Patrick Oconnell
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavour make it perfect for melting, which is why it's a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and other comfort foods. Havarti can also be added to salads, soups, sauces, pizzas, and even desserts for a creamy richness. Whether enjoyed raw or cooked, Havarti cheese enhances the flavour and texture of both simple and gourmet meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, buttery |
| Flavor | Mild, mellow, rich |
| Melting | Melts well |
| Use | Grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, salads, soups, sauces, pizza, crepes, paninis, burgers, quesadillas, dips, stuffed pork tenderloin |
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What You'll Learn
Melty sandwiches
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavour make it perfect for melting, which is why it's an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some ideas for melty Havarti sandwiches:
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect choice for Havarti. Simply combine Havarti with another cheese, such as Gouda or Wisconsin Cheddar, between two slices of toasted honey wheat bread. You can also add some garlic bread for extra flavour.
Panini Press Sandwiches
Havarti works well with sweet fruits like thinly sliced pear. Create a panini by adding some sliced pear between the Havarti slices and grilling until the cheese is melted and the panini is golden brown. You can also add crispy bacon for a more savoury, complex flavour.
Crepes
Use ready-made crepes or your favourite crepe recipe. Line the middle of the crepe with Havarti cheese and pile on your chosen toppings. Fold the crepe over and place it on a hot non-stick pan. Cover and heat until the cheese melts. Some topping suggestions include leftover chicken, pulled pork, mushrooms, and vegetables.
Quesadillas
Try making quesadillas with Havarti cheese and thin slices of wild smoked salmon. You can also add other toppings of your choice. Grill the quesadillas until the cheese is melted and enjoy!
Avocado Sandwich
For an exciting flavour twist on a grilled cheese sandwich, try adding avocado. Combine Havarti with avocado and any other toppings of your choice between two slices of bread. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and enjoy!
Havarti cheese's melting properties make it a versatile ingredient for sandwiches and other dishes. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings and breads to create your own unique Havarti sandwiches!
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Mac and cheese
Havarti is a great cheese to use for mac and cheese as it melts beautifully, creating a creamy, silky sauce. Its mild, nutty flavour is similar to cheddar, so it's a great alternative if you're looking for something a little different but still familiar.
To make a delicious, creamy mac and cheese with Havarti, you'll want to start by making a roux. Melt some butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour until you have a smooth paste. Cook this for a couple of minutes until it's golden, then slowly whisk in milk (and heavy cream, if you like). Keep whisking to ensure there are no lumps, then add salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer until it thickens.
Once your sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and gradually stir in your grated Havarti. You can also add some grated white cheddar to give a little sharpness to the sauce. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
Finally, stir in your cooked pasta until it's well coated with the sauce. You can serve it just like this, or for an extra treat, sprinkle over some breadcrumbs and pop it under the grill until golden and crispy.
If you want to add some extra veggies to your mac and cheese, spinach, broccoli, and butternut squash all work really well. Simply stir them into the sauce before adding your pasta.
Salads, soups, sauces
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add a creamy richness to salads, soups, and sauces. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your dishes:
Salads
Havarti cheese can be added to salads to enhance their flavour and texture. Cut the cheese into cubes or shred it and sprinkle it over your favourite salad greens and vegetables. You can also pair it with fruits like thinly sliced pears or apples for a sweet and savoury combination.
Soups
Havarti cheese is excellent for adding a creamy, rich flavour to soups. Try adding shredded or melted Havarti to your favourite soup base, such as tomato, broccoli, or potato soup. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of your soup for a crunchy texture.
Sauces
Havarti cheese can be used to make a delicious, creamy sauce for pasta, vegetables, or meats. To make a basic Havarti cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add flour to form a roux, and then gradually add milk while stirring until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat and add shredded Havarti cheese, stirring until it melts completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce can be used over pasta, steamed vegetables, or as a dip for breads and crackers. For an extra indulgent touch, add some cream or parmesan cheese to the sauce.
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Grilled cheese
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches. Its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavour make it a perfect melting cheese, ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some ideas and recipes for creating delicious grilled cheese sandwiches using Havarti cheese:
Classic Havarti Grilled Cheese:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. You can use white bread, sourdough, or whole grain bread, depending on your preference.
- Place 3-4 slices of room temperature Havarti cheese on one slice of bread. You can also add other types of cheese, such as Emmental, for extra flavour and creaminess.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side 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:
- Spread a thin layer of honey on each slice of bread. You can use white bread or whole wheat bread.
- Top with Havarti cheese, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and another slice of cheese.
- Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until golden on each side.
- This combination gives the sandwich a caprese feel, with a twist of honey to enhance the classic caprese flavours.
Bacon, Havarti, and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese:
- Use seeded rye bread for this sandwich.
- Fill it with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, whole grain dijon mustard, and two types of cheese: Havarti and Emmental.
- Cook the sandwich in a skillet over low heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
Tips and Variations:
- You can also add other ingredients to your grilled cheese, such as avocado, bacon, or fresh herbs.
- For a garlicky kick, brush the outside of the bread with parmesan garlic butter before grilling.
- Havarti pairs well with other cheeses, so feel free to experiment with combinations like Havarti and Queso Blanco in your grilled cheese.
- If you want a crunchier texture, top your grilled cheese with buttered breadcrumbs.
Flatbreads or pizzas
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes due to its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavour. Its ability to melt well makes it a popular choice for flatbreads and pizzas. Here are some ways to use Havarti cheese to elevate your flatbreads and pizzas:
Flatbreads
Havarti cheese can be used as a topping for flatbreads, adding a creamy and rich flavour. To make a simple flatbread, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Roll out your favourite flatbread dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded Havarti cheese evenly over the dough, adding any additional toppings of your choice. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the flatbread is golden and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can also use Havarti cheese to make a creamy sauce for dipping. Simply melt butter in a saucepan, add flour to form a roux, and then gradually add milk to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Add shredded Havarti cheese to the sauce and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the sauce as a dip for your flatbreads!
Pizzas
Havarti cheese can take your pizza game to the next level. To make a delicious Havarti pizza, start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out your favourite pizza dough on a floured surface and place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Add your desired amount of pizza sauce, spreading it evenly over the dough. Sprinkle shredded Havarti cheese generously over the sauce, creating a thick layer. Add your favourite pizza toppings, such as sliced peppers, onions, mushrooms, or pepperoni. Bake the pizza in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can also experiment with different combinations, such as adding thin slices of wild smoked salmon or pairing it with another cheese like Gouda or Wisconsin Cheddar.
With its mild flavour and excellent melting properties, Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste and texture of your flatbreads and pizzas. So, get creative and experiment with different recipes to discover new flavour profiles!
Frequently asked questions
Havarti cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavour make it perfect for melting, so it's ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis, quesadillas, burgers, and macaroni and cheese.
Yes, Havarti cheese can be a great addition to salads, offering a creamy richness.
Yes, Havarti cheese can add a creamy, rich flavour to soups. You can add it to your favourite soup base, such as tomato, broccoli, or potato.
Yes, Havarti cheese can enhance the creaminess and flavour of homemade pizzas. Sprinkle shredded Havarti cheese evenly over the sauce, add your favourite toppings, and bake until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Yes, Havarti cheese can be used to make a creamy sauce for various dishes, including pasta, vegetables, and meats. Simply melt butter in a saucepan, add flour to form a roux, and then whisk in milk until the mixture thickens. Finally, add shredded Havarti cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
