Havarti

semi-hard · cow milk · Denmark · $$

Melts beautifully, with a rich, creamy texture.

Attribute scores

meltability 8/10

sharpness 3/10

creaminess 7/10

firmness 4/10

pungency 2/10

Best cheese wine pairing

Pair Havarti with a medium-bodied red like Merlot, or an unoaked Chardonnay — a milder semi-hard cheese (sharpness 3) is best met halfway, not overpowered.

Substitutes for Havarti

Cheese	Why it works
Bel Paese	similar overall, but more pungency
Muenster	similar overall, but less creaminess
Port Salut	similar overall, but less meltability
Leerdammer	similar overall, but more sharpness
Colby	similar overall, but less creaminess
Monterey Jack	similar overall, but more meltability