Havarti Cheese 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Havarti Cheese: A Complete Guide

What is Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is a semi-soft Danish cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a creamy texture with small irregular holes throughout and a buttery, slightly tangy flavor. Originally crafted by Danish cheese maker Hanne Nielsen in the mid-19th century, Havarti has become popular worldwide. It’s a versatile cheese, great for snacking, melting, or slicing in sandwiches. It pairs well with fruits, nuts, and savory meats, making it a favorite for cheese platters and sandwiches alike.

Other Names of Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is primarily known by its Danish name, but it may also be referred to by variations or adaptations of this name in different languages or regions. Here are some other names for Havarti cheese:

1. Cream Havarti
2. Havarti Creamy
3. Danish Cream Cheese
4. Havarti with Dill (if flavored with dill)
5. Havarti with Herbs (if flavored with herbs)
6. Havarti Light (for reduced-fat versions)
7. Havarti Jalapeño (if flavored with jalapeño peppers)
8. Havarti Smoked (if smoked)
9. Havarti Aged (for longer-aged varieties)
10. Havarti Tilsit (a hybrid cheese combining Havarti and Tilsit)

These variations might also be accompanied by additional descriptors based on flavor profiles, aging processes, or added ingredients.

Nutritional Value of Havarti Cheese

Here’s a general overview of the nutritional value of Havarti cheese per 1 ounce (28 grams):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	110
Total Fat	9 grams
Saturated Fat	6 grams
Cholesterol	25 milligrams
Sodium	180 milligrams
Total Carbohydrate	0 grams
Dietary Fiber	0 grams
Sugars	0 grams
Protein	7 grams

Benefits of Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese offers several potential health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet:

1. Good Source of Protein: Havarti cheese is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall health.
2. Rich in Calcium: Like many dairy products, Havarti cheese is rich in calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting nerve function and muscle contraction.
3. Vitamin B12: Havarti cheese contains vitamin B12, a nutrient important for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
4. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Some studies suggest that certain types of cheese, including Havarti, may contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fatty acid that has been associated with potential health benefits such as weight management and improved metabolic health. However, more research is needed in this area.
5. Moderate Sodium Content: While Havarti cheese does contain sodium, opting for low-sodium varieties or consuming it in moderation can still fit into a balanced diet without significantly increasing sodium intake.
6. Versatile and Enjoyable: Including Havarti cheese in your diet can add variety and flavor to meals. It can be enjoyed on its own as a snack, melted on sandwiches or burgers, or incorporated into recipes like omelets, salads, or pasta dishes.

As with any food, moderation is key. While Havarti cheese can be a nutritious addition to your diet, it’s important to consume it as part of a balanced eating plan that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

Varieties of Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese comes in various flavors and styles, offering options to suit different tastes and culinary preferences. Here are some common varieties of Havarti cheese:

1. Plain Havarti: The original version of Havarti cheese, with a creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor.
2. Havarti with Dill: Dill-infused Havarti cheese, featuring the added flavor and aroma of dill herbs. This variety pairs well with crackers, bread, or sandwiches.
3. Havarti with Jalapeño: Havarti cheese blended with spicy jalapeño peppers, adding a kick of heat to the creamy cheese. It’s great for adding a spicy twist to dishes like quesadillas or burgers.
4. Havarti with Herbs: Havarti cheese flavored with a blend of herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil, enhancing its taste and aroma. This variety is versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes.
5. Smoked Havarti: Havarti cheese that has been smoked, imparting a rich, smoky flavor to the creamy cheese. It adds depth to dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese boards.
6. Aged Havarti: Aged for a longer period, typically around 12-24 months, this variety of Havarti develops a more pronounced flavor and firmer texture compared to younger Havarti cheeses. It may have nutty, tangy notes with hints of caramelization.
7. Light or Reduced-Fat Havarti: A lower-fat version of Havarti cheese, made with reduced-fat milk. It offers a lighter option for those watching their calorie or fat intake while still providing the creamy texture and mild flavor of traditional Havarti.
8. Flavored Havarti: Besides the mentioned flavors, Havarti cheese can also be infused with various other ingredients such as garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, or peppercorns, offering a wide range of flavor combinations to suit different preferences.

These varieties of Havarti cheese cater to diverse tastes and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from snacking and sandwiches to cooking and entertaining.

