When it comes to hot chocolate, cheese may not come to mind for many. You might be surprised however, by this delicious cheesy Puerto Rican drink! The complex flavors of savory cheese and bitter, yet sweet chocolate come together to create a one-of-a-kind treat for any chocolate lover!

Why Cheese With Chocolate?

Cheese is more versatile than many realize, pairing well with sweet foods as well as savory. Having an apple with cheese isn’t so strange, is it?

One of my favorite ways to enjoy a slice of toast is topped with melty cheese, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

With these treats being so good, the combination of hot chocolate and cheese doesn’t sound so crazy after all!

In places like Puerto Rico and Columbia, this way of drinking hot chocolate has been a long held tradition.

My first time trying this recipe, I was amazed at how delicious it was….

The cheese does two things:

First, it adds a creaminess and richness to the beverage overall.

Next, the best part: you get a melty delicious treat at the end of your sweet drink, and between sips. Dare I say, it might even be better than a marshmallow! I like to enjoy this beverage with a spoon, taking bites of melty cheese between sips of hot cocoa.

What a great way to enjoy a cozy cup of hot cocoa! Puerto Ricans really know how to enjoy their chocolate.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy

You don’t need any special equipment to make this recipe, and you can whip it up in just a few minutes!

No Hard to Find Ingredients

Many Puerto Rican hot chocolate recipes call for difficult to find chocolate bars. In this recipe, we are using cocoa powder or cacao powder instead, to create a rich “chocolate caliente”

Healthier

I always add grass fed gelatin to my hot chocolate. It thickens it up, creating a creamy treat that also adds some protein! In this recipe we are also using maple syrup instead of sugar, meaning this dark chocolate treat is naturally sweetened!

What Kind of Cheese to Use?

There are a variety of cheeses that are used in hot chocolate in Puerto Rico and Columbia.

In Puerto Rico, a Dutch cheese called Edam cheese is often used. This is similar to Gouda, with a somewhat mild and salty taste. Some sources claim Cheddar is also used.

I tried cheddar and did not particularly like the sharp tanginess of the Cheddar I had with the flavors of hot cocoa, but a more mild version may have tasted better.

I really enjoyed mozzarella cheese in hot cocoa. It was perfectly mild and salty, with a wonderful melted texture. Mozzarella is a cheese that many Colombians use in their hot chocolate!

If you are a cheese enthusiast like me, it’s fun to try a few different kinds and see what you like best!

Stick to more mild cheeses that are not too hard, and have a pleasant texture when melted.

Tips and Tricks

Immediately whisk the gelatin: whisk the gelatin and cocoa powder while you are pouring the hot water in. If you let the gelatin sit in hot water and don’t stir it right away, it will turn into gummy clumps and ruin the texture of your drink.

Don’t overheat the milk: make sure your milk doesn’t burn on the bottom. Give it a stir occasionally and lower the heat if needed.

Remove the milk skin: if you want a nice and smooth texture, make sure to remove the film that forms on top of heated milk before combining with the chocolate mixture.

A Note About Chocolate:

Chocolate is not a food that should be indulged in on a frequent basis. With potentially high levels of lead and cadmium, these heavy metals can build up in the body and lead to a variety of health problems. It is best to only enjoy chocolate as a treat every once in a while. See the link below for the brand of cacao I like that tests for heavy metals.

How to Make Puerto Rican Style Hot Chocolate with Cheese

Warm whole milk in a small saucepan on medium low heat.

Bring a half cup of water to a boil.

Add gelatin, cocoa powder, and salt to a small bowl or large cup.

Add hot water to cocoa and gelatin while stirring/whisking, until well combined.

Add maple syrup and vanilla extract to gelatin and chocolate mixture.

Combine warmed whole milk with chocolate mixture and stir until well combined.

Cut cheese into small cubes and place into cheese into two serving cups.

Pour hot chocolate over cheese and give it a quick stir.

Allow to sit for a couple of minutes so the cheese can melt.

Serve with a spoon, to take bites of melty cheese between sips.

Enjoy!