Today let us explore the best Havarti cheese substitutes. If you are a cheese lover like me, you must have come across many recipes that need Havarti cheese as an ingredient. Whether you want to grate some cheese on top of your grill or make a creamy dip with it, Havarti cheese is a sure bet.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing Danish food, there’s a good chance you’ve come across this excellent cheese. Whether you like Havarti cheese or not, if you want to make a recipe that calls for it, but you don’t have any, you’ll need to look for good Havarti cheese substitutes.
Wait! Are you stumped as to what to use as the best Havarti substitute in your recipe? Don’t worry! We’ve already done all the tough work for you. Gouda cheese, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, Tilsit cheese, and Monterey jack are some of the most reliable Havarti cheese substitutes.
Even though we are all familiar with cheese, there is a good probability that some of my readers will be unfamiliar with Havarti cheese and its peculiarities. In that case, let us learn a little more about this delectable cheese before moving on to its alternatives.
This will be useful for people who have never heard of it before to understand how to better substitute it.
What's In The Post
Quick Peek: Havarti Cheese
Havarti cheese has a strong flavor and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. If you like cheese, you’ll never be able to get enough of Havarti because of its exquisite flavor and creamy texture.
It was once only used in Danish recipes, but it has become one of the world’s most popular cheese varieties. This section will explain everything about Havarti cheese. You’ll discover what it is, how to use it, and how it tastes and feels. To learn more, keep reading!
What Is Havarti Cheese?
Havarti cheese is native to Denmark and is prepared from cow’s milk. Hanne Nielsen has been recognized as the founder of Havarti cheese. She traveled around Europe, learning various cheese-making techniques before creating this masterpiece. The cheese was named after Havartigarden near Holte, where Hanne Nielsen invented cheese.
There are two kinds of Havarti cheese. One is the original Havarti cheese, and the other one is the creamy Havarti cheese. The original Havarti is made from pasteurized milk. It is similar to Swiss cheese in flavor and texture.
The other one is Havarti creamy cheese. It is high in butter content and cannot be left for aging as it gets bad very easily. Havarti has a cream to yellow texture. It has a soft porous texture. Havarti has a very small and irregular opening. These openings are called “eyes” and are distributed throughout.
Young Havarti has a milder flavor, whereas older Havarti becomes more of an acidic flavor with a nutty taste. Even though Havarti cheese is consumed across the world, more than half of it is produced in Denmark itself.
Describing Havarti: Flavor and Texture
Havarti is one of the famous table cheeses. It is known for its unique appearance, texture, and flavor. Havarti cheese is white. It has a mild, delicate, creamy taste with a hint of nutty flavor. Young Havarti cheese has a mild flavor and a soft texture.
It is extremely soft and buttery. Young Havarti cheese is said to have a sweet taste to it. The amount of sweetness will depend on the Havarti cheese variety and how it is made.
Havarti cheese takes at least three to four months to get old. Once matured, this cheese will continue to have a similar texture to the young cheese but with a different flavor profile. Old Havarti has a slightly acidic nature with a salty hazelnut-like taste.
Havarti cheese has an extremely rich flavor and an intense texture. This is one reason for its popularity. Havarti can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Furthermore, Havarti cheese can be eaten as a stand-alone dish due to its rich flavor. This semi-soft cheese is often flavored with herbs like hot pepper, dill, or caraways.
Havarti cheese has a very delicious milky hazelnut-like aroma. Since the Havarti cheese has a soft texture, it easily melts at room temperature. This nature of Havarti cheese makes it ideal to use as a cheese spread and a topping for pizza.
Uses of Havarti Cheese
Havarti cheese can be employed in cooking, but if you want, you can eat it as it is. It is one of the most delicious cheese snacks you can get. It is suitable for slicing, melting, and grilling. Considering its flavor profile, Havarti can be employed in various dishes.
Owing to its smooth texture and low melting point, you can substitute Havarti cheese for mozzarella cheese on pizza or pasta and cheese dips. Since Havarti cheese easily melts at room temperature, it is suitable for making cheese boards. Havarti cheese also works great in pasta and cheese sandwiches as it has a very smooth, creamy texture.
Unlike some other kinds of cheese out on the market, Havarti has a likable flavor to most people. Hence, if you are planning to throw a wine and cheese party, make sure to include this slice of joy. It works great with most fruits, and it is a great combination with red wine and white wine.
But if you are planning to try it with meat, give it a try with soppressata. It is a dry salami made from either pork or beef. The flavors of soppressata, rightly combined with the nutty, aromatic flavor of Havarti cheese, are something everyone should try at least once.
Havarti Cheese On The Health Radar | Looking Through The Wellness Telescope
First, let’s state the obvious; Havarti cheese is high in protein. This cheese is also a rich source of calcium and vitamin A. Havarti cheese is so creamy and flavorful that it is extremely hard to resist. But Havarti cheese is high in fat content and should be used in very restricted amounts. A normal slice of Havarti cheese is high in calories.
