Learn how to melt chocolate perfectly every time with this easy tutorial. All you’ll need is a saucepan, a bowl and all the chocolate you desire!
Hey, hi guys! Happy Friday! You made it to the weekend! This calls for a celebration with chocolate, right? Always a good idea…
Sooo something a little different coming your way today. I’m starting a new series of Kitchen How-To’s on the blog so I can let you guys in on all the cooking tips and techniques I’ve picked up over the years. Sarah’s Cooking School has a veeeeeery nice ring to it, dontcha’ think?
I’ve literally got so much kitchen stuff up my sleeves that I want to show you guys how to do and I plan to prepare a bunch of how-to posts over the next few months so I can spill all the secrets. Yaaay!
Sorry, I’m a little excited. Today is FRIDAY and I seriously need a weekend, how ’bout you?
Today’s theme is all about the chocolate so grab your coffee and get comfy while we discuss.
Let’s get straight into it: There’s a right way and a WRONG way to melt chocolate. One of the biggest rookie mistakes you can make is to melt the chocolate directly over the heat which can result in either burned or not-properly melted chocolate. *cue teaaaaaaars*
Here’s how you do it: We’re going to make our own handy-dandy double-boiler. Grab a small pot, a slightly-larger heat-proof bowl and either coarsely-chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.
Note: This method of melting chocolate will work with semisweet, bittersweet, dark, unsweetened, AND white chocolate. Woooooot!
Put about an inch of water in the saucepan and position the bowl above the water. (the water should not touch the bowl) Dump all the chocolate you desire into the bowl and turn the heat up to medium.
Stir the chocolate around occasionally until completely melted (the water should come to a low simmer) Remove from the heat aaaaaand…
Yaaaay! You are now in the perfect melty chocolate business! Here are my top suggestions on what to do with it first….
Dip ‘yer popsicles in the melty goodness. All the YES!
Drizzle your truffles with it. You knooooooow you want to!
Taste-test with a spoon just to make sure it’s edible. Somebody’s gotta do this job!
And uhhh, you know it being Friday and all….
How To Melt Chocolate (the right way!)
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Ingredients
- Coarsely-chopped chocolate OR chocolate chips unsweetened, bittersweet, white chocolate, semisweet,ect
Instructions
- Fill a small pot 1-in with water. Position a heat-proof bowl over pot and turn heat to medium (water should not touch bowl). Stir chocolate occasionally until completely smooth and melted (water should come to a low simmer)
- Remove from heat and use melted chocolate immediately.
Joanne says
More often than not, I’m lazy and melt in the microwave…and more often than not I regret it!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This sounds like such a fun series of posts, Sarah! And I’m loving this chocolate one. What a perfect start to the weekend! Thanks for the tips!
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
My favorite tip is the taking out a spoonful and trying it… it’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it 😉 Great post!!
Sarah says
Right?! Definitely the toughest job of the whole chocolate-melting process. 😀
Kelly - Life Made sweeter says
Yay, such a fun series and starting with chocolate is always a good thing! Love these tips!
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly! Happy weekend. 🙂
Linda | A La Place Clichy says
I usually get really intimidated by recipes where you have to melt your chocolate! I always cry when I burned my chocolate! It is literally a sin. I really like this step by step post! Can’t wait to see the rest of the series.
Sarah says
I’m glad that you found this post helpful, Linda! I guarantee it will make chocolate-melting a cinch for you! 🙂
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
This is a great post! It is good to have a step by step guide on cooking basics!
Sarah says
Agreed! Thanks Shelby.
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
This is so fun! Would love to learn all your kitchen tips. I usually accidentally melt the chocolate by leaving it in my car. Then it’s a melty mess. Haha! This is much better. *wink*
Sarah says
Haha!! I literally laughed out loud at that one. Ohh how many times have I done the same thing myself??
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
love this, Sarah!! I’m sure there are a ton of people that do it the wrong way!!!
Sarah says
Thanks Alice!! Until I discovered these tips I was definitely one of those people doing it the wrong way!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I’m such a cheater, I use the microwave and a little bit of coconut oil. 😉
Sarah says
Ooh I love the sound of using coconut oil when you melt chocolate!
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
Love these tips! Will use these next time I melt chocolate!
Sarah says
Thanks Kelley! Happy weekend. 🙂
Kristen @ The Endless Meal says
Great post! I never have enough patience to melt chocolate the right way and I’ve burned a few batches because of it. Ugh.
Sarah says
Ugh burned chocolate is the worst!
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
I LOVEEE this post! I am excited to follow along with all your cooking tips!
Sarah says
Thanks Mariah! Hope you’re having an awesome weekend, friend!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
I used to always try to melt my chocolate in the microwave…but it almost always seized, even with those easy-melt candies. So I am a total double boiler convert (although my set-up looks exactly like yours with the bowl). Can’t wait to see your other tips, Sarah!
Sarah says
Yeeeees!! Double-boiler definitely for the WIN! 😉 Thanks Denise!
Lady T says
LOVE the how-to series Miss Sarah – I have a section like this in my recipe binder. Very helpful!
Sarah says
Thank you! I’m glad to hear that you find these tips helpful! 🙂
Marta says
Do you suppose I can use this to make a chocolate cheesecake?
Sarah says
Yes, absolutely! This technique for melting chocolate will work in a huge variety of baked goods. 🙂