Andy Montoya
Hot chocolate with cheese is a traditional Colombian drink, often consumed with breakfast or as an evening snack. The drink, called Chocolate Santafereño, is made by adding small cubes of melting cheese to hot chocolate. The cheese typically used is mozzarella, Muenster, halloumi, or Oaxacan cheese. The cheese melts into the chocolate, making the drink extra thick, creamy, and salty-sweet.
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What You'll Learn
How to make Colombian hot chocolate with cheese
Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is a unique and delicious drink that combines the sweetness of chocolate with the savouriness of cheese. While it may seem like an unusual combination to some, it is a beloved tradition in Colombia and worth giving a try. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this comforting and indulgent treat:
Ingredients:
- Milk or water
- Dark unsweetened chocolate bar (such as Luker or Corona)
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Sugar (optional)
- Cheese (traditionally Queso Colombiano, or a substitute such as mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, or Oaxaca cheese)
- Salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Place your chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, sugar (if using), and water or milk in a molinillo (a traditional Colombian wooden whisk) or a saucepan over medium-high heat. If using milk, heat it until warm while stirring constantly.
- Stir constantly using a molinillo or whisk until the water simmers and the chocolate is completely melted. If using milk, add the chocolate to the warm milk and stir until the chocolate melts and combines. The hot chocolate should be frothy from the constant whisking.
- Turn off the heat and cut your cheese into small cubes. Place about 2.5 ounces of cheese into each cup, or add four cubes of cheese per cup.
- Carefully pour the hot chocolate into each cup and allow it to steep for about a minute to let the cheese melt. The cheese will make the drink extra thick and creamy, with a hint of salty flavour.
- Serve with a spoon and enjoy! Scoop out the melted cheese with the spoon and sip on your hot chocolate.
Feel free to adjust the measurements and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can use your choice of milk or water, adjust the amount of sugar, or add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours.
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The best cheeses to use in hot chocolate
While the idea of putting cheese in hot chocolate may seem unusual, it is a beloved tradition in Colombia. The combination of sweet and salty flavours creates a unique taste that many enjoy.
The most common type of cheese used in Colombian hot chocolate is a soft, mild, white melting cheese, such as queso blanco, muenster, mozzarella, or halloumi. These cheeses melt easily into the hot chocolate, creating a thick and creamy texture.
If you are unable to find Colombian drinking chocolate, you can use a very dark chocolate instead. The hot chocolate is traditionally made with water, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar, but some people also make it with milk. The chocolate is melted and whisked until frothy, and then small cubes of cheese are added to the cup. The hot chocolate is then poured on top, and the drink is allowed to steep for a minute so that the cheese can melt. It is served with a spoon, so that you can enjoy the melty cheese along with your hot chocolate.
Some people also like to dip bread into their cheesy hot chocolate for an extra special treat!
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The history of Colombian hot chocolate with cheese
Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is a traditional Colombian delicacy that has gained attention on social media platforms like TikTok, with many people expressing mixed reactions to the unique combination. However, this pairing of chocolate and cheese is not a new concept in Colombia, and it holds cultural and historical significance.
Traditionally, Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is prepared using a chocolatera (a small metal pitcher) and a molinillo (a wooden whisk). The chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and water are combined in the chocolatera and heated over a stove, with constant stirring using the molinillo to create a frothy consistency. Alternatively, a saucepan and a regular whisk can be used for preparation. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, the heat is turned off, and the focus shifts to the cheese.
The cheese of choice is typically a Colombian variety, such as queso campesino or queso doble crema, known for their ideal consistency that allows them to melt without losing their shape. Other options include queso Colombiano, halloumi, queso de freir, Oaxaca cheese, or a firm mozzarella. The cheese is cut into small cubes or blocks and placed in the cup, followed by the hot chocolate. The drink is allowed to steep for about a minute, during which the cheese melts, adding a salty twist to the sweet chocolate. The semi-melted cheese is then scooped out with a spoon while sipping the hot chocolate, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.
In Colombia, this drink holds cultural significance and is often enjoyed in the company of family and friends. It is a comforting beverage, evoking childhood memories and providing a nightly treat during the holidays. The warmth of the drink is also perfect for countering the cold air in the evenings. The act of sharing and drinking Colombian hot chocolate with cheese becomes a social event, fostering laughter, gossip, and the sharing of family stories.
