The Best Cheeses To Pair With Hot Chocolate

In Colombia and Puerto Rico, it is customary to add cheese to hot chocolate. This combination, known as chocolate santafereño or chocolate completo in Colombia, creates a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. The cheese is typically melted into the hot chocolate, adding a creamy texture and a hint of saltiness. While the traditional cheese used in these countries may be hard to find elsewhere, substitutes such as mozzarella, halloumi, or Oaxaca cheese can be used to create this intriguing beverage.

How to make Colombian hot chocolate with cheese

Colombian hot chocolate with cheese is a traditional Colombian drink that is typically consumed with breakfast or as an evening snack alongside an arepa. It is made with hot chocolate and small cubes of melting cheese. The cheese adds a salty contrast to the sweet hot chocolate, making the drink extra thick and creamy.

Ingredients:

• Milk
• High-quality dark chocolate bar
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• White melting cheese (such as mozzarella, Oaxaca, Swiss, halloumi, queso de freir, or queso Colombiano)

Utensils:

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

Instructions:

• Heat the milk in a saucepan or pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar to the milk and stir constantly using a molinillo or whisk until the mixture comes to a low boil and the chocolate is completely melted. The hot chocolate should be frothy from the constant whisking.
• Turn off the heat and cut the cheese into small cubes. Place about 2.5 ounces of cheese into each mug.
• Carefully pour the hot chocolate into each mug and allow it to steep for 1 minute to let the cheese melt.
• Serve with a spoon and enjoy!

Variations:

• You can use water instead of milk for a less creamy drink.
• If you can't find Colombian drinking chocolate, you can use a very dark chocolate instead.
• If you can't find Colombian white cheese, you can use semi-firm mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, or Oaxaca cheese.

The history of the cheese and hot chocolate combination

The combination of cheese and hot chocolate might seem unusual to some, but it is a beloved tradition in Colombia. The practice of adding cheese to hot chocolate is called "Chocolate Santafereño", and it is a common way to enjoy the beverage in Colombia, where hot chocolate is often had with breakfast or as an evening snack.

The history of hot chocolate itself goes back centuries. The first chocolate drink is believed to have originated over 5,000 years ago with the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in present-day Ecuador, and it was later consumed by the Maya around 2,500–3,000 years ago. The drink was made from ground-up cocoa seeds mixed with water, cornmeal, and chilli peppers, and it was served cold. By 1400 AD, a cocoa drink had become an essential part of Aztec culture.

Hot chocolate was introduced to Europe in the early 1500s by the explorer Cortez, who brought cocoa beans and chocolate-making tools from Mexico to Europe. The drink slowly gained popularity, and it was adopted by the court of King Charles V and the Spanish upper class. Over time, the drink began to be served hot and sweetened, without the chilli peppers.

In Colombia, hot chocolate is often made with dark or bittersweet chocolate and spiced with cinnamon and cloves. It is traditionally prepared in a "chocolatera" (a small metal pitcher) and frothed with a "molinillo" (a wooden whisk). The hot chocolate is then poured into a mug, and cubes of melting cheese are added. The cheese can be mozzarella, Oaxacan cheese, Swiss cheese, halloumi, queso de freir, or queso doble crema. After a minute, the cheese becomes gooey and stringy, and it can be scooped out with a spoon to be enjoyed with the bittersweet hot chocolate.

While the combination of cheese and hot chocolate might seem unusual to those unfamiliar with the tradition, it is a well-loved and comforting treat in Colombia, enjoyed by people of all ages.

The best types of cheese to use

The type of cheese used in hot chocolate is typically dictated by the region. In Colombia, for example, the traditional cheese used is called "queso doble crema", which is a type of fresh cheese made in the mountains. However, other types of cheese such as queso campesino, queso Oaxaca, mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, or Swiss cheese are also commonly used. The key is to use a mild, semi-firm, or firm white cheese that melts well and adds a creamy texture and a hint of saltiness to the drink.

In Puerto Rico, a different variation of the drink is made using Dutch cheese called Edam, which is similar to Gouda in taste and texture. Some sources also claim that mild Cheddar or mozzarella can be used, as these cheeses have a mild and salty taste that pairs well with the sweet and bitter chocolate.

When making Colombian-style hot chocolate with cheese, it is important to note that the cheese is typically added to the bottom of the mug before pouring in the hot chocolate. This allows the cheese to melt slightly and become gooey and stringy, creating a salty and sweet treat that can be enjoyed with a spoon.

For those who are adventurous enough to try this unique combination, the key is to use a mild, semi-firm, or firm white cheese that will melt well and add a creamy texture to the drink. Experimenting with different types of cheese can also be a fun way to find the perfect pairing for your hot chocolate.

The best types of chocolate to use

For the chocolate, you can opt for a dark unsweetened chocolate bar, such as Luker or Corona, or simply use a very dark chocolate bar if you can't find Colombian drinking chocolate. You can also use cocoa powder or cacao powder, as done in some Puerto Rican recipes.

The amount of chocolate you use will depend on your preference for a stronger or milder chocolate flavour. As a guide, some recipes suggest using a 2 1/4-ounce dark chocolate bar or 2 tablespoons of cocoa/cacao powder for a single serving.

When making the hot chocolate, it is essential to constantly stir the mixture to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly into the milk. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon and cloves to enhance the flavour and a sweetener like sugar or maple syrup to taste.

How to serve hot chocolate with cheese

Hot chocolate with cheese is a traditional Colombian drink, also enjoyed in Puerto Rico. It is made by adding small cubes of cheese to a cup of hot chocolate, allowing the cheese to melt, and then drinking it with a spoon to scoop out bites of melted cheese. The cheese adds a salty, creamy element to the drink, complementing the sweetness of the chocolate.

To make this drink, you will need:

• Milk (or water, according to some recipes)
• Dark chocolate (bars or powder)
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Cheese (traditionally, Colombians use queso campesino, queso doble crema, or queso Oaxaca; mozzarella is a good substitute, and other options include halloumi, queso de freir, or Swiss cheese)

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Chocolate

Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. If using water, bring it to a boil in a separate saucepan. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and combined. You can also add sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to taste and stir to combine.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese

Cut your chosen cheese into small cubes. You can also grate or crumble the cheese if you prefer.

Step 3: Assemble the Drink

Place the cheese cubes into your serving mugs. Pour the hot chocolate into the mugs and give it a quick stir. Allow the cheese to melt for a couple of minutes. You can also submerge a spoon with crumbled cheese into the hot chocolate and slurp the melted cheese and chocolate from the spoon.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the hot chocolate with a spoon so you can enjoy bites of melted cheese between sips. The drink is best enjoyed while hot, as the cheese will melt into the chocolate, creating a thick and creamy texture.

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