Colombian Hot Chocolate with Cheese (Chocolate Santafereño)

A classic Colombian comfort drink featuring rich hot chocolate served with a slice of salty cheese that melts into the drink. The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy is surprisingly delicious!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Calories

345

Level

Easy

Yields

4 servings

Cost

£1.40

Season:

🌍 Year-round

Meal Type:

Lunch•Dinner

Cuisine:

British

Mood:

Comfort Food•Spicy

Ingredients

Servings

4ozDark Chocolate(Good quality, at least 70% cacao, chopped)

£1.50

2tbspPanela or Brown Sugar(Adjust to taste depending on desired sweetness. Panela preferred for authentic flavor.)

£0.20

4cupsWhole Milk

£1.50

1cupWater

1 Cinnamon Stick(Optional, for added flavor)

£0.30

2 Cloves(Optional, for added flavor)

£0.10

4slicesQueso Campesino or Mozzarella(Salty, firm white cheese, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices. Mozzarella is a good substitute if Queso Campesino is not available.)

£2.00

Total Cost

£5.60

£1.40 per serving

The Method

1
In a saucepan, combine the water, chocolate, and panela (or brown sugar).
2
Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
3
Add the cinnamon stick and cloves (if using).
4
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
5
Continue to heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the hot chocolate is hot and slightly thickened (about 10-15 minutes). Be careful not to boil.
6
Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves before serving.
7
Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and place a slice of cheese into each mug. Serve immediately, allowing the cheese to melt into the hot chocolate.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (350g)

345 kcal / 1443 kJ

Carbs

26.5g

10% of RDA

Fat

19.5g

28% of RDA

Protein

17.5g

35% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

2.5 g

8% of RDA

Sugar

24 g

27% of RDA

Sodium

250 mg

11% of RDA

Saturated Fat

12 g

60% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk.

Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.

Don't let the hot chocolate boil, as it can scorch.

Experiment with different types of cheese. A slightly salty and firm cheese works best.

Serve with arepas or bread for a complete Colombian snack.

Cooking Equipment

Saucepan

Whisk

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

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Colombian Hot Chocolate with Cheese (Chocolate Santafereño)

Ingredients

The Method