into the chocolate, or served on the side
While the exact origin of the Colombian tradition of adding cheese to hot chocolate is unknown, it is speculated that it stems from the typical pairing of chocolate completo with almojábanas or pan de queso, which are soft, cheesy pieces of bread. This combination of sweet and salty flavours is a popular one, as seen in pairings like caramel and sea salt, or chocolate with pretzels.
The cheese is sometimes melted into the chocolate or served on the side, with the drinker adding the cheese to their hot chocolate as they please. The cheese can be diced into small cubes or squares and partially melts in the hot chocolate, creating a thick and creamy texture. The cheese can also be placed at the bottom of the cup before pouring in the hot chocolate, allowing the cheese to melt into the drink.
There are various types of cheese that can be used, including mozzarella, Muenster, and Colombian cheeses such as Queso Compasigna, Queso Blanco, and Queso Pera. The choice of cheese depends on personal preference and availability, with some people opting for a salty, squeaky cheese like halloumi, while others prefer a milder flavour.
The addition of cheese to hot chocolate may seem unusual to those unfamiliar with the tradition, but it is a beloved combination in Colombia, offering a unique blend of sweet and salty flavours that complement each other surprisingly well.
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The salty cheese is a perfect snack after sipping sweet hot chocolate
It may sound like an unusual combination, but Colombians often drink hot chocolate with cheese. This drink is known as "Chocolate completo" or "Chocolate santafereño". The salty cheese is a perfect snack after sipping sweet hot chocolate. The cheese is usually melted into the hot chocolate, adding a salty hint to the sweet drink. The cheese can be diced or cubed and added directly to the hot chocolate, or melted into the bottom of the mug before the chocolate is poured in.
There are several theories about how this tradition came about. One theory suggests that the addition of cheese stems from the Colombian practice of pairing chocolate completo with almojábanas or pan de queso, which are soft, cheesy pieces of bread. Another theory suggests that the combination of salty and sweet flavours is simply a popular trend, similar to the combinations of caramel and sea salt, or chocolate with pretzels.
As for the type of cheese used, there are several options. Some people use Muenster cheese, which is soft and has a mild taste. Others use mozzarella cheese, which can be added in cubes to the bottom of the mug before pouring in the hot chocolate. Halloumi cheese is also mentioned as a good option, although it is very salty, so it may need to be soaked in water overnight to reduce the saltiness. Another type of cheese mentioned is "Queso Blanco", which is a Colombian cheese that melts when placed in hot things. However, it may be difficult to find outside of Colombia.
Preparing Colombian hot chocolate with cheese involves heating milk over the stove and adding chocolate, stirring until the chocolate melts and combines with the milk. Sugar is then added, and the mixture is stirred until it comes to a low boil. The cheese is then added to the mug, either melted at the bottom or diced and mixed into the hot chocolate, creating a sweet and salty treat.
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The tradition may have come from pairing chocolate with cheesy bread
It is true that Colombians often add cheese to their hot chocolate. This combination is called "Chocolate completo" or "Chocolate santafereño". The cheese is usually in the form of cubes or slices, and it is placed at the bottom of the cup before pouring in the hot chocolate. The cheese melts partially, and the drink becomes extra thick and creamy with a hint of saltiness.
The origin of this unusual pairing is not entirely clear. However, one theory suggests that it may have evolved from the traditional Colombian pairing of chocolate completo with almojábanas or pan de queso, which are types of soft, cheesy bread. By adding cheese directly to the hot chocolate, both sweet and salty elements are combined in a more efficient manner.
There are several types of cheese that are commonly used in this unique beverage. Some sources suggest using Muenster cheese, which is soft and has a mild taste. Others recommend mozzarella cheese, which can be easily found in Colombian grocery stores. Halloumi is another option, although it is quite salty, so it may need to be soaked in water overnight to reduce its saltiness. In Colombia, a type of local cheese called Queso Blanco or "Queso doble crema" is also used, which is a double cream cheese.
The method of preparing Colombian hot chocolate with cheese involves heating milk in a pot and then adding chocolate. The mixture is stirred until the chocolate melts and combines with the milk, and then sugar is added. Finally, the hot chocolate is poured into mugs containing the cheese cubes, and it is allowed to sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts. This creates a delicious and unique blend of sweet and salty flavours that many Colombians enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a traditional Colombian delicacy to put cheese in hot chocolate.
The cheese is usually diced into small cubes and added to the bottom of the mug before pouring in the hot chocolate. The cheese then melts partially, and the drink is consumed with a spoon.
The type of cheese used varies. Some common options include mozzarella, Muenster, Queso Blanco, and Queso Pera, also known as Queso Oaxaca.
There are a few theories as to why this unique combination came about. One theory suggests that chocolate santafereño, a type of hot chocolate, is traditionally enjoyed with almojábanas or pan de queso, which are soft, cheesy pieces of bread. Over time, people started adding cheese directly into the hot chocolate for a more efficient way to enjoy the sweet and salty flavours together. Another theory suggests that the addition of cheese stems from the rise in popularity of salty and sweet flavour combinations, such as caramel and sea salt or chocolate with pretzels.
