Colombian Hot Chocolate: The Perfect Cheese Pairing

Colombian hot chocolate is made with dark chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves, and is usually served with cubes of melting cheese. The cheese is typically a soft white cheese such as mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, halloumi, or queso de freir. The cheese is placed in the mug first, and the hot chocolate is then poured on top, allowing the cheese to melt. The drinker then scoops the melted cheese out of the cup with a spoon while sipping the hot chocolate. This combination of sweet and salty flavours is a well-loved tradition in Colombia and is known as Chocolate Santafereño.

How to make Colombian hot chocolate

Ingredients:

• Milk (4 1/2 cups of whole milk, or 8 oz)
• Water (optional)
• Chocolate (4 tablets or 1 bar of bittersweet or dark chocolate)
• Sugar (1 teaspoon or 2 1/2 tablespoons)
• Cinnamon (a pinch or 1/4 teaspoon)
• Cloves (a pinch or 1/4 teaspoon)
• Cheese (1/2 block or 2.5 oz per cup)

Utensils:

• Chocolatera (an aluminium pitcher)
• Molinillo (a wooden whisk)
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cups/Mugs

Method:

Heat the milk in a chocolatera or a saucepan over medium heat. If you prefer your hot chocolate to be more bitter, you can use water instead of milk, or a mixture of both.

Once the liquid is hot, add the chocolate and stir until it melts. You can also add sugar and spices such as cinnamon and cloves at this point, to taste.

Froth the mixture briskly using a molinillo or a whisk until it foams. You can also use a blender to froth the mixture.

Pour the hot chocolate into cups and add cubes of cheese. The cheese will melt into the hot chocolate, adding a salty twist to the sweet drink.

Enjoy!

The type of cheese used

Other types of cheese that can be used as substitutes for Queso Doble Crema include Oaxaca cheese, halloumi, queso de freir, Swiss cheese, muenster cheese, and fresh queso blanco. These cheeses are also mild and melting, creating a similar effect in the hot chocolate.

The Colombian saying, "chocolate sin queso es como amor sin beso", translates to "chocolate without cheese is like love without a kiss", highlighting the importance of this unique combination of cheese and hot chocolate in Colombian culture.

How to serve Colombian hot chocolate

Colombian hot chocolate is a unique and indulgent treat, often served with breakfast or as an evening snack. It is traditionally made with dark or bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves, and is served with cubes of melting cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve this delicious and comforting beverage:

Ingredients

• Dark or bittersweet chocolate bar (such as Luker or Corona)
• Milk or water (or a combination of both)
• Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon
• Cloves
• Sugar (optional)
• Cheese (traditionally Queso Colombiano, or a substitute such as halloumi, Oaxaca cheese, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese)

Utensils

• Chocolatera (a small metal pitcher or bulbous jug)
• Molinillo (a wooden whisk)
• Saucepan (if you don't have a chocolatera)
• Whisk or frother (if you don't have a molinillo)
• Mug or cup
• Spoon

Instructions:

• Place your chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and liquid of choice (milk, water, or a combination) in the chocolatera or saucepan. If using a saucepan, place it on the stove over medium-high heat.
• Stir constantly using the molinillo or a whisk until the liquid simmers and the chocolate is completely melted. The hot chocolate should become frothy from the constant whisking.
• If using a saucepan, turn off the heat. Cut your chosen cheese into small cubes and place about 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of cheese into each cup.
• Carefully pour the hot chocolate into the cups and allow it to steep for about 1 minute to let the cheese melt. The cheese will become gooey and stringy, creating a delicious salty contrast to the sweet hot chocolate.
• Serve the Colombian hot chocolate with a spoon so that you can enjoy the melted cheese along with your beverage.

Variations and Tips:

• Colombian hot chocolate is traditionally made with water, but you can also use milk or a combination of both to suit your preference.
• Sugar is added according to taste. If using milk, you may want to add less sugar, as the milk will naturally sweeten the drink.
• If you don't have access to traditional Colombian cheese, don't worry! Substitutes such as halloumi, Oaxaca cheese, mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese are commonly used and can be just as delicious.
• For an extra special touch, serve your Colombian hot chocolate with bread for dipping. This combination of chocolate, cheese, and bread is a match made in heaven!

The history of the drink

Colombian hot chocolate with cheese, also known as "Chocolate Santafereño" or "Chocolate Completo" when served with bread, is a traditional Colombian delicacy. The drink is made with bars of dark chocolate flavoured with cinnamon and clove, and sometimes water. The chocolate is traditionally melted in a "chocolatera" (a bulbous jug) and whisked with a "molinillo" (a wooden whisk) to create a froth. Milk is then added, and the mixture is brought to a boil three times to ensure it doesn't make drinkers sick, as per a common belief in Colombia.

The cheese is usually added in small cubes to the bottom of the mug before pouring in the hot chocolate, or placed on a spoon and submerged in the drink. The cheese melts into the chocolate, making the drink thicker and creamier, with a hint of saltiness. The most commonly used cheese is "Queso Doble Crema", but "Queso Campesino", "Mozzarella", "Queso Oaxaca", "Queso Fresco", "Queso Blanco", "Halloumi", "Queso de Freir", "Muenster", and "Swiss Cheese" are also used.

The combination of sweet and salty flavours is a well-loved tradition among Colombians, who often enjoy the drink for breakfast or as an evening snack with an "arepa" (a type of bread). The act of adding cheese to hot chocolate is so common in Colombia that many locals assume it is a universal practice. This tradition of adding cheese is also sometimes extended to coffee.

Where to find Colombian-style cheese

Colombian-style cheese, or Quesito Colombiano, is a semi-soft white cheese with a hint of salt. It is made with 100% real milk and is often consumed every day in traditional dishes and everyday family meals. It is typically served fresh over warm arepas for breakfast or at any time of the day.

If you're in Colombia, you can find this cheese in any supermarket. Outside of Colombia, you can purchase it from Amazon or Tropical Cheese Industries, which has a store locator on its website to help you find the nearest store.

If you can't get your hands on Colombian-style cheese, you can opt for a firm white cheese like halloumi, queso de freir, Oaxaca cheese, or a firm mozzarella.

Frequently asked questions