Havarti cheese also helps with weight loss. If you are health conscious and yet want to include cheese, you can have Havarti cheese. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Apart from that, it gives a feeling of fullness. Therefore, it restricts our food intake and helps us balance a healthy diet.
Havarti cheese also contains sodium. This is great for managing healthy blood circulation. Sodium also manages blood pressure. If you are someone with hypertension, it is advisable to eat a little bit of Havarti cheese once in a while.
Being rich in calcium, Havarti cheese plays a great role in maintaining an individual’s overall dental and bone health. If you are someone who loves cheese and your health hand in hand, Havarti cheese is something for you. I believe we’ve talked about enough Havarti cheese! Now it’s time to consider the primary point of this essay, which is the best Havarti cheese substitutes.
Why Use A Substitute For Havarti Cheese?
This question, I’m sure, has crossed your thoughts at least once. While this is a good question, there are a few reasons why you might want to use anything other than Havarti cheese.
To begin with, Havarti cheese is produced in Denmark and exported to a number of nations. As a result, it can be pricey and may not suit everyone’s budget. For the same reason, there’s a potential that the cheese supply will be limited.
A substitute will come in handy in these situations. It also contains cholesterol and saturated fats. Although this is a concern with most types of cheese, some are healthy and worthy of attention.
Furthermore, why go to the store if you have any of the substitutes on hand? You could always just use a substitute to save time. These are compelling reasons to consider employing a replacement.
I believe I’ve covered everything there is to know about Havarti cheese. Let me now take you to the article’s main point: the best Havarti substitutes. Continue reading to learn more about them!
9 Best Havarti Cheese Substitutes
This section has the best substitutes for Havarti cheese. Moreover, you will get to know how to use each substitute in your recipes too.
1. Tilsit Cheese
Tilsit cheese, also known as Tilister cheese, is a pale yellow cheese with a semi-firm texture. Tilsit cheese has a quite close flavor profile to Havarti and is one of the best Havarti cheese substitutes.
Tilsit cheese has a stronger flavor than Havarti cheese. It has a strong salty flavor and a pungent fragrance. Tilsit makes a wonderful Havarti cheese substitute for cheese sauces and dips since both have a similar creamy texture.
But Tilsit cheese is not a convenient option as many normal stores won’t have it. However, if you have some on hand, use a 1:1 ratio substitute for Havarti.
2. Saint Paulin
Saint paulin has a semi-soft texture and can be used as a Havarti cheese substitute. Since it has a similar texture to Havarti cheese, it can be used as grated or in a melted version.
Saint Paulin, unlike Havarti, is a slightly aged cheese and has a very sharp flavor. But Saint Paulin has a creamy, buttery, rich flavor. Saint Paulin can be used as a Havarti substitute in cheese boards and fondue.
One drawback of Saint Paulin’s will be that it’ll lack the sweetness that Havarti cheese has. In all other aspects, Saint Paulin is a perfect Havarti cheese substitute,
3. Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly and has a mellow flavor comparable to Havarti cheese, making it a good Havarti cheese substitute.
Many Mexican and Spanish cuisines contain Monterey Jack cheese. Monterey Jack cheese has a significantly firmer texture than Havarti cheese. Even though Monterey jack has a dense texture, its flavor is so similar that it will be unrecognizable from Havarti cheese once you melt it.
Monterey Jack cheese is best used to make tasty Havarti cheeseboard replacements. It can also be used to replace Havarti cheese with wine and beer. When used as a Havarti cheese substitute, follow a 1:1 ratio.
4. Esrom
Esrom, also known as Danish Port Salut, is a light yellow semi-soft cheese. Esrom has a strong buttery flavor and melts easily. It has a similar flavor and texture to Havarti cheese and can be used as a Havarti cheese substitute.
Esrom, on the other hand, has a strong odor that may not be acceptable for everyone. However, when cooking fondue or sauces, we can substitute this Esrom cheese for Havarti cheese.
Esrom has a sweeter flavor than Havarti cheese and, like Havarti cheese, goes well with red wine and beer. Like the alternatives, Esrom cheese also follows a 1:1 ratio.Like the alternatives, Esrom cheese also follows a 1:1 ratio.
5. Emmental Cheese
Emmental cheese, like Havarti, is made from cow’s milk and has a very mild fruity flavor. Emmental cheese can be regarded as one of the best Havarti cheese substitutes as it has a very similar flavor and texture profile.
Emmental cheese melts very well and can be used as a Havarti cheese alternative in almost all dishes. Since it has a very mild flavor profile, we can experiment with different tastes with Emmental cheese, just like we do with Havarti cheese.
6. Colby Cheese
Colby cheese is a little harder than Havarti cheese. However, when comparing its flavor, Colby cheese can be used as a Havarti cheese substitute in various dishes.