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The science behind why cheese works in hot chocolate
Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is a traditional Colombian drink that has gained attention on social media platforms like TikTok, with many people expressing disgust at the idea. However, the combination of cheese and chocolate is not as bizarre as it seems. In fact, it is a centuries-old tradition in Colombia, particularly in the cool mountainous regions. The addition of cheese to hot chocolate creates a unique blend of bitter, sweet, and salty flavours that delights the taste buds.
The science behind this unique combination lies in the ingredients and preparation methods used. Colombian hot chocolate is typically made with dark or bittersweet chocolate and spices like cinnamon and cloves. It is prepared using a "
The type of cheese used is crucial to the success of this drink. Traditionally, Colombians use queso campesino, a local cheese that softens without completely melting, adding a creamy texture to the hot chocolate. Other suitable cheese options include semi-firm cheeses such as mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, Oaxacan cheese, or Swiss cheese. The cheese is cut into small cubes and added to the hot chocolate, melting slightly to create a gooey and stringy consistency.
The combination of melted cheese and chocolate results in a chemical reaction between the proteins in the cheese and the polyphenols in the chocolate. This reaction can alter the flavour profile, creating new taste sensations. Additionally, the fat content in the cheese can also enhance the mouthfeel and texture of the hot chocolate, making it creamier and richer. The saltiness of the cheese also enhances the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.
The preparation method of Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is essential to its success. The hot chocolate should be prepared first, ensuring that it is steaming hot. The cheese is then added in small cubes, allowing it to melt slightly and create a gooey texture. The drink is served with a spoon, allowing the drinker to scoop out bites of salty, melted cheese while sipping the sweet and bitter hot chocolate. This combination of flavours and textures creates a unique sensory experience that has become a beloved tradition in Colombia.
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How to adapt the recipe to your taste
While the idea of putting cheese in hot chocolate may seem unusual to some, it is a common practice in Colombia. This combination of chocolate and cheese creates a sweet and salty flavour profile, which is further enhanced by the addition of spices such as cinnamon and cloves. The cheese adds a creamy texture to the drink, making it extra indulgent.
When making this unique hot chocolate, you can use a variety of cheeses, depending on your preference. Traditionally, Colombians use a soft, mild, melting white cheese such as queso blanco, muenster, or queso doble crema. However, other types of cheese such as mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, or Oaxaca cheese can also be used. If you are unable to find these specific cheeses, you can opt for a semi-firm cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or halloumi. For a vegetarian option, soft tofu can be used as a cheese substitute, providing a similar texture and flavour.
To prepare the hot chocolate, you can use milk or water as the base, depending on your preference for a creamier or lighter drink. Heat the liquid with chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar in a saucepan or a traditional Colombian chocolatera. Whisk the mixture constantly over medium-high heat until it simmers and the chocolate is melted, creating a frothy texture.
Once the hot chocolate is prepared, turn off the heat and cut your chosen cheese into small cubes. Place the cheese cubes into your mug, pour the hot chocolate over them, and allow the cheese to melt for about a minute. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your taste, adding more or less to achieve your desired level of cheesiness. Serve the hot chocolate with a spoon so you can enjoy the melted cheese along with the drink.
For an extra indulgent treat, you can dip bread into your hot chocolate with cheese. This adds another layer of texture and flavour to the experience. Choose a type of bread that complements the sweetness of the chocolate, such as a slightly sweet bread like challah or a soft white bread.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common type of cheese used is mozzarella, but Muenster, halloumi, Oaxaca, and queso blanco are also popular choices.
First, prepare hot chocolate by melting chocolate with cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and water or milk in a saucepan or chocolatera. Then, turn off the heat and cut the cheese into small cubes, adding about 2.5 oz of cheese to each cup. Pour the hot chocolate into the cups and let it steep for a minute to allow the cheese to melt. Serve with a spoon.
Yes, it is a very common and traditional drink in Colombia, often enjoyed during breakfast or as an evening snack.
This drink is called "Chocolate Santafereño" and is a well-loved tradition among Colombians. It is often served with an arepa or bread for dipping.
The drink is a combination of sweet and salty flavors, with the cheese adding a creamy texture to the hot chocolate.
