Patrick Oconnell
Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is a traditional delicacy in Colombia. The drink is made with dark or bittersweet chocolate and spices like cinnamon and cloves mixed with milk or water. The chocolate is melted and combined with the liquid, and then sugar is added. The hot chocolate is then poured into a mug with cubes of melting cheese, usually mozzarella, Muenster, halloumi, or queso de freir. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a salty flavour to the drink. The combination of sweet and salty flavours is what makes this drink so popular in Colombia and around the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of chocolate | Dark or bittersweet chocolate |
| Type of cheese | Mild, white, melting cheese such as Mozzarella, Muenster, Queso Colombiano, Queso Blanco, Queso Doble Crema, Oaxaca, or Halloumi |
| Other ingredients | Cinnamon, cloves, sugar, milk, and/or water |
| Preparation | Heat the milk and chocolate, add sugar, and stir until melted and combined. Place cheese cubes in mugs and pour in hot chocolate, allowing the cheese to melt. |
| Taste | Sweet and salty |
| Calories | 417-477 kcal |
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What You'll Learn
- Colombian hot chocolate is traditionally made with water, but milk is also used
- The chocolate is dark or bittersweet, and spices like cinnamon and cloves are added
- The cheese is mild and white, melting in the hot chocolate
- Traditional Colombian cheese is hard to find outside of the country, so substitutes are often used
- The drink is prepared in a chocolatera and frothed with a molinillo
Colombian hot chocolate is traditionally made with water, but milk is also used
Colombian hot chocolate is a unique and traditional delicacy. It is often made with water, but milk is also used for a creamier drink. The chocolate is typically dark and unsweetened, with cinnamon and cloves added for a rich flavour. The hot chocolate is traditionally made in a 'chocolatera' and frothed using a 'molinillo', though a saucepan and whisk can also be used. The drink is served with a spoon, as the cheese is meant to be scooped out and eaten while sipping the hot chocolate.
The cheese is usually mild and white, such as mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, or Oaxaca cheese. Some recipes call for Muenster cheese, while others suggest queso campesino, queso doble crema, or queso fresco. The cheese is cut into small cubes and placed in the cup before pouring in the hot chocolate, allowing the cheese to melt. This creates a sweet and salty combination that is comforting and indulgent.
The traditional method of preparing Colombian hot chocolate involves heating the milk or water and adding the chocolate, stirring until it melts and combines. Sugar is then added, and the mixture is brought to a low boil. The hot chocolate is then poured into cups containing the cheese cubes, creating a unique and delicious treat.
The combination of hot chocolate and cheese may seem unusual to some, but it is a common practice in Colombia and is worth trying for those who are adventurous with their taste buds. It is a comforting and indulgent treat, often enjoyed during the holidays or as a special dessert.
The drink is traditionally served in a "chocolatera", a bulbous jug, and whisked with a "molinillo", a wooden whisk, to create a frothy texture. This preparation method is an integral part of the Colombian tradition, passed down through generations.
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The chocolate is dark or bittersweet, and spices like cinnamon and cloves are added
Colombian hot chocolate is traditionally made with dark or bittersweet chocolate. The chocolate is melted and combined with milk, water, or a combination of the two, depending on personal preference. The drink is then sweetened with sugar to taste and spiced with cinnamon and cloves, as well as other warm spices such as ginger, allspice, and nutmeg.
The chocolate and spices are typically added to a chocolatera (a small metal pitcher) and heated over the stove. A molinillo (a wooden whisk) is used to stir and froth the mixture. The steaming hot chocolate is then poured into a mug containing cubes of melting white cheese, such as mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, halloumi, or Swiss cheese. The cheese becomes gooey and stringy, and the drinker can use a spoon to enjoy bites of salty cheese alongside the bittersweet chocolate.
The combination of chocolate and cheese may seem unusual to those outside of Colombia, but it is a beloved tradition in the South American country. The drink is known as "Chocolate Santafereño" and is often enjoyed as a comforting treat during the holidays. The addition of cheese gives the hot chocolate a creamy texture and a unique sweet and salty flavour.
While Colombian chocolate bars such as Luker or Corona are traditionally used, any dark or bittersweet chocolate can be melted and used as a substitute. Similarly, while Colombian white cheeses such as Queso Colombiano, queso doble crema, or queso campesino are typical, semi-firm mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, or Oaxaca cheese can be used if the traditional varieties are unavailable.
Preparing Colombian hot chocolate is a simple process that only requires a few basic ingredients. It is a unique and indulgent treat that offers a fun twist on classic hot chocolate, perfect for warming up on cold days.
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The cheese is mild and white, melting in the hot chocolate
Colombian hot chocolate is a unique and indulgent treat, featuring a rich combination of sweet and salty flavours. The traditional cheese used in this drink is known as "Queso Colombiano", specifically "Queso Blanco" or "Queso Doble Crema". These varieties are mild, white cheeses that melt beautifully into the hot chocolate, creating a creamy texture and a delightful contrast of flavours.
