Havarti
A semi-soft Danish cheese with small irregular holes and a smooth, buttery paste. It is mild and slightly sweet, aged only a few months, and slices cleanly.
| Category | Cheese |
|---|---|
| Maker / Origin | Denmark |
| Storage | Wrap in wax paper, then loosely in plastic; store in the cheese drawer. |
| Shelf life | About 2 to 3 weeks once opened. The cut face dries first; keep it wrapped. |
| Best uses | Sandwiches, grilled cheese, burgers, panini, and cheese boards. |
| Substitutes | Young Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Fontina. |
| Pairings | Apples, lager, rye bread, pickles, and light white wines. |
| Last checked | October 18, 2026 |
About it
Havarti was created in the 1800s by Hanne Nielsen on her farm Havarthigaard, who washed the curd to make a sweeter, softer cheese than Danish tradition. It is often flavored with dill, jalapeño, or herbs, but the plain version is the benchmark slicer.
Storing it
Keep away from strong odors. Havarti freezes acceptably when grated or sliced for cooking, up to 2 months.
Using it
Havarti melts smoothly and evenly, making it a natural grilled-cheese and burger cheese. Serve slices at room temperature on a board with fruit.
Swaps & pairings
Young Gouda matches its sweetness and melt. Monterey Jack is the everyday American swap. Fontina gives a richer, earthier result.
More from this maker: Denmark