Pairing Havarti Dill Cheese: The Ultimate Guide

Havarti dill cheese is a semi-soft, mild cheese with a creamy texture and a subtle buttery sweetness. Its mellow dill flavour offers a fresh, slightly tangy taste with herbal notes. The cheese is versatile and melts quickly, making it ideal for cooking. It can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks, including baguettes, crackers, fruits, honey, nuts, olives, smoked salmon, cured meats, and cocktails or wine. Havarti dill cheese can be used to add flavour to sandwiches, quesadillas, pasta, mac and cheese, salads, burgers, and more. It is also suitable for grilling and melting.

Dill Havarti grilled cheese

Dill Havarti is a cheese with a subtle dill infusion, which gives it a gentle hint of incredible freshness. It is a soft and creamy cheese, which makes it easy to enjoy and perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ingredients

• Dill Havarti Cheese
• Bread (Italian, sourdough, or seedy whole wheat)
• Mayonnaise
• Cream cheese
• Fresh dill
• Salt
• Butter

Optional Ingredients

• Avocado
• Asparagus
• Cayenne pepper
• Lemon
• Olive oil

Method

• If you want to add avocado and asparagus to your sandwich, prepare these first. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place asparagus spears on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 10-15 minutes, until tender. Remove and squeeze a little lemon over the asparagus. Place the avocado halves in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Smash roughly with a fork.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Stack the slices so the buttered sides face each other.
• Layer 1-2 slices of Dill Havarti on the bread stack. Add the avocado mixture, then layer asparagus spears to cover the bread. Top with 1-2 more slices of Dill Havarti.
• Drizzle a small amount of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan, buttered side down, and top with the other slice of bread. Cover with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the bread is golden.
• Reduce the heat and flip the sandwich, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the bread is toasty golden and the cheese has melted.
• Sprinkle with salt and serve hot.

Tips

• If you don't want to add avocado and asparagus, you can simply make a grilled cheese sandwich with Dill Havarti and buttered bread.
• You can also add mayonnaise and cream cheese to your sandwich. Spread a little mayonnaise onto one side of each slice of bread. Combine cream cheese with mayonnaise and spread onto the other side of each slice. Top with Dill Havarti, fresh dill, and the other slice of bread.
• If you want to add a little extra crunch to your sandwich, try using seedy whole wheat bread.
• For a stronger dill flavour, add more fresh dill to your sandwich.
• If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep them warm in the oven while you cook the others.

Enjoy your ooey, gooey, super-creamy Dill Havarti grilled cheese!

Tuna melt sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Tuna (canned albacore tuna or regular chunk tuna)
• Dijon mustard
• Seasonings (minced garlic, fresh chopped Italian parsley, fresh chopped chives, dried tarragon, salt, and pepper)
• Lemon (juice and zest)
• Havarti dill cheese
• Sourdough bread, thinly sliced
• Butter, melted

Optional Ingredients:

• Fresh tomatoes
• Red onion
• Celery
• Mayonnaise
• Dill
• Capers or pickled jalapeños

Method:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna with the dijon mustard, seasonings, and lemon juice and zest. Stir until the fish is broken up and everything is evenly combined.
• Brush the sourdough bread slices with melted butter on one side.
• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
• Spread a layer of the tuna mixture on each slice of bread, covering it evenly.
• Top the tuna mixture with two slices of Havarti dill cheese each.
• Close the sandwiches with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
• Cook the sandwiches until the first side is golden brown, then flip and continue cooking until the second side is golden and the cheese has melted.
• Transfer the sandwiches to a plate and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
• Slice the sandwiches in half and serve warm.

Tips:

• You can adjust the seasoning in the tuna to suit your taste.
• For an extra crunchy texture and a pop of colour, add slices of fresh tomatoes on top of the tuna and under the cheese.
• For added crunch, include equal amounts of finely chopped red onion and celery in the tuna mixture.
• If you prefer a creamier tuna melt, mix in some mayonnaise with the tuna. You can also add finely chopped dill, capers, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavour.

Salads

Havarti dill cheese is a semi-soft, mild cheese with a creamy texture and a subtle, buttery sweetness. The addition of dill offers a fresh, slightly tangy flavour with herbal notes. Its mellow flavour and smooth texture make it a versatile cheese for salads. Here are some salad ideas that go well with Havarti dill cheese:

Green Salad:

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a perfect side dish to complement the richness of Havarti dill cheese in a dish. The crispiness and slight bitterness of the greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, buttery cheese.

Fruit Salad:

The crisp sweetness of apples, pears, or grapes in a fruit salad can beautifully complement the mild and buttery flavour of Havarti dill cheese. The natural sweetness of the fruits will also balance the savoury and herbal notes in the cheese, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

Tuna Salad:

Havarti dill cheese can be an excellent addition to a tuna salad. Its quick-melting property makes it ideal for creating a creamy and flavourful tuna salad. The mild tanginess of the cheese pairs well with the savoury tuna, and the dill adds a refreshing herbal note to the dish.

Chicken Salad:

Chicken salad is another dish that pairs well with Havarti dill cheese. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a subtle tanginess to the salad, enhancing the flavour of the chicken without overwhelming it. The dill in the cheese also provides a refreshing herbal touch to the dish.

