Havarti Cheese Substitute

What happens when you mix cheese and milk? The result is Havarti, which is a delicious cheese ingredient. Havarti is a semi-soft cheese from Switzerland. It has a mild flavor and melts well.

This Swiss cheese is often used in cooking or baking. When you combine cheese and milk, they react chemically and form curds.

This is why Havarti is sometimes called a cheese substitute.

But today, let us discover the best Havarti cheese substitute. Some of them include Monterey Jack, Tilsit, and Gouda.

Read more below to discover!

What are the Best Havarti Cheese Substitutes

The most important factor in selecting a substitute for Havarti cheese is to choose a cheese with comparable flavor and texture.

Here are the top 11 Havarti cheese alternatives that you can use for 2024

1. Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a simple alternative that you can find at almost any grocery store or deli. Monterey Jack is comparable to Havarti, although the feel will be considerably different. Another pale yellow cheese, like the one described above, is Monterey Jack. This American cheese is semi-hard and has a firm texture than Havarti cheese.

Is Monterey Jack A Good Substitute For Havarti Cheese
Is Monterey Jack A Good Substitute For Havarti Cheese

Why is Monterey Jack a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

It has a similar taste and texture to Havarti. You can also use it as an ingredient in your favorite recipes. Monterey Jack is more dense and hefty than Havarti, but it has that pleasant buttery texture and flavor that people enjoy about Havarti. 

Monterey Jack can also be substituted for swiss cheese.

2. Tilsit Cheese

Tilsit is another Swiss cheese that is made by combining milk and cream. It has a soft texture and a slightly nutty, sweet flavor. It resembles Havarti cheese because it has a smooth surface and a creamy interior. However, Tilsit is not as hard as Havarti.

Why is Tilsit a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

Tilsit is very similar to Havarti cheese. It tastes great on crackers, bread, or pizza crust. It can also be used as a topping for salads, pasta dishes, or burgers. Tilsit is a mild, semi-hard cheese that’s pale yellow color. It has just a hint of sharpness to it, making it a rather mild cheese.  

3. Gouda Cheese

Gouda is a Dutch cheese that is similar to Havarti. It is a medium-firm cheese that is white in color. It has a strong, tangy flavor that makes this cheese perfect for sandwiches, pizzas, and pastries. Like other cheeses, Gouda is a combination of milk and cream.

Why is Gouda a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

This cheese is similar to Havarti in terms of its appearance and consistency. It’s a little bit harder than Havarti, so it requires a longer time to melt. In addition, it has a stronger flavor than Havarti.

Is Gouda A Good Substitute For Havarti Cheese
Is Gouda A Good Substitute For Havarti Cheese

4. Esrom Cheese

Esrom is a Danish cheese that is similar to Gouda. It has a semi-soft texture, ivory colored cheese that has a rich, nutty flavor. Esrom has a smooth, creamy texture that melts easily. This cheese is ideal for snacking and baking.

Why is Esrom a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

Like Gouda, Esrom is a blend of milk and cream. It is similar to Havartis in terms of its appearance, consistency, and flavor. It is softer than Havarti, which means it takes less time to melt. It also has a richer flavor than Havarti, making it a better choice for savory foods.

5. Young Cheddar Cheese

Young Cheddar is a type of cheese that is aged for only six months. It is a semi hard cheese that has a mild, tangy flavor. It is similar to Goudas in terms of its appearance. It has a smooth, creamy interior with a golden brown exterior.

Why is Young Cheddar a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

Young Cheddar is similar to Havarti in terms of its appearance; however, it is much easier to cut into cubes. Because it is younger than Havarti when it comes to ageing process, it melts faster. The flavor is also milder, making it suitable for snacks and appetizers. 

6. Emmental Cheese

Emmental is a Swiss cheese that is similar to Gruyere. It is a semi-hard cheese that is light green in color. It has the same smooth, crumbly texture as Gruyere, but it has a milder flavor. Emmental is often paired with apples or pears when baked.

Why is Emmental a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

Emmental is similar to Havarti in terms of its appearance but it is smoother and creamier. It melts quickly, making it an excellent option for snacks and appetizers like dips, spreads, and cheese sauces.

7. Saint Paulin

Another excellent substitute is the Saint Paulin, which is a French cheese. It has a semi-soft texture that is pale yellow in color. It has just enough acidity to make it delicious. This cheese pairs well with fruit, nuts, and vegetables.

Why is Saint Paulin a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

It is similar to Havarti in terms of its appearance because it is pale yellow in color and has a soft texture. However, it is slightly firmer than Havarti. This allows it to be sliced more easily. It also has a milder flavor, making it great for snacking and appetizers. You can also pair this with your favorite local wine or beer. 

8. Colby Cheese

Colby is a blue cheese from Wisconsin. It is similar to Stilton in terms of its appearance: it is a creamy white cheese that has a strong, pleasant aroma. It is a mild-flavored cheese, but it still has a distinctive taste. It is one of the perfect substitutes for salads and sandwiches.

Why is Colby a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

Colby is similar to Havarti in terms of its appearance and flavor. It has a mild and creamy taste, making it easy to eat on its own. It also melts slowly, so you can use it as a topping for pasta dishes and other main courses.

Is Colby A Good Substitute For Havarti Cheese
Is Colby A Good Substitute For Havarti Cheese

9. Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that has a firm texture and a nutty flavor, making it one of the excellent alternatives. It is made by adding salt to cow milk. When the milk is heated, the whey separates from the curds. Then, the curds are pressed together and left to dry out. Afterward, they are placed in a warm room where bacteria grow. The result is a rind that looks like a piece of leather.

Why is Gruyere a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

Gruyere has a firm texture and nutty flavor. It melts slowly, which makes it ideal for cooking and baking. It is also versatile because it goes well with many different types of food. For example, you can serve it with a salad or spread it over bread.

10. Edam Cheese

Edam is a Dutch cheese that is similar to Gouda. It is a hard cheese that is red in color. It has a sweet taste that is reminiscent of caramelized sugar. It is usually served with crackers and cookies.

Why is Edam a good alternative to Havarti Cheese?

Edam is similar to Havarti in terms of its appearance, but it is harder. It is also sweeter than Havarti. Because of these differences, it works best when paired with savory foods such as meats and cheeses.

11. Comte cheese

Comte cheese is defined as a classic French style cheese with a taste profile that is similar to Havarti cheese. As a result, it’s an excellent Havarti cheese alternative.

The flavour of this cheese is salty and buttery, with a tinge of sweetness. Comte cheese has a nutty, earthy flavour comparable to Havarti cheese as it matures.

Furthermore, Comte is a semi-hard cheese with a texture comparable to Havarti. As a result, you won’t have any trouble substituting it in meals like sandwiches, fondue, and cheese boards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Havarti cheese similar to mozzarella?

Yes! They have similarities. Both Havarti and mozzarella have a smooth texture and a tangy flavor. They both come from Italy and are made using cow’s milk and rennet.

Can I substitute Havarti for Swiss cheese?

You can use Havarti instead of Swiss cheese if you want to add some variety to your meals. Swiss cheese tends to melt faster than Havarti, so you may find yourself eating more of it.

Can I use Havarti cheese in pizza?

Yes, you can use Havarti cheese as a pizza topping. Just make sure you don’t put too much of it on top of the crust. If you do, the cheese will burn before the toppings cook through.