Hot Chocolate's Best Friend: Which Cheeses Melt The Best?

If you're looking for a unique way to enjoy your hot chocolate, why not try adding a slice of cheese? While it may sound like an unusual combination, this tradition is well-loved in Colombia and Puerto Rico. The addition of cheese creates a creamy texture and a salty-sweet flavour profile that might just be your new favourite treat.

How to make Colombian hot chocolate with cheese

Colombian hot chocolate with cheese, also known as "Chocolate Santafereño", is a popular beverage in Colombia, often enjoyed during breakfast or as an evening snack with an arepa. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this unique and indulgent treat:

Ingredients:

• Milk (or water)
• Dark or bittersweet chocolate bar
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Cheese (mozzarella, Oaxacan, Swiss, halloumi, queso de freir, or a Colombian white cheese like Queso Colombiano)

Utensils:

• Chocolatera (a small metal pitcher)
• Molinillo (a wooden whisk)
• Saucepan
• Whisk or frother
• Mug

Method:

• Heat your chosen liquid: Place milk or water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. You can also use a traditional chocolatera if you have one. Heat the liquid until it is warm, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
• Add chocolate and spices: Put the dark or bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves into the warm liquid. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and combined with the liquid. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and cloves to your taste preference.
• Sweeten to taste: Add sugar to the mixture and stir until dissolved. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to how sweet you like your hot chocolate.
• Prepare the cheese: While the hot chocolate is being made, cut the cheese into small cubes. You can use mozzarella, Oaxacan, Swiss, or a semi-firm white cheese like halloumi, queso de freir, or Queso Colombiano
• Assemble the drink: Turn off the heat and place the cheese cubes into your mug. Pour the steaming hot chocolate over the cheese and allow it to sit for about a minute. The hot chocolate will melt the cheese, creating a gooey and stringy texture.
• Serve and enjoy: Use a spoon to scoop out bites of melted cheese and enjoy the sweet and salty combination with the rich, bittersweet hot chocolate.

This unique Colombian treat may be surprising to those unfamiliar with the tradition, but it is a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours that is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings.

The history of the Colombian hot chocolate and cheese combination

The combination of hot chocolate and cheese is a traditional Colombian treat, commonly consumed at breakfast or as an evening snack. This combination, known as "Chocolate Santafereño" or "chocolate completo" when served with bread for dipping, is made by adding chunks of cheese to the bottom of a hot chocolate mug. The cheese melts into the hot chocolate, creating a thick and creamy drink with a hint of saltiness. While it may seem unusual to those outside of Colombia, this combination of sweet and salty flavours is well-loved by Colombians and has sparked interest internationally through social media platforms such as TikTok.

Traditionally, Colombian hot chocolate is made using a dark or bittersweet chocolate bar, flavoured with cinnamon and cloves. The chocolate is melted in a small metal pitcher called a "chocolatera" over the stove, along with milk or water, and whisked with a "molinillo" (a wooden whisk) to create a frothy texture. The hot chocolate is then poured into a mug containing cubes of melting cheese, typically mozzarella, Oaxacan cheese, Swiss cheese, or a traditional Queso Colombiano. After a minute, the cheese becomes gooey and stringy, and can be scooped out with a spoon to be enjoyed alongside the bittersweet hot chocolate.

The unique combination of hot chocolate and cheese is deeply rooted in Colombian culture and has been passed down through generations. It is often associated with comfort and childhood memories, and many Colombians who have moved abroad continue to cherish this tradition. The saying "chocolate sin queso es como amor sin beso" ("chocolate without cheese is like love without a kiss") highlights the integral role of cheese in the Colombian hot chocolate experience.

While the practice of adding cheese to hot chocolate may seem unconventional to those from other cultural backgrounds, it is a testament to the innovative spirit of Colombian cuisine. The combination of sweet and salty flavours, as well as the interplay of textures, has created a delightful sensory experience that has gained recognition beyond Colombia's borders.

The best types of cheese to use in hot chocolate

Hot chocolate with cheese is a traditional drink in Colombia and Puerto Rico. While it may sound like an unusual combination to some, the cheese adds a creamy texture and a salty flavour to the drink, complementing the sweetness of the chocolate.

The type of cheese you use in your hot chocolate can vary depending on your preference and what is available to you. Here are some of the best options:

Queso Doble Crema

"Queso doble crema" is a traditional Colombian cheese that is commonly used in hot chocolate. It is a type of fresh cheese made in the mountainous regions of Colombia. This cheese is said to have a unique flavour and texture due to the way it is produced. It is similar to a processed cheese, as it is made by adding rennet to milk and then adding whey from a previous batch.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a good substitute for queso doble crema if you cannot find it. It is a mild and salty cheese that melts well and adds a similar creaminess to the hot chocolate. It is commonly used in Colombian hot chocolate, especially when served with bread for dipping.

Oaxaca Cheese

Oaxaca cheese is a Mexican cheese that can also be used in hot chocolate. It has a semi-firm texture and a mild flavour, similar to mozzarella. It will melt easily into your drink, creating a gooey and stringy texture.

Halloumi

Halloumi is another semi-firm cheese that can be used in hot chocolate. It has a higher melting point than some other cheeses, so it will hold its shape better and provide a salty, savoury contrast to the sweet chocolate.

Edam or Gouda

If you want to try a Puerto Rican-style hot chocolate with cheese, you can use Edam cheese, which is a mild and salty Dutch cheese. Gouda is a similar option that will provide a comparable flavour profile. These cheeses will melt smoothly into your drink, adding a subtle savoury note.

