Across the globe, coffee cultures pair coffee with many things: Egg in coffee, cocoa powder in coffee, adding salt to coffee to reduce acidity, and the famous mushroom coffee. You've probably also heard about adding butter to your coffee—Bulletproof. But have you ever thought about dipping cheese in coffee? 

Naturally, I had to dig deeper to learn more about this duo—and taste it for myself. The result? A whole new appreciation for Scandinavian coffee culture. In this article, we'll teach you all about Kaffeost, the unique Nordic tradition of pairing coffee with cheese.

What Is Kaffeost?

Kaffeost (pronounced kaffe-oast) means "coffee cheese" in Swedish. It's a traditional drink made by pouring hot black coffee over cubes of Leipäjuusto, a firm, squeaky cheese also known as "Finnish squeaky cheese" or "bread cheese." When soaked in hot coffee, the cheese takes on a soft bread socked in milk-like texture and subtly transforms the flavor, mellowing bitterness and enhancing creaminess.

For centuries, traditional cheese coffee recipes have been part of Sámi culture in northern Scandinavia, particularly  in Lapland, Finland.  In these colder regions, dairy and coffee were staples of daily life, offering warmth and nourishment. Juustoleipä, the cheese used in kaffeost, was traditionally made from reindeer, cow or goat milk. Their kaffeost symbolized togetherness and was often served during family gatherings, after a sauna, or as a comforting afternoon treat.

Visit Solai Coffee for premium, farm-direct Kenyan beans that elevate every cup.

Latin America's Queso con Café 

Travel to Colombia or Venezuela, and you might encounter another version: queso en el café. In these regions, especially in rural areas, soft white cheese (often fresh farmer's cheese or queso campesino) is dropped into a hot cup of coffee. Unlike the Finnish version, this cheese is saltier and sometimes even sweetened, strikingly contrasting the coffee's bitterness.

In Colombian households, it's common to dip cheese bread or slices into coffee. Some go further, letting the cheese fully melt into the drink for a velvety richness. This coffee drink is often a mid-morning snack paired with fried pastries or sweet bread.

Does Cheese Go Well with Coffee?

For many, the answer is a resounding yes—especially when you approach it with curiosity rather than skepticism.

Coffee contains hundreds of volatile compounds, contributing to its bitter, nutty, fruity, and earthy flavors. Cheese, especially aged or cultured types, also carries a rich spectrum of umami, fat, and saltiness.

The fat in cheese smooths out bitter tannins in coffee, much like cream or milk does. Meanwhile, salt enhances the natural sweetness and nuttiness in coffee, subtly altering the profile without overpowering it. Flavor scientists call this "cross-modal enhancement," where one flavor or texture heightens the perception of another.

Another important aspect is heat. Hot coffee interacts with the fats and proteins in cheese, releasing aromas and changing textures. Every sip or bite might taste slightly different depending on how long the cheese has steeped.

Read also, Science behind putting salt to coffee

Which Cheese Goes Well with Coffee?

The success of this surprising coffee pairing depends mainly on the texture, saltiness, and melting point. Some cheeses melt beautifully, while others hold their shape and soak up flavor. 

• Leipäjuusto (Finnish Bread Cheese) is the traditional choice for Kaffeost. Mildly salty and squeaky, it's baked for a toasty finish and softens in hot coffee without melting completely.
• Queso Fresco or queso campesino is common in Latin American traditions, like queso en el café. It is light and crumbly and retains its structure even when immersed in hot coffee.
• Halloumi is famous for its high melting point and chewy texture. It softens gently in coffee, offering a rich, satisfying bite.
• Paneer: A dense, spongy South Asian cheese that absorbs liquid well. It brings a hearty, soft texture and a neutral flavor that complements dark roasts.
• Cheddar (as suggested by The Spruce Eats): Aged cheddar, especially sharp or white cheddar, offers a bold and tangy contrast to the deep notes of espresso. Its saltiness heightens the sweetness and nuttiness of the coffee.

How to Make Kaffeost at Home

Ready to try it yourself? Here's how to bring some Nordic magic to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• Freshly roasted coffee (we recommend these Kenyan coffee beans for bold flavor)
• Juustoleipä or Halloumi (available in stores or online)
• A wide mug or wooden cup (like a traditional kuksa)

Instructions:

1. Cut the cheese into small bite-sized cubes.
2. Brew a strong cup of black coffee.
3. Pour hot coffee in a coffee mug
4. Dip cheese cubes into your coffee
5. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to allow the cheese to absorb the coffee.
6. Enjoy your kaffeost with a spoon and sip slowly.

Takeaway

Cheese in coffee (Kaffeost) might sound unusual, but it is a beautiful reminder that coffee is more than a drink. It's a story, a ritual, and a reflection of the people who make and enjoy it.

So, next time you're brewing a cup, ask yourself—why not try something new?

Experience the bold, full-bodied flavor of Solai Coffee medium to dark roast. Perfect for rich pairings like cheese.

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