Frederic Melton
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a semi-soft, mild, and creamy cheese with a buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. The cheese is known for its excellent melting properties, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese, soups, sauces, and more. Its ability to melt smoothly and develop a creamy texture enhances the flavour and texture of dishes, making it a favourite among cheese lovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Buttery, smooth, creamy |
| Taste | Mild, slightly sweet |
| Melting properties | Melts well |
| Uses | Grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese, soups, sauces, salads |
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What You'll Learn
Havarti cheese on burgers
Havarti is a semi-soft, mild, creamy, and buttery Danish cheese with a slightly sharp tang and holes, resembling Swiss cheese. It is often infused with other flavours, such as horseradish and dill. Its mellow and benign flavour, along with its excellent melting quality, makes it a good choice for burgers.
Havarti's versatility in the kitchen is due to its ability to melt and its mellow, inoffensive taste, which is rich enough to hold its own in complex dishes. Its flavour is similar to cheddar, but it is slightly softer and creamier. It is also comparable to Swiss, Gouda, Mueller, or Fontina.
When making a burger with Havarti cheese, the cheese is usually placed on top of the patty after it has been flipped. The heat from the patty and the pan will melt the cheese. The cheese can also be placed on the bottom half of the bun, with the patty then placed on top, allowing the cheese to melt and bind the patty to the bun.
Havarti cheese is a popular choice for burgers, as it melts quickly and has a good flavour. It can be paired with a variety of ingredients, such as bacon, onion jam, and jalapeno mayo, or thyme caramelized onions and garlic mayo. It can also be used in a breakfast burger with a fried egg, with the egg yolk acting as a sauce.
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Grilled cheese sandwiches
Havarti cheese is a semi-soft, mild, creamy, and sweet-tasting cheese that is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its mellow flavour and rich texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is also a great melting cheese, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it adds a gooey, stretchy texture to the sandwich.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with Havarti cheese, you will need:
- Sourdough or any other sandwich bread of your choice
- Butter
- Havarti cheese
You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as:
- Pesto butter or garlic bread spread
- Tomato slices
- Ham
- Turkey
- Pesto
- Chilli tomato jam
- Pepper jelly
- Thinly sliced pear or apple
- Bacon
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place the buttered side down on a hot pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Stack the Havarti cheese slices on the non-buttered side of the bread.
- Add the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side up.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes covered, until the bread is golden brown.
- Remove the lid, flip the sandwich, and replace the lid.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until both slices of bread are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve hot.
Havarti grilled cheese sandwiches are a quick, easy, and delicious comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The mild and creamy flavour of Havarti cheese, along with its excellent melting quality, makes it a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Macaroni and cheese
When making mac and cheese with Havarti cheese, it is recommended to avoid using shredded cheese as it contains a finishing agent that can make the sauce oily and affect its texture. Instead, sliced cheese or a roux—a mix of melted butter and flour added to the sauce to thicken it—are better options. The ratio of flour to melted butter is typically 1:1, and it is chilled before adding milk to create a thick and creamy sauce.
A recipe for Havarti mac and cheese includes preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat a frying pan to medium-high heat and melt two tablespoons of butter. Add crushed crackers and stir until they are coated in butter and slightly browned. Then, add minced garlic and chopped herbs such as sage, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for an additional minute.
For the pasta, cavatappi, shells, or rotini can be used. The cheese sauce is made by mixing whole milk with shredded Havarti cheese, sharp white cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. This sauce is then poured over the cooked pasta and baked in the oven. The result is a creamy and delicious mac and cheese with a crunchy, herby cracker crust.
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour and texture of mac and cheese. Its melting quality and mild taste make it a good choice for those who want a creamy and indulgent dish without an overpowering cheese flavour. When combined with herbs and crackers, Havarti mac and cheese can be a unique and tasty side dish for any occasion.
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Salads, soups and sauces
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and sauces. Its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavour make it perfect for melting, adding a rich and creamy flavour to any dish.
When it comes to salads, Havarti can be a delicious addition, offering a creamy and rich flavour. For example, it can be paired with a side salad when serving roasted vegetables or a pork tenderloin stuffed with Havarti and fresh herbs. The cheese can also be used to make delicious cheese puffs, which can be served as an appetizer or snack alongside a salad.
In soups, Havarti cheese can be added towards the end of the cooking process. Simply reduce the heat to low and gradually add shredded Havarti cheese to your favourite soup base, such as tomato, broccoli, or potato. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and well incorporated, creating a creamy and rich soup.
Havarti cheese is also excellent for making sauces, particularly for pasta, vegetables, and meats. To make a basic Havarti cheese sauce, start by making a roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat and adding flour, stirring constantly until it forms a golden paste. Then, slowly whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. Finally, reduce the heat to low and add shredded Havarti cheese, stirring until it melts completely and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce can be used in a variety of ways, such as over pasta, steamed vegetables, or even as a dip for breads and crackers.
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Appetizers and snacks
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including appetizers and snacks. Its creamy, buttery texture and mild flavour make it an excellent melting cheese, perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and macaroni and cheese. Here are some specific ideas for appetizers and snacks:
Cheese Puffs
Havarti cheese can be used to make delicious cheese puffs that are perfect as appetizers or snacks. Simply spread shredded Havarti cheese and fresh herbs evenly over the inside of a pork tenderloin, roll it up, and secure it with kitchen twine. Season the outside of the pork with salt and pepper, then sear it in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown. Transfer the pork to a baking dish and bake in the oven until cooked through and the cheese is melted. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. These cheese puffs can be paired with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
Focaccia Pizza
Another quick and easy option is to use crispy focaccia bread as a base and top it with Havarti cheese and fried mushrooms. Slice the focaccia horizontally for a thin and crispy base, then cover it with Havarti cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese melts and the mushrooms crisp up. Top it off with some fresh chopped basil, and you've got a delicious appetizer or snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Panini with Pear and Bacon
For a more hearty option, try making a panini with Havarti cheese, thinly sliced pear, and crispy bacon. Grill the panini until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. The sweetness of the pear and the savouriness of the bacon create a complex and satisfying flavour profile.
Breakfast Burger
Havarti cheese is also an excellent choice for a breakfast burger. Fry a burger patty and top it with a slice of Havarti cheese, which will melt quickly and add a burst of flavour. Serve the cheese-covered burger patty on a sweet breakfast roll with your choice of vegetables and a fried egg. The egg yolk will act as a sauce, making the burger even more indulgent.
With its mild flavour and excellent melting properties, Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any appetizer or snack. Whether it's a classic grilled cheese sandwich, a creative panini, or a savoury breakfast burger, Havarti cheese is sure to impress.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Havarti cheese is known for its excellent melting properties. When heated, it develops a smooth, creamy texture.
Havarti cheese is a fantastic ingredient for a variety of dishes due to its mild flavour and smooth, creamy texture. It is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese, soups, sauces, and salads.
Here are some recipes that use melted Havarti cheese:
- Grilled cheese sandwich with bacon
- Macaroni and cheese with a crispy topping
- Soup (added at the end, with seasoning adjusted as needed)
- Cheese sauce for pasta, vegetables, and meats
- Stuffed pork tenderloin
- Pizza with mushrooms and basil
- Panini with pear and bacon
