The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Havarti Lovers

Havarti is a semi-soft cheese that originated in Denmark. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its mild, sweet, and subtly nutty flavour. Its versatility means it pairs well with a variety of other cheeses, foods, and drinks. So, what cheese goes well with Havarti?

Havarti with dill

When it comes to wine and beer pairings, Havarti with dill is quite versatile. It pairs well with red wines such as Beaujolais, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot, as well as white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay. In terms of beer, it complements a wide range of styles, from lighter pilsners and weiss to heavier stouts.

• Havarti with Dill Grilled Cheese: Prepare a grilled cheese sandwich by using slices of Havarti with dill along with your favourite bread and optional additions like tomatoes, bacon, or avocado.
• Dill Havarti and Apple Quesadillas: Spread grated or sliced Havarti with dill over tortillas, add thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, then cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
• Havarti with Dill and Mushroom Pizza: Top your favourite pizza dough with sautéed mushrooms, grated Havarti with dill, and herbs. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy.
• Dill Havarti and Pear Panini: Add thinly sliced pear and Havarti with dill between slices of bread and grill until the cheese is melted and the panini is golden brown.
• Havarti with Dill and Vegetable Frittata: Whisk together eggs, milk, chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions), and grated Havarti with dill. Cook in a skillet until the eggs are set.
• Dill Havarti and Shrimp Pasta: Sauté shrimp and set aside. In a separate pan, combine butter, olive oil, cream or half-and-half, grated Havarti with dill, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, add the shrimp, and serve.

Havarti and apple

Havarti is a versatile cheese that goes well with most foods, both sweet and savoury. It is mild, sweet, and subtly nutty, with a smooth and buttery texture. Its mellow flavour and excellent melting ability make it a great addition to many dishes.

One food that pairs well with Havarti is apples. The crispiness and sweetness of apples complement the creaminess and mild flavour of Havarti. This combination is so popular that some people consider it their "gateway" to trying more exotic cheese and food combinations.

One way to enjoy Havarti and apple together is in a quesadilla. Grated or sliced Havarti cheese is spread over tortillas, along with thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The quesadilla is then cooked in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. This dish is an excellent option for those seeking a quick and easy meal, as it can be prepared and cooked in less than 15 minutes.

Another way to enjoy Havarti and apple is to include them in a charcuterie board or cheese platter. Sliced Havarti can be served alongside apples, as well as other fruits such as pears, dried fruits, and grapes. Whole-grain or whole-wheat bread or crackers are the perfect accompaniment to this combination. This option is ideal for entertaining guests or creating a simple yet elegant appetiser.

Havarti and honey

Havarti is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese, with a smooth, buttery texture and a sweet, nutty taste. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to quiches and pizzas. When it comes to pairing Havarti with other foods, the options are endless. Its mild, sweet and nutty flavour goes well with both sweet and savoury dishes, as well as beer and wine.

One classic combination is Havarti and honey. The sweetness of the honey complements the creamy, buttery flavour of the cheese, while its viscosity provides a delightful contrast to the cheese's smooth texture. For a simple yet indulgent treat, try drizzling honey over a slice of raw Havarti. To add a bit of crunch and sharpness to this combination, consider sprinkling some crushed walnuts on top.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, here are some recipe ideas that incorporate Havarti and honey:

• Havarti and Honey Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with sliced Havarti, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with chopped nuts and fresh herbs.
• Baked Havarti and Honey Dip: Mix softened Havarti with honey, chopped pecans, and a pinch of cinnamon. Bake until melted and bubbly, and serve with crackers or apple slices.
• Havarti, Honey and Fruit Skewers: Thread cubes of Havarti, fresh honeydew melon, and grapes onto skewers, and drizzle with honey for a refreshing and tasty appetiser.
• Honey-Glazed Havarti and Prosciutto Pizza: Top a pizza base with sliced Havarti, drizzle with honey, and add some prosciutto slices. Bake until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is crispy.
• Havarti, Honey and Chicken Salad: Combine diced cooked chicken, cubed Havarti, chopped apples, and walnuts. Drizzle with honey mustard dressing and serve on a bed of mixed greens.

Havarti and pear

Havarti is a mild, sweet, and subtly nutty semi-soft cheese that goes well with both sweet and savoury dishes. Its mellow flavour and rich, buttery texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to salads.

One way to enjoy Havarti is to pair it with pears. The sweetness of the pear complements the mild and buttery flavour of the cheese, while the addition of honey can further enhance the sweetness of the dish. For a savoury option, try adding some crispy bacon or walnuts to the mix.

A panini is a great way to enjoy the combination of Havarti and pear. Simply add some thinly sliced pear between the Havarti slices and grill until the cheese is melted and the panini is golden brown. For a heartier option, add some crispy bacon to the panini for a savoury element.

Dijon Havarti and Pear Grilled Cheese

This sandwich features sourdough bread, creamy Havarti cheese, sweet pear seared with honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The key to this recipe is to sear the pear slices in honey first to bring out their sweetness and add a subtle honey flavour.

Havarti, Pear, and Walnut Puff Pastry Bites

These tasty bites are perfect for easy entertaining and can be made ahead of time and frozen. The filling includes Castello Aged Havarti, a pear chutney, toasted walnuts, and honey, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. The sweet and savoury flavours of the filling are a perfect match for the buttery pastry.

Havarti and bacon

Havarti is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of ingredients to make delicious dishes. One such ingredient is bacon, which, when combined with Havarti, creates a savoury and indulgent flavour profile. Here are some mouth-watering recipes that showcase the wonderful combination of Havarti and bacon:

This savoury quiche is a delightful blend of flavours and textures. The creamy Havarti and the salty, crispy bacon come together to create a satisfying bite. To make this quiche, simply whisk together eggs, milk, cooked bacon, grated Havarti, and your choice of seasonings. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake until set. This quiche is perfect for a brunch or light lunch, served alongside a fresh salad.

Havarti Bacon Turkey Burgers

If you're looking for a juicy burger with a twist, try adding Havarti and bacon. Form ground turkey into patties and place a slice of Havarti on top. As the burger cooks, the cheese will melt, creating a gooey, decadent centre. Fry some bacon until crispy and use it to top the burger, adding a salty crunch. Serve on a toasted bun with your favourite toppings and enjoy the ultimate indulgent bite.

Havarti Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

This grilled cheese sandwich takes the classic to the next level. The key is in the combination of two types of cheese—Havarti and Emmental—which melt together to create a smooth and nutty flavour. The crispy bacon and caramelized onions add a sweet and savoury contrast, while the whole grain dijon mustard brings a tangy kick. Spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for the perfect toasty brown crust.

Turkey, Bacon, and Havarti Panini

For a panini that packs a punch, try this mouth-watering combination. Layer sliced turkey, tomatoes, a bacon lattice, and Havarti cheese between slices of rustic bread. Spread the outside of the bread with butter for a golden crust, and the inside with green goddess dressing or mayonnaise for added flavour. Grill the panini until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. The result is a crispy, flavourful sandwich that's perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

Spinach, Bacon, and Havarti Strata

This strata is an egg-based dish that's perfect for breakfast or brunch. It combines spinach, bacon, and Havarti cheese in a creamy, savoury custard. The key to this dish is layering the ingredients, which creates a stunning presentation and allows each flavour to shine. Assemble the strata the night before and bake it in the morning for an easy and impressive dish.

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