Frederic Melton
Coffee and cheese is an unusual combination, but it is surprisingly common. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden and Finland, it is traditional to drink kaffeost, a drink/meal in which cubes of cheese are soaked in hot coffee. In Latin American countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico, it is common to put cheese in hot chocolate, and some people also put cheese in their coffee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Region | Scandinavian (Sweden), Puerto Rico, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador |
| Cheese Type | Leipäjuusto (Finland), "Finnish Squeaky Cheese" (US), Bread Cheese, Queso blanco, Monterey Jack, Asiago, Pecorino Romano, Manchego, Reindeer Milk Cheese, Cow's Milk Cheese, Homemade Cheese |
| Cheese Preparation | Cubes, Slices, Foam, Melted |
| Coffee Type | Espresso, Tinto, Café con Leche, Café au Lucifer |
| Coffee Preparation | Hot, Strong |
| Serving Style | Cheese in Coffee, Cheese on the Side, Cheese Melted in Hot Chocolate |
| Additional Ingredients | Hot Chocolate, Heavy Cream, Honey, Salted Peanuts |
| Taste | Buttery, Nutty, Smooth, Smoky |
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What You'll Learn
Scandinavian kaffeost
Kaffeost, or Scandinavian coffee cheese, is a traditional drink/meal from the northern Scandinavian region, specifically Sweden and Finland. It involves adding cubes of leipäjuusto, or "bread cheese", to a cup of coffee. The cheese is traditionally made from reindeer milk, but cow's milk varieties are also available.
To make the drink, the cheese is cut into small cubes and placed in a cup of hot coffee. The cheese absorbs the coffee like a "rich, moist cheese sponge", and the drink is ideally served in a mug carved from a birch burl. The coffee takes on a buttery, nutty flavour from the cheese, while the cheese becomes soft and takes on a smoky coffee flavour.
Kaffeost can also be made at home by baking uncured cream that has been split with rennet. This results in a cheese that tastes bland on its own but complements the coffee well. The cheese can be cut into small chunks and added to an espresso, creating a flavour similar to tiramisu.
While the combination of cheese and coffee may seem unusual, it is not uncommon to pair the two together in the Scandinavian region. In fact, some people in Sweden and Finland enjoy dipping bread cheese into their coffee, similar to how others might dip a croissant into their coffee.
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Latin American café con queso
Latin Americans have their own version of the Scandinavian tradition of adding cheese to coffee, known as café con queso. This tradition is particularly prominent in Puerto Rico, Panama, and Colombia.
In Puerto Rico, café con queso is prepared by adding a thin wedge of hard cheese, such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano, to a strong espresso along with a bit of hot chocolate mix, steamed milk, and cinnamon. A similar practice is observed in Panama, where small cubes of soft cheese are placed in a cup and then filled with coffee, melting the cheese and creating a creamy texture.
In Colombia, it is common to add queso blanco to hot chocolate, and some individuals also incorporate cheese into their coffee. This practice is also observed in Ecuador. The cheese is typically cut into small cubes or slices and placed in the coffee cup before pouring the hot coffee, allowing the cheese to melt and infuse its flavour into the beverage.
The type of cheese used in Latin American café con queso varies, with some preferring mild, white American cheese, while others opt for more distinct varieties such as bleu cheese or manchego. The combination of coffee and cheese may seem unusual to some, but many who have tried it describe it as surprisingly tasty, enhancing the flavours of both the coffee and the cheese.
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Swedish coffee cheese
Kaffeost is made by coating the bottom of a mug with cheese curds and then pouring hot coffee over the cheese. The cheese can be microwaved before adding the coffee, which makes the cheese smoother and improves the flavour. The coffee takes on a buttery, nutty flavour from the cheese, and the cheese becomes soft and takes on a smoky coffee flavour.
Kaffeost is a combination of drink and meal in one cup. It is an unusual combination, as cheese and coffee are not two items that are often associated with each other. However, it is a delicious new coffee blend for coffee lovers to try worldwide.