What Does Havarti Cheese Taste Like

Havarti cheese has a distinct taste characterized by its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. Here’s a breakdown of its taste profile:

1. Creamy: Havarti cheese has a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth, giving it a luxurious feel.
2. Buttery: It has a rich and buttery flavor that is slightly sweet and savory. This buttery taste adds to its indulgent appeal.
3. Mild: Compared to some other cheeses, Havarti is relatively mild in flavor. It lacks the sharpness or tanginess found in aged cheeses, making it approachable and versatile.
4. Subtle Tanginess: While predominantly mild, Havarti cheese may have a subtle tanginess or hint of acidity, which adds depth to its flavor profile without overpowering the palate.
5. Slightly Nutty: Depending on the age of the cheese, Havarti may develop subtle nutty undertones, especially in aged varieties. This adds complexity to its flavor profile.

Overall, Havarti cheese is prized for its delicate yet satisfying taste, making it a favorite for both snacking and cooking. Its mild flavor profile pairs well with a wide range of foods and allows it to be used in various recipes without overwhelming other ingredients.

How Havarti Cheese is Made

Havarti cheese is traditionally made using a process that involves several steps, including milk pasteurization, curdling, pressing, and aging. Here’s an overview of how Havarti cheese is typically made:

1. Milk Selection and Pasteurization: The process starts with high-quality cow’s milk, which is carefully selected for cheese making. The milk is pasteurized to eliminate harmful bacteria while preserving the natural enzymes needed for cheese production.
2. Curdling: Once pasteurized, the milk is heated and then inoculated with a starter culture of bacteria, which helps to acidify the milk and develop its flavor. Afterward, rennet, an enzyme, is added to the milk to initiate the curdling process. This causes the milk proteins (casein) to coagulate and form a gel-like substance known as curds.
3. Cutting and Stirring: The curds are then cut into small pieces to release whey, the liquid portion of the milk. The curds are gently stirred and heated to encourage further whey expulsion and facilitate the development of the desired texture.
4. Molding: Once the desired consistency is achieved, the curds are transferred into molds lined with cheesecloth. The curds are pressed to remove excess whey and shape the cheese into blocks or wheels.
5. Salting: After molding, the cheese blocks are salted either by dry salting or by soaking them in a brine solution. Salting helps to enhance flavor, inhibit bacterial growth, and promote the formation of a rind on the cheese’s surface.
6. Aging: The cheese is then transferred to a controlled aging environment, where it is allowed to mature for a period of time. During aging, the cheese develops its characteristic flavor, texture, and aroma. The length of aging can vary depending on the desired style of Havarti cheese, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
7. Packaging and Distribution: Once fully aged, the Havarti cheese is inspected for quality and packaged for distribution. It may be sold as whole blocks or wheels, pre-sliced, or shredded, ready for consumption.

Throughout the cheese-making process, careful attention to hygiene, temperature, and humidity control is essential to ensure the quality and safety of the final product. While traditional methods are still used for making Havarti cheese, modern cheese-making techniques and technology may also be employed to optimize efficiency and consistency.

How To Use Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese’s creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor make it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some delicious ways to use Havarti cheese:

1. Sandwiches and Wraps: Havarti cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis, or wraps. Layer it with your favorite fillings like sliced turkey, ham, tomatoes, and avocado for a satisfying meal.
2. Cheese Boards: Arrange sliced Havarti cheese on a cheese board alongside crackers, fresh fruits (like grapes or apple slices), nuts, and cured meats for an elegant and flavorful appetizer or snack.
3. Salads: Add cubed or shredded Havarti cheese to salads for a creamy and indulgent touch. It pairs well with leafy greens, fruits (such as strawberries or pears), nuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
4. Burgers and Sliders: Melt Havarti cheese over beef, turkey, or veggie burgers for a gooey and flavorful topping. It adds richness and depth to the burger while complementing the other ingredients.
5. Omelets and Quiches: Fold diced Havarti cheese into omelets or sprinkle it over quiches before baking for a creamy and cheesy addition to your breakfast or brunch.
6. Cheese Sauce: Make a creamy cheese sauce with Havarti cheese to drizzle over pasta, vegetables, or baked potatoes. Simply melt Havarti cheese with milk or cream over low heat until smooth and creamy, then season to taste with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
7. Pizza and Flatbreads: Sprinkle shredded Havarti cheese over pizza or flatbread crusts along with your favorite toppings before baking. Its melty texture and mild flavor make it a delicious alternative to mozzarella or other cheeses.
8. Cheese Soups: Add cubed Havarti cheese to creamy soups like potato or broccoli for extra richness and flavor. Stir the cheese into the hot soup until melted and smooth.
9. Stuffed Chicken Breast: Stuff chicken breasts with slices of Havarti cheese and fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before baking for a flavorful and elegant main dish.
10. Snacking: Enjoy Havarti cheese on its own as a simple and satisfying snack. Pair it with crackers, crusty bread, or fresh fruit for a quick and delicious treat.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment and get creative with how you use Havarti cheese in your cooking and meal planning. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it a versatile ingredient that can enhance a wide range of dishes.

