Colombian Hot Chocolate with Cheese

I never realized until I was an adult that drinking Colombian hot chocolate with cheese wasn't normal. Think hot chocolate in a mug and pieces of soft white cheese melting inside the mug. You scoop the melty cheese out of the cup with a spoon and sip on your hot chocolate. It's sweet and salty.

For me, it's a treat that always reminds me of my childhood. It's what I drink when I want something comforting and it's a nightly treat during the holidays.

What is Colombian hot chocolate?

Colombian hot chocolate is made using a dark unsweetened chocolate bar like Luker or Corona. It's typically made in water instead of milk with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves. Some people will make it with milk, it's up to your own personal preference. Sugar is added to one's own taste.

Traditionally, the drink is made in a chocolatera and frothed using a molinillo. However, if you don't have them you can always make it in a saucepan and froth using a whisk or frother.

The drink has a much stronger and complex flavor compared to American hot chocolate. It's not as sweet as American hot chocolate

What kind of cheese is used?

For this odd pairing, traditionally you'd use a Queso Colombiano for this. However, if you live in an area where this cheese isn't available you can opt for a firm white cheese like a halloumi, queso de freir, oaxaca cheese or a firm mozzarella.

Ingredients

• Colombian chocolate
• Water
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Granulated sugar
• White Colombian cheese

Instructions to make Colombian hot chocolate with cheese

• Place your chocolate, Cinnamon, cloves, sugar and water inside a molinillo or sauce pan over medium high heat
• Stir constantly using a molinillo or whisk until water simmers and chocolate is completely melted. The hot chocolate should be frothy from the constant whisking
• Turn off the heat and cut cheese into small cubes and place about 2.5 oz of cheese into each cup.
• Carefully pour hot chocolate into each cup and allow to steep for 1 minute to allow cheese to melt.
• Serve with a spoon and enjoy.

Variations and substitutions

Although my family grew up making this drink with water, you can also make this drink with your milk of choice.

Can't find Colombian drinking chocolate? You can use a very dark chocolate instead.

Cant find Colombian white cheese? Opt for a semi-firm mozzarella, halloumi, queso de freir or Oaxaca cheese

Looking for more Colombian recipes?