Find fun ways to introduce this versatile and mild cheese into your dish rotation.
HAVARTI CHEESE 101
CHEESY GOODNESS
BUTTERY,
SWEET,
Sliced, grilled or melted—this unassuming cow’s milk cheese is just sweet enough to play a role in many main courses as well as desserts. It softens quickly at room temperature, so it works great for slicing on charcuterie boards. Use it to create an upscale grilled cheese or melt it for sauces in pasta, chicken and vegetable dishes.
Havarti was created by a Danish woman who traveled throughout Europe learning cheesemaking techniques. When she returned home, she used some of her new skills to develop Havarti and named it after her farm.
It became popular and was typically eaten as dessert. Havarti was introduced to the U.S. by Scandinavian immigrants who settled largely in Wisconsin. Like most cheese, Havarti is made by adding rennet (enzymes) to help curdle the milk. The resulting curds are pressed into cheese molds, which are then drained and aged. This rindless cheese ranges in color from a creamy white to yellow. Its subtle flavor is due to being a washed curd cheese.
5 havarti Q&A
Q Why does it have holes?
A The holes are created by bacteria that release carbon dioxide. The resulting gas bubbles become trapped in the cheese, leaving holes as they evaporate.
Q How long does it age?
A Havarti typically ages for about 3 months to develop a creamy texture and mild flavor. But it can age up to a year, which results in a firmer texture and salty, hazelnut flavor.
Q What does it taste like?
A Creamy, smooth and buttery, without a strong flavor like Gouda. Its mild flavor is similar to Monterey Jack.
Q What's the difference between Havarti and Swiss?
A They both may be “holey,” but Swiss cheese has a firmer texture and nuttier flavor. Swiss also has more pronounced holes throughout.
Q What do I serve it with?
A Lightly flavored beers like pilsner or a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir. Or choose sweet fruits or jams.
Culinary tours
Explore cheese from around the world available at Hy-Vee.
Culinary Tours introduces American cooks to flavors from far-off lands as well as those closer to home. Find adventurous new cheese options including several flavors of Alpine-style Cheddar, Wisconsin Cheddar, Gruyère, Brie and varieties of Havarti.
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Candied Bacon ’n’ Cheese Sliders
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HOW TO MAKE
Easily assemble this pork slider.
STEP 1:
Cut a 12-count pkg. of Hy-Waiian rolls in half horizontally.
STEP 2:
Spread rolls with mustard, and layer ham, cheese, bacon and peppers on the bottoms.
STEP 3:
Place the roll tops over the bottoms, and brush with melted butter and garlic mixture.
Jalapeño Havarti Chicken Casserole
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Using queso blanco along with Havarti gives this dish the melty, creamy goodness associated with a traditional mac and cheese.
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EASY IDEAS
hot crab and havarti dip
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grilled Havarti-and-fig sandwiches
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havarti
Cantaloupe bites
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Italian
havarti toasts
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havarti stuffed mushrooms
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baked havarti in Puff Pastry
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havarti
white pizza
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cheesy havarti and broccoli soup
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