When making hot chocolate with cheese, it is important to use a mild cheese that is not too hard, as this will ensure a pleasant texture when melted. The key is to find a balance between the sweet and salty flavours, creating a unique and indulgent drinking experience.

How to serve hot chocolate with cheese

Hot chocolate with cheese is a traditional drink in Colombia and Puerto Rico. The combination of sweet and salty flavours creates a unique taste. The cheese is usually melted into the hot chocolate, but can also be crumbled and placed on a spoon to be submerged in the hot chocolate.

To make this drink, you will need the following ingredients:

• Milk (or water)
• Dark chocolate
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Sugar
• Cheese

The traditional Colombian way of preparing this drink involves using a chocolatera (a small metal pitcher) to heat the milk, and a molinillo (a wooden whisk) to stir the mixture. However, you can also use a saucepan and a regular whisk or frother.

• Heat the milk or water in your chosen vessel, stirring constantly.
• Add the chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar to the milk or water, and continue stirring until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is well combined.
• If using a chocolatera and molinillo, let the mixture boil three times. This is said to prevent drinkers from getting sick.
• Turn off the heat and cut the cheese into small cubes.
• Place the cheese cubes into your mug(s).
• Carefully pour the hot chocolate into the mug(s) and allow it to sit for about a minute to let the cheese melt.
• Serve with a spoon so you can enjoy bites of melted cheese between sips of hot chocolate.

Different types of cheese can be used, depending on availability and preference. In Colombia, traditional cheeses include queso campesino, queso doble crema, and queso Oaxaca. If these are not available, mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, or Swiss cheese are commonly used alternatives. In Puerto Rico, Edam cheese, Gouda, or mild Cheddar are popular choices.

The health benefits and risks of drinking hot chocolate with cheese

Hot chocolate is a beloved beverage worldwide, and its history can be traced back to the Mayans of Mesoamerica in the 1500s. They prepared a drink called 'xocoatl' by fermenting, roasting, and grinding cacao beans, often mixing it with wine or water. Today, hot chocolate is enjoyed in various forms, such as the Latin American chocolate para mesa, the thick Italian cioccolata calda, and the thinner hot cocoa in the US.

In Colombia, hot chocolate is often served with cheese. This combination may seem unusual to some, but it is a well-loved tradition in the country. The hot chocolate is typically made with dark or bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves, and is served with cubes of melting white cheese, such as mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, or Swiss cheese. The cheese becomes gooey and stringy, adding a salty contrast to the bittersweet hot chocolate.

Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Chocolate:

Hot chocolate, particularly when made with cocoa, offers several health benefits due to its rich antioxidant content:

• Improves cardiovascular health: Cocoa contains antioxidants like flavonols and phytosterols, which reduce LDL cholesterol levels, protecting against heart ailments and coronary diseases.
• Boosts brain function: Cocoa flavanols increase oxygen levels in the brain, improving metabolism and stimulating neurons. This may have potential benefits for neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
• Reduces blood sugar levels: Cocoa flavanols can increase insulin secretion, reduce inflammation, and slow down carbohydrate absorption, helping to manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of Type-2 diabetes.
• Aids in weight loss: Hot chocolate with cocoa can reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and improve fat oxidation, supporting weight management.
• Lowers blood pressure: The flavanols in cocoa infuse nitric oxide into the beverage, stimulating vasodilation and helping to maintain healthy blood pressure.
• Improves mood and attention: Polyphenols in hot chocolate release mood-lightening hormones, reducing mood swings and improving attention span.

Risks of Drinking Hot Chocolate:

While hot chocolate has several health benefits, it is important to consider the risks associated with excessive consumption or adding certain toppings:

• Weight gain and high triglycerides: Hot chocolate with excessive cream, marshmallows, and extra sugar can lead to overconsumption of calories and contribute to weight gain and increased triglyceride levels.
• Tooth decay: Drinking too much hot chocolate, especially with added sugar, can lead to tooth decay.
• Heart disease and high cholesterol: Overindulging in hot chocolate, especially with excessive toppings, can increase the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.

Health Benefits and Risks of Cheese:

Cheese is a dairy product that can be a good source of protein and calcium. It has several health benefits but also comes with certain risks:

Benefits:

• Strong bones: Cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and can help prevent osteoporosis.
• Dental health: Cheese can help neutralize plaque acid and promote tooth enamel re-mineralization, supporting dental health.
• Heart health: Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of cheese may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke due to its content of specific fatty acids and vitamins.

Risks:

• High saturated fat content: Cheese is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease if consumed in excess.
• Allergies: Some people may have lactose intolerance or allergies to casein, a protein found in cheese, which can lead to digestive issues and other adverse reactions.

Overall Health Impact of Drinking Hot Chocolate with Cheese:

Drinking hot chocolate with cheese, as practiced in Colombia, combines the benefits and risks of both components. The cheese adds protein and calcium to the beverage, enhancing its nutritional value. However, the combination also increases the overall fat and calorie content, which can be a concern for those watching their weight or cholesterol levels.

In conclusion, drinking hot chocolate with cheese can be a comforting and indulgent experience, especially during the holidays. When consumed in moderation, it can provide several health benefits due to the positive qualities of both cocoa and cheese. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with excessive consumption, particularly regarding weight management, dental health, and cholesterol levels.

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