Colby, like cheddar, is yellow and has quite a versatile flavor to it. Colby can be employed as a Havarti cheese in sandwiches and cheese dips. While employed as a Havarti cheese substitute, Colby cheese can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
7. Gouda Cheese
Gouda has a sweet, nutty flavor similar to Havarti cheese and can be used as a good Havarti cheese substitute.
Made from cow’s milk, gouda cheese is harder than normal Havarti cheese. It is usually found in semi-soft to hard varieties. However, it melts really quickly and can be used in various dishes. When replacing Havarti with gouda, follow a 1:1 ratio.
8. Young Cheddar Cheese
Young cheddar cheese is a great Havarti cheese substitute. Young cheddar, just like Havarti, has a light yellow color and a soft texture.
In most cases, young cheddar can be used to replace Havarti cheese. Cheddar is one of the most affordable and widely available Havarti cheese substitutes. However, while choosing the cheddar as a replacement for Havarti, be very cautious as the aged cheddar won’t do justice as a Havarti cheese substitute. When replacing Havarti with young cheddar, follow a 1:1 proportion.
9. Edam Cheese
Edam cheese offers a unique flavor. It has a buttery flavor with a light nutty aroma. This cheese is a perfect Havarti cheese substitute.
Edam works well in most of the dishes as a Havarti substitute. Fondue and casseroles are some of the few dishes where Edam can be employed. When using Edam cheese, follow a 1:1 ratio.
Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing Havarti Cheese Substitute
- Always use a semi-hard or semi-soft cheese as a Havarti cheese substitute. If we replace Havarti with hard textured cheese, it might affect the dish’s consistency. Also, hard cheese is hard to grate and won’t do justice to the dish.
- Don’t choose cheese that has a strong flavor profile. Havarti has a mild flavor and a sweet aroma. If you are using a cheese with a strong aroma, that could affect the overall flavor of that dish.
- When substituting Havarti in a cold appetizer, consider using a cheese that can be sliced and has a pleasant aroma.
- If you plan to grate the Havarti cheese substitute, choose a semi-hard cheese. The semi-soft cheese might not work well in this situation.
Short Recap Of The Best Havarti Cheese Substitutes
Are you still undecided about which of these substitutes you should choose? Don’t worry; here’s a little clip that may assist you in escaping this difficult predicament.
Most appropriate: Tilsit cheese is the most acceptable Havarti cheese substitute since it can practically match the flavor and taste of Havarti cheese.
Most accessible option: The Young Cheddar is the most accessible option. Even if they don’t have the same flavor as Havarti cheese, they can be used safely for garnishing and melting. It also works great with wine and appetizers.
Best flavor combination: When Colby cheese is employed, the flavor profile is the best.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found the answers you were seeking now that we’ve reached the end of the post. Havarti cheese is such a versatile ingredient that it may add a new dimension to various meals.
Although most of the listed ingredients can be used as Havarti cheese substitutes, there is no precise match for Havarti cheese. However, if you know of any other alternatives to the ones listed above, please share them in the comments area.
How To Substitute The Above Mentioned Ingredients For Havarti Cheese
Havarti Cheese Substitutes
Ingredients
- Tilsit Cheese
- Saint Paulin
- Monterey Jack Cheese
- Esrom
- Emmental Cheese
- Colby Cheese
- Gouda Cheese
- Young Cheddar Cheese
- Edam Cheese
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and proceed to make the dish according to the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cheese is most similar to Havarti?
Tilsit cheese is the most similar to Havarti cheese in flavor and texture and can be considered a reliable Havarti cheese substitute.
Can I use mozzarella instead of Havarti?
Yes. You can substitute mozzarella with Havarti and vice versa. When compared to mozzarella, Havarti has a more intense flavor and a creamy texture.
 Is havarti the same as gouda?
No. Havarti and Gouda are two varieties of cheese. However, they are so similar in flavor and texture that they can be used as each other’s substitutes.
Is Havarti similar to Swiss cheese?
Yes. Swiss cheese has a more firm texture, while Havarti has a more buttery, creamy nature. Both of these cheeses have a nutty undertone to their flavor when aged and are reliable substitutes for each other.
 Is havarti similar to provolone?
Provolone has its origins in Italy and it has a semi-hard texture. Provolone also has a more intense flavor than Havarti. Provolone has a more similar flavor to that of mozzarella cheese than that of Havarti cheese.
What is the difference between Gruyere and Havarti?
Gruyere and Havarti are two different types of cheese. While Havarti is made from cow’s milk, gruyere is usually obtained from lamb’s milk. When talking about the texture, Gruyere has a firm texture when compared to Havarti.
The taste profiles of both the cheeses are also different. While Havarti is sweet and mild, gruyere has a strong and nutty flavor.
What does Havarti cheese taste like?
Havarti cheese has a mild flavor and a soft texture. It is extremely soft and buttery. Havarti cheese has a light hazelnut flavor with a salty acidic undertone. However, if it is freshly prepared, it will have a slightly sweet taste.