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Colombian hot chocolate with cheese
To prepare this drink, hot chocolate is made by heating milk or water with chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar. The hot chocolate is then poured into cups containing small cubes of cheese, and allowed to steep for a minute to let the cheese melt. It is traditionally made in a "chocolatera" (a small metal pitcher) and frothed using a "molinillo" (a wooden whisk), although a saucepan and a regular whisk can also be used.
The combination of cheese and chocolate may seem unusual to those outside of Colombia, but it is a beloved tradition among Colombians, who often enjoy hot chocolate with breakfast or as an evening snack. The drink is known as "Chocolate Santafereño" in Colombia and is sometimes served with bread for dipping.
The addition of cheese to hot chocolate creates a unique flavour profile that combines sweetness and saltiness, resulting in a comforting and indulgent beverage. This unusual pairing has gained mixed reactions on social media, with some people expressing disgust at the idea, while others find it surprisingly tasty.
While the traditional Colombian hot chocolate with cheese uses specific local ingredients, it is possible to recreate this drink using alternative options. For example, if Colombian drinking chocolate is unavailable, a very dark chocolate can be used instead. Similarly, if Colombian white cheese is not accessible, semi-firm mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir, or Oaxaca cheese can be substituted.
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Puerto Rican chocolate caliente con queso de bola
Chocolate caliente con queso de bola, or hot chocolate with melting cheese inside, is a traditional Puerto Rican drink. It is prepared by adding small pieces of cheese, typically Edam cheese, to a cup and pouring hot chocolate on top. The cheese melts in the hot chocolate, creating a creamy and smooth texture. The drink is then often enjoyed with a spoon to scoop up the melted cheese.
The tradition of adding cheese to hot chocolate or coffee is not unique to Puerto Rico. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Finland, and Norway, a similar drink called kaffeost or coffee cheese is made by dropping cubes of leipäjuusto or "bread cheese" into hot coffee. The cheese absorbs the coffee like a "rich, moist cheese sponge," resulting in a unique flavour experience.
In Colombia, it is also common to add cheese to hot chocolate, and some people in Panama and Ecuador incorporate cheese into their coffee or hot chocolate as well. The type of cheese used can vary, with options such as queso blanco, Monterey Jack, or Manchego cheese being mentioned.
While the idea of putting cheese in coffee or hot chocolate may seem unusual to some, it is a beloved tradition in many cultures. The combination of the rich, creamy chocolate or coffee with the salty, melted cheese creates a delightful sensory experience that has been enjoyed for generations.
Preparing Puerto Rican chocolate caliente con queso de bola involves heating milk and adding chocolate, such as Chocolate Cortés, to create a rich, smooth mixture. Simultaneously, Edam cheese or Queso Estilo Holandes (Dutch Cheese) is cut into small cubes. The hot chocolate is then poured over the cheese cubes, allowing the cheese to melt slightly before serving. This results in a delicious, indulgent drink with a unique flavour profile.
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Frequently asked questions
Kaffeost, also known as Café con queso, is a traditional Scandinavian drink/meal that contains cubes of cheese soaked in hot coffee.
Kaffeost is a traditional Scandinavian drink, specifically from Sweden and Finland. It is also consumed in Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador.
The type of cheese used varies depending on the region. In Scandinavia, it is traditionally made from reindeer milk, but cow's milk varieties are also available. In Latin America, queso blanco, Monterey Jack, and Manchego cheese are commonly used.
Cubes of cheese are placed in a cup and hot coffee is poured on top. The cheese absorbs the coffee and becomes soft, while the coffee takes on a buttery and nutty flavor.
The taste of Kaffeost has been described as similar to hot chocolate with marshmallows, but with a nutty and buttery flavor. It is said to make the coffee taste smoother, and the blend of strong flavors from the coffee and cheese complement each other.
