Kamil Perry
Havarti is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, both as a standalone ingredient and as a complement to other flavours. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a great addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, and even pizzas. Its melting quality makes it perfect for dishes like mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers, where it adds a rich and creamy element. Havarti can also be sliced and served on a cheeseboard, paired with wines, or used as a topping for flatbreads and crackers. Its versatility and mild flavour make it a great option for those who want to experiment with new cheeses in their cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Semi-soft Danish cow's milk cheese |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy |
| Taste | Sweet, tangy, buttery |
| Melting Quality | Excellent |
| Use Cases | Sandwiches, appetizers, pasta, pizza, burgers, sauces, dips, soups, casseroles, enchiladas, quiche, French toast |
Explore related products
Burgers
Havarti is a great choice of cheese for burgers. It is a semi-soft Danish cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a subtle hint of sweetness and acidity. Its creamy texture and gentle tang make it a versatile cheese that's especially well suited to burgers. Havarti melts beautifully, giving you that ideal gooey texture.
When it comes to toppings, the sweetness of caramelized onions pairs well with Havarti's creaminess, and dill pickles add a classic tang that works well with the cheese. For extra indulgence, add roasted red peppers, a hint of truffle oil, or fresh herbs like basil or chives for added complexity or texture. Fresh toppings also work well with Havarti, enhancing its subtle flavour. Slices of juicy tomato, creamy avocado, or a handful of arugula or spinach add a refreshing contrast, brightness, and texture to your burger.
If you're feeling adventurous, try unique toppings like sauteed mushrooms, bacon jam, or aioli. A fried egg on top would also be an excellent match.
For a stuffed burger, mix together Havarti with another cheese like Gruyere. Divide the cheese and beef mixtures into four piles. Form the beef into patties, press a ball of cheese into the centre of each patty, and bring the meat around the cheese to cover it. Chill the patties before grilling for at least an hour. Grill the burgers on low heat for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. Tent the burgers with foil and place them back on the grill to cook to temperature, allowing the cheese to melt.
Cheese in Tamales: A Delicious Addition?
You may want to see also
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Basic Havarti Grilled Cheese:
Start with a good bread—a hearty white sliced bread, sourdough, or seeded rye are great options. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place 3-4 slices of room temperature Havarti cheese between the slices, with the buttered sides facing out. Cook the sandwich in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
Havarti, Tomato, and Basil Grilled Cheese:
This sandwich features the classic combination of Havarti, tomato, and basil. Spread a thin layer of honey on each slice of bread, then top with Havarti, tomato slices, basil leaves, and another slice of Havarti. You can also add bacon and avocado for extra flavour and creaminess. Brush the outside of the bread with garlic butter and grill over medium heat until golden.
Havarti and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese:
For a fancy grilled cheese, combine Havarti with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and whole grain dijon mustard. The sweetness of the onions and the tanginess of the mustard create a delicious flavour profile. Spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for a perfect toasty browned crust.
Other Ideas:
Havarti's mild flavour and excellent melting quality make it a versatile cheese that can be paired with various ingredients. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms and spinach to your grilled cheese, or get creative with ingredients like avocado, chutney, or peanuts. For a heartier sandwich, use a thicker bread like focaccia and add a fried egg on top.
Cheese-stuffed Chicken Breasts: A Tasty Twist
You may want to see also
Mac and cheese
Havarti is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. Its excellent melting quality and buttery texture make it a great addition to mac and cheese.
How to Make Havarti Mac and Cheese
To make Havarti mac and cheese, start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a separate pot, create a roux by melting butter over medium heat and whisking in flour, salt, and onion. Cook until the mixture is lightly golden and smells nutty. Next, slowly add milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens and reaches a low simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the Havarti cheese until smooth. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations and Add-Ins
The great thing about mac and cheese is that it can be customised with various add-ins and substitutions. For extra veggies, try adding broccoli, spinach, or roasted butternut squash. If you're looking for more protein, bacon, chicken, or chorizo are great options. To mix up the cheeses, Havarti can be combined with white cheddar, goat cheese, parmesan, or gruyere. For a lighter cheese sauce, substitute chicken or vegetable stock for some of the milk.
Baking Options
While some prefer their mac and cheese straight off the stovetop, others enjoy baking it in the oven. The French-style mac and cheese is typically served straight from the stovetop, while the Southern-style is often baked with breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top. If you want to bake your Havarti mac and cheese, simply transfer it to an oven-safe dish and top it with breadcrumbs or extra cheese before baking until bubbly and golden.
Why You Shouldn't Put Cheese on Carne Asada Tacos
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Flatbread/pizza
Havarti cheese is a great choice for flatbreads and pizzas. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various toppings. Here are some ideas for creating delicious flatbreads or pizzas using Havarti cheese:
Classic Tomato and Basil
This classic combination is a favourite for a reason. Start with a layer of tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes on your flatbread, then add sliced or shredded Havarti cheese. Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This simple yet tasty flatbread will surely impress.
Pear and Arugula
For a unique and refreshing twist, pair Havarti cheese with pear and arugula. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Top your flatbread with arugula, thinly sliced pear, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and Havarti cheese. Bake until the flatbread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This sweet and savoury combination is sure to delight your taste buds.
Sausage and Pesto
If you're looking for a heartier option, try a sausage and pesto flatbread. Start by cooking some sausage crumbles, then spread pesto on your flatbread. Add the cooked sausage, along with sun-dried tomatoes and shredded Havarti cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and enjoy the flavours of this satisfying flatbread.
Garlic and Herb
Create a savoury masterpiece by pairing Havarti cheese with garlic and fresh herbs. Start by mincing a clove of garlic and spreading it onto your flatbread. Add sliced or shredded Havarti cheese and top with chopped fresh herbs like basil or Italian seasoning. You can also brush the edges of the crust with garlic and olive oil for an extra punch of flavour. Bake until the cheese is melted, and enjoy the aromatic goodness of this flatbread.
With these ideas, you can elevate your flatbread or pizza game using Havarti cheese. Get creative and experiment with additional toppings to find your favourite combinations!
Cheese Storage: Plastic Bags, Necessary?
You may want to see also
Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- Corn tortillas (white or yellow)
- Enchilada sauce (red or green)
- Havarti cheese
- Optional fillings: chicken, beans, spinach, onions, mushrooms, olives, etc.
Instructions:
- Prepare the enchilada sauce: The sauce can be made with tomato sauce/paste, chicken or vegetable broth, and various seasonings. For a spicier sauce, add green chiles, salsa, or jalapeños. Blend the ingredients until smooth and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Fill the enchiladas: Place a handful of grated Havarti cheese on each tortilla, along with any desired fillings. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Add sauce and more cheese: Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with additional Havarti cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and top with your choice of garnishes, such as shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños. Serve with a side of refried beans, Mexican rice, or a simple salad of iceberg lettuce with apple cider vinegar and salt.
Feel free to get creative with your fillings and toppings, as enchiladas are a versatile dish that can accommodate various ingredients. Enjoy your homemade Havarti cheese enchiladas!
Cornbread Bliss: Shredded Cheese Magic
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes. Some examples include grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, panini sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and quiche.
Havarti cheese pairs well with a variety of flavours, including sweet and savoury foods. It goes well with dill, pesto, bacon, avocado, and chutney. Havarti can also be eaten on its own as a snack.
The smooth and creamy flavour of Havarti cheese complements most red wines, such as Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon. For white wine, try a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling to complement the cheese's butteriness. It also goes well with light weiss beer or saison.
