Cream Havarti Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Cream Havarti Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Cream Havarti Cheese?
Cream Havarti is a semi-soft cheese from Denmark, made with pasteurized cow's milk. Known for its creamy and smooth texture, it has a flavor profile that is buttery, creamy, and sweet. The cheese emits a sweet aroma that complements its mild taste, making it a popular choice for cheese boards or sandwiches. It is also referred to as Havarathi, Flødeis Havarti, or Smoked Havarti when variations are smoked to add a different flavor depth. Cream Havarti pairs well with fruits like apples or pears and can be melted in dishes for a rich, savory experience. Its approachable flavor makes it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What's the Difference Between Cream Havarti Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Cream Havarti Cheese (Denmark), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Texture: Cream Havarti Cheese (semi-soft), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Taste: Cream Havarti Cheese (buttery, creamy, sweet), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cream Havarti Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Norway |
| Specific Origin | — | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Semihard |
| Rind | — | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | — | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Buttery, creamy, sweet | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Cream Havarti Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Cream Havarti Cheese reads as buttery, creamy, sweet, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Cream Havarti Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery.
Can You Substitute Cream Havarti Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Cream Havarti Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Cream Havarti Cheese reads as buttery, creamy, sweet while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Cream Havarti Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Cream Havarti Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cream Havarti Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, creamy, sweet notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cream Havarti Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cream Havarti Cheese originates in Denmark, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway.
Is Cream Havarti Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cream Havarti Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cream Havarti Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Cream Havarti Cheese reads as buttery, creamy, sweet, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Cream Havarti Cheese leans sweet, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.
What is Cream Havarti Cheese made of?
Cream Havarti Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Denmark.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Cream Havarti Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cream Havarti Cheese is semi-soft, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.