Vegetable Salad:

Havarti dill cheese can also be a delicious addition to a vegetable salad. Its creamy texture and mild flavour can complement the crispness and freshness of vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. The cheese can also be used in a dressing or as a creamy dip for the salad.

Charcuterie board

Havarti dill cheese is a great option for a charcuterie board, offering a creamy texture and subtle buttery sweetness. Its mellow dill flavour adds a fresh, tangy taste with herbal notes. Here are some ideas for a delicious and well-rounded charcuterie board centred around Havarti dill cheese:

Crackers and Breads

A simple baguette can provide a neutral base that lets the cheese shine, while seeded crackers pair well with the creamy texture of the Havarti dill cheese. For a fun DIY option, provide guests with bread or crackers and a variety of toppings such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or pesto, and let them create their own custom crackers or bruschetta.

Fruits and Vegetables

The crisp sweetness of apples, pears, or grapes can complement the mild flavour of the Havarti dill cheese. Pickled vegetables, such as Castelvetrano olives, can add a briny punch of flavour. If you're feeling creative, you can also try making your own quick pickled vegetables at home.

Nuts

Almonds, walnuts, or pecans offer a crunchy texture that contrasts the creamy cheese. If you want to get creative, you can try making your own candied or spiced nuts to add a unique touch to your charcuterie board.

Meats

Smoked salmon is a classic pairing with Havarti dill cheese, as its rich flavour and silky texture match well with the dill notes. Thinly sliced prosciutto or salami will also add a savoury contrast. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own charcuterie meats at home, such as homemade salami or cured salmon.

Condiments and Spreads

Honey adds a touch of sweetness and balances the savoury and herbal notes in the cheese. You can also provide a variety of mustards, jams, or chutneys to add some extra flavour to the board.

Drinks

A refreshing drink can enhance the flavours of the charcuterie board. A Cucumber Gin and Tonic or a Mojito can echo the fresh dill notes in the cheese. A light, zesty Pinot Grigio or a crisp Pilsner beer can also offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese.

Remember, the key to a successful charcuterie board is variety and balance. Provide a mix of textures, flavours, and colours to create a visually appealing and delicious spread. Enjoy creating your Havarti dill cheese-themed charcuterie board!

Pasta

Havarti dill cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of many pasta dishes. Its creamy texture and subtle buttery sweetness make it an ideal addition to a variety of recipes. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating delicious pasta dishes with Havarti dill cheese:

Choosing the Right Pasta

When using Havarti dill cheese in pasta, consider the type of pasta that will best complement the cheese sauce. Bucatini, a thick spaghetti-like pasta with a hole running through the centre, is an excellent choice. Its unique shape allows the ultra-creamy and cheesy sauce to cling to every nook and cranny, resulting in a decadent and indulgent dining experience. However, feel free to use any pasta of your preference or whatever you have on hand.

Creating the Perfect Sauce

The key to a mouthwatering Havarti dill cheese sauce is to achieve the right balance of flavours and textures. Start by creating a roux base by heating butter in a skillet and adding garlic, flour, and other seasonings. Slowly add liquid, such as milk or wine, while whisking constantly to create a smooth and creamy sauce. The addition of lemon zest and dried dill can enhance the freshness and tanginess of the sauce.

Combining with Other Ingredients

Havarti dill cheese pairs exceptionally well with a variety of ingredients, adding depth and flavour to your pasta dish. Buttery Castelvetrano olives, for example, provide a meaty texture and a bright, vibrant flavour that complements the cheese beautifully. You can also experiment with other ingredients such as garlic, onions, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to add a tangy twist to your pasta.

Serving and Presentation

When serving your Havarti dill cheese pasta, don't be shy with the sauce. Cream sauces tend to tighten as they cool, so feel free to add pasta water to thin out the sauce as needed. Serve your pasta immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and additional olives, if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the cheese sauce can tighten if left to sit for too long.

Sample Recipe: Dill Havarti and Castelvetrano Olive Pasta

For a quick and luxurious vegetarian pasta dish, try the following recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb bucatini or your preferred pasta
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 cups dill havarti, freshly grated and packed (or plain havarti with 1/2 tsp dried dill)
• 16 Castelvetrano olives (add more if desired)
• 1 lemon, zested and cut in half
• Freshly ground pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 2 heaping tablespoons of salt.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until 1 minute shy of al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce.
• While waiting for the water to boil, start preparing the sauce.
• Heat butter in a non-stick deep skillet over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, being careful not to brown it (about 30 seconds).
• Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, whisking occasionally, until the roux is fragrant and sizzling.
• Slowly add the wine and milk, whisking constantly to break up any lumps.
• Adjust the heat to medium-low and add the lemon zest and dried dill (if using plain havarti).
• Cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and is lightly bubbling, about 8 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and add the grated cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and stir to incorporate.
• Just before the pasta is done, reserve about a cup of pasta water.
• Transfer the pasta and olives to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
• If the sauce becomes too tight, add pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, to thin it out.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges and additional olives, if desired.

Enjoy your creamy and flavourful Havarti dill cheese pasta!

Frequently asked questions