The hot chocolate itself is typically made with dark or bittersweet chocolate, heated with milk or water, and spiced with cinnamon and cloves. This forms the base of the drink, into which the cheese is carefully incorporated. The cheese is cut into small cubes or crumbled, then placed in the mug before pouring in the hot chocolate. As the cheese melts, it adds a unique savoury element to the drink, resulting in a complex and satisfying flavour profile.
While the traditional Colombian cheeses are ideal, there are alternative options for those who cannot find them. Mild, melting cheeses such as mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, Oaxaca cheese, or even Muenster, can be used as substitutes. These cheeses have similar melting properties and mild flavours, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the hot chocolate without overpowering it.
Preparing Colombian hot chocolate is a simple process. The chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and water or milk are combined in a saucepan over medium-high heat. The mixture is stirred constantly until the chocolate melts and the liquid simmers. At this point, the heat is turned off, and the cheese is added to the mugs before pouring in the hot chocolate. The drink is then allowed to rest for a minute or two, giving the cheese time to melt and create a gooey, stringy texture.
The resulting combination of melted cheese and spiced hot chocolate is a beloved Colombian delicacy. The mild, white cheese enhances the richness of the drink, making it a comforting and indulgent experience. Whether enjoyed as a nightly treat or a special indulgence, Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is a delightful surprise for the senses.
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Traditional Colombian cheese is hard to find outside of the country, so substitutes are often used
Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is a common and delicious drink in Colombia. The traditional cheese used in this drink is called "Queso Colombiano", specifically "Queso Doble Crema", which is a type of "Queso Fresco" or "Queso Campesino". This cheese is described as a mild, soft, white melting cheese with a texture similar to butterkase and a slightly sharp and buttery flavour. It is often compared to mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, Oaxaca cheese, or Muenster cheese.
However, traditional Colombian cheese is hard to find outside of the country. This has led to the use of substitutes, such as semi-firm mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, Oaxaca cheese, or Muenster cheese. These substitute cheeses are chosen for their similar characteristics to the traditional Colombian cheese, particularly their mild flavour and melting properties.
For example, mozzarella is a popular substitute as it has a mild flavour and melts easily, creating a creamy texture in the hot chocolate. It is also readily available in many places, making it a convenient option for those who cannot access Colombian cheese. Similarly, halloumi is a semi-firm cheese that can be used as a substitute for its melting properties and mild flavour. Oaxaca cheese, also known as Queso Oaxaca, is another Mexican cheese that can be used as a substitute for Colombian cheese. It has a similar texture and flavour to the traditional cheese used in Colombian hot chocolate.
In addition to the type of cheese, the preparation and serving methods are also important. The cheese is typically cut into small cubes or crumbled onto a spoon before being placed in the hot chocolate. The hot chocolate itself is usually made with dark or bittersweet chocolate, milk or water, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. The chocolate and spices are combined with the liquid and heated, creating a rich and creamy drink. The cheese is then added to the hot chocolate, where it melts and adds a salty contrast to the sweet and creamy beverage.
While the combination of hot chocolate and cheese may seem unusual to some, it is a beloved tradition in Colombia and is worth trying for those who are curious. The unique blend of sweet and salty, creamy and rich flavours creates a delightful sensory experience that has gained popularity beyond Colombia's borders.
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The drink is prepared in a chocolatera and frothed with a molinillo
Colombian hot chocolate is traditionally prepared in a chocolatera and frothed using a molinillo. The chocolatera is a small metal pitcher used to stir the chocolate and other ingredients. The molinillo is a whisk with a unique design, often intricately carved from a single piece of soft wood and decorated with ornamental rings that spin independently around the base.
To use the molinillo, place the end of it in a pot of hot water or milk with chocolate and rub the handle between your palms. This creates a whirlpool that incorporates the cocoa and oxygenates the mixture, resulting in a delicate, light froth. The technique of using a molinillo has remained the same for centuries, and it is an essential tool for making the best hot chocolate.
The molinillo's roots can be traced back to colonization when Spaniards arrived in Mexico in the 16th century. While the Spaniards initially refused to drink the local chocolate beverage, they eventually developed a taste for it and brought it back to Europe. Historians debate whether the molinillo was a Spanish innovation or a Mesoamerican invention, with some claiming it was based on a similar French tool called a moulinet, while others attribute it to the Mayans.
Today, the molinillo is widely used in Colombia, Mexico, and the Philippines to create the perfect cup of hot chocolate. It is valued not only for its functionality but also as a beautiful addition to any kitchen. If you don't have access to a molinillo, you can use a saucepan and froth your Colombian hot chocolate with a whisk or frother.
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Frequently asked questions
Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is a traditional Colombian delicacy. It is made by adding cubes of melting cheese to a cup of hot chocolate. The cheese is usually mild and white, and the hot chocolate is rich and dark. The two are sipped together, creating a sweet and salty flavour.
There are several types of cheese that can be used for Colombian hot chocolate. The most common is a mild, white melting cheese, such as mozzarella, Muenster, or queso blanco. Other options include halloumi, queso de freir, queso campesino, queso Oaxaca, or queso fresco.
To make Colombian hot chocolate with cheese, you can use water or milk as your base. Add chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar, and heat the mixture until it simmers. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug with cubes of cheese and allow it to sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Serve with a spoon and enjoy!
