Havarti cheese: A Danish Delight

A cheese for everyone!

Havarti, a creamy and approachable cheese with Danish roots, is a favorite among cheese lovers. But for those new to the cheeseboard, havarti can be a bit of a mystery. What exactly is havarti cheese? How can you incorporate it into your cooking?

This post will dive into the world of havarti, exploring its origins, unique characteristics, and the many ways chefs can use it in the kitchen. We’ll also unveil a delectable recipe to tantalize your taste buds and inspire your culinary creativity.

A History of Havarti: From Farmhouse to Fromage Fame

Havarti’s story begins in mid-19th century Denmark on the farm of Hanne Nielsen. Inspired by cheesemaking techniques from her travels across Europe, Nielsen experimented with washing curds in fresh spring water. This innovative method resulted in a softer, milder cheese compared to the sharper traditional cheeses of the region.

Nielsen named her creation after her farmhouse, Havarthigaard, and soon, her creamy cheese was finding its way to the tables of Danish royalty.

Today, havarti production extends beyond Denmark. Wisconsin, for example, boasts a thriving havarti cheesemaking scene, where cheesemakers have adopted and adapted the traditional methods.

Havarti’s Allure: A Textural and Flavorful Journey

Havarti’s most striking characteristic is its texture. Unlike its firmer Swiss cousin, havarti boasts a delightful semi-soft consistency. It slices beautifully without crumbling, making it perfect for sandwiches and snacking. Kids love its super smooth texture.

But texture is only half the story. Havarti’s flavor profile is another reason for its enduring popularity. Generally mild and buttery, havarti offers a hint of sweetness and a subtle tang. This well-rounded flavor makes it incredibly versatile, allowing it to shine in various culinary applications.

Havarti comes in a variety of flavors, too. Traditional havarti boasts a natural richness, while flavored varieties like dill havarti or caraway havarti add an extra dimension of intrigue. Aged havarti is exceptional.

The Culinary Canvas: Using Havarti in the Kitchen

Havarti’s versatility makes it a valuable tool in any chef’s arsenal. Here are some enticing ways to incorporate havarti into your dishes:

• Sandwich Sensations: Havarti’s mildness makes it a perfect cheese for both hot and cold sandwiches. Try a classic Havarti and ham on toasted rye, or create a more adventurous combination with roasted vegetables and pesto. Havarti’s meltability also makes it ideal for grilled cheeses and paninis.
• Salad Supreme: Crumbled havarti adds a creamy richness to salads. It pairs beautifully with peppery arugula, sweet apples, and candied pecans or walnuts. Havarti also complements fruit salads nicely, offering a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• Soup it Up: Havarti can elevate your favorite soups. Try adding cubes of havarti to a steaming bowl of French onion soup, or melt it into a creamy potato leek soup for an extra decadent touch.
• The Charcuterie Board: Havarti is a must-have on any cheeseboard. Its mild flavor and creamy texture pair well with other cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and crackers.
• Breakfast Bliss: Havarti can add a touch of luxury to your breakfast routine. Serve slices alongside scrambled eggs or melt it over an omelet. Havarti also pairs well with sweet potato pancakes or savory waffles.
• Biscuits! My favorite way to use Havarti cheese is to make simple Bisquick biscuits but then grate in a cup of havarti, which absolutely elevates the basic into the sublime!

A Recipe to Remember: Havarti Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze

This recipe showcases havarti’s versatility and melty goodness. It’s easier to grate the Havarti if you freeze it for about fifteen minutes before trying to grate it — about the time that it takes to get your recipe ingredients together, it should be just about perfect to grate.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Havarti cheese
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in flour, then egg, and finally in the panko breadcrumbs mixed with havarti cheese.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard and honey. Brush the glaze over the chicken breasts.
5. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tip for using havarti cheese in recipes:

• For a kick, add a pinch of Aleppo pepper, Tabasco, Sriracha or Gojuchang.