If you think you’ve tried every kind of coffee, Kaffeost will surprise you.
This traditional drink from Finland and northern Sweden combines hot coffee and cheese — yes, cheese!
The name Kaffeost literally means “coffee cheese.” It’s a cozy and comforting beverage, especially popular in the Arctic Lapland, where it’s served after meals or during cold winter mornings.
Let’s walk through the full process of how to make a great Kaffeost at home.
🧀 What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) freshly brewed hot coffee (medium or dark roast)
- 3–4 cubes of Leipäjuusto (Finnish “bread cheese”) or any mild squeaky cheese
- Optional: sugar or honey to taste
Equipment
- Coffee mug or small wooden cup (kuksa)
- Coffee maker or espresso machine
- Spoon for stirring
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Process
1. Prepare the Cheese
Cut the Leipäjuusto into small cubes — about 1 to 2 centimeters each.
Place 3 or 4 cubes into the bottom of your coffee cup.
2. Brew the Coffee
Make a cup of strong, hot coffee. Finnish people often use dark roast for deeper flavor. The coffee should be hot enough to slightly soften the cheese without melting it completely.
3. Pour the Coffee
Pour the hot coffee directly over the cheese cubes. Wait a few seconds to let the flavors blend and the cheese absorb the coffee.
4. Enjoy the Drink
Sip the coffee slowly. The cheese will soak up some of the coffee, becoming warm and tender.
When you finish the drink, you’ll find delicious, coffee-soaked cheese pieces at the bottom — a little treat that makes Kaffeost so unique!
💡 Tips for Perfect Kaffeost
- Use authentic Leipäjuusto if possible. It has a mild flavor and squeaky texture ideal for Kaffeost.
- If you can’t find it, use halloumi or paneer as substitutes (just avoid melting cheeses).
- Serve in a wooden cup (kuksa) for a traditional touch.
- Don’t let the coffee cool too much — it tastes best hot and freshly poured.
❤️ Why You’ll Love Kaffeost
Kaffeost isn’t just coffee — it’s a cultural ritual.
It’s about slowing down, appreciating warmth, and enjoying something truly different.
The combination of creamy cheese and bold coffee may sound strange, but the result is comforting and surprisingly delicious.
Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite Nordic tradition.
DeliciousPath: Enjoyment in Every Moment
Explore the Gourmet on Board category for exquisite flavors that elevate your meals, even when you’re on a boat, and the Coffee category for aromatic coffee blends that make every moment special. DeliciousPath is here to turn every experience into something unforgettable!