Substitute for Havarti Cheese

If you’re looking for a substitute for Havarti cheese, you’ll want something with a similar texture and flavor profile. Here are a few options:

1. Muenster Cheese: Muenster cheese shares some similarities with Havarti in terms of its creamy texture and mild flavor. It melts well and can be used in sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese.
2. Gouda Cheese: Gouda cheese has a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture, making it a good substitute for Havarti. It melts nicely and can be used in sandwiches, salads, or melted over dishes like macaroni and cheese.
3. Fontina Cheese: Fontina cheese is semi-soft with a mild, buttery flavor and a creamy texture. It melts beautifully and can be used in place of Havarti in dishes like grilled cheese, omelets, and pasta bakes.
4. Provolone Cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild flavor and a firm texture that becomes creamy when melted. It’s commonly used in sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes as a substitute for Havarti.
5. Edam Cheese: Edam cheese is similar to Havarti in texture and flavor, with a mild and slightly salty taste. It melts well and can be used in sandwiches, salads, and cheese platters.
6. Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is creamy and mild, with a slightly tangy flavor. It melts nicely and can be used in sandwiches, quesadillas, and casseroles as a substitute for Havarti.

These cheeses can be used interchangeably with Havarti in most recipes, depending on your taste preferences and the specific dish you’re preparing. Experiment with different options to find the one that best suits your needs.

Where to Buy Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is widely available and can be found in many grocery stores, specialty cheese shops, and online retailers. Here are some common places where you can buy Havarti cheese:

1. Grocery Stores: Most large supermarkets and grocery chains carry Havarti cheese in the dairy or specialty cheese section. Look for it alongside other types of cheese, either pre-packaged or available for slicing at the deli counter.
2. Specialty Cheese Shops: Specialty cheese shops and gourmet food stores often offer a wide selection of cheeses, including Havarti. These stores may carry a variety of Havarti flavors and styles, including aged, smoked, and flavored varieties.
3. Cheese Counters: Many grocery stores and supermarkets with cheese counters or deli departments allow customers to purchase cheese by weight. You can ask the cheese monger to slice or cut Havarti cheese to your desired thickness.
4. Online Retailers: Numerous online retailers sell Havarti cheese, making it convenient to order from the comfort of your home. Websites like Amazon, igourmet, and specialty cheese retailers often offer a variety of Havarti options for purchase.
5. Farmers’ Markets: Some farmers’ markets feature local cheese producers who may sell Havarti cheese along with other artisanal cheeses. It’s worth checking out farmers’ markets in your area to see if you can find locally made Havarti cheese.

When purchasing Havarti cheese, consider whether you prefer plain or flavored varieties, as well as the level of aging you prefer (e.g., young and creamy or aged and more flavorful). Keep in mind that availability may vary depending on your location and the stores in your area, so don’t hesitate to ask store staff for assistance if you’re having trouble finding Havarti cheese.

How To Store Havarti Cheese

Proper storage helps maintain the flavor, texture, and quality of Havarti cheese. Here’s how to store Havarti cheese to keep it fresh:

1. Refrigeration: Store Havarti cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature between 34°F and 38°F (1°C to 3°C). It’s best to keep it in the cheese drawer, if your refrigerator has one, or in the coldest part of the fridge, away from the door to avoid temperature fluctuations.
2. Air-Tight Wrap: Wrap Havarti cheese tightly in wax paper, parchment paper, or cheese paper to protect it from moisture and air. Alternatively, you can use plastic wrap or a resealable plastic bag, but make sure it’s not airtight; Havarti cheese needs some airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Avoid Plastic Wrap: While plastic wrap can be used for short-term storage, it’s not ideal for long-term storage as it can trap moisture and cause the cheese to become slimy or moldy.
4. Cheese Storage Bags: Cheese storage bags with breathable material are specifically designed to keep cheese fresh while allowing airflow. They can be a convenient option for storing Havarti cheese.
5. Cheese Vault or Container: Consider investing in a cheese vault or container designed to regulate humidity and airflow, which helps preserve the quality of Havarti cheese and other cheeses.
6. Separate Storage: If storing multiple types of cheese, keep Havarti cheese separate from stronger-smelling cheeses to prevent flavor transfer.
7. Check for Mold: Periodically check Havarti cheese for any signs of mold or spoilage. If you notice any mold, trim off the affected area with a clean knife before consuming.
8. Use within Reasonable Time: Havarti cheese is best enjoyed within a reasonable time frame, typically within 1-2 weeks after opening. While it may still be safe to eat beyond this time, the quality may deteriorate.

By following these storage guidelines, you can prolong the shelf life of Havarti cheese and ensure it stays fresh and flavorful for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Havarti Cheese