Fontina-Style Cheese vs Havarti Cheese

Q: Is Fontina-Style Cheese the same as Havarti Cheese?

No. Fontina-Style Cheese and Havarti Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Fontina-Style Cheese for Havarti Cheese, though the result will shift in flavor and finish.

Q: Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Havarti Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Havarti Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Fontina-Style Cheese

Havarti Cheese

Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Havarti Cheese is smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Denmark.

What Is Fontina-Style Cheese?

Fontina-Style cheese is a semi-soft cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It draws inspiration from traditional Italian Fontina but is often made in various regions outside Italy. The cheese has a pale yellow interior with a few small holes and a natural rind. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking, particularly in sauces and fondues. The flavor is buttery and slightly earthy, which pairs well with a variety of foods. Fontina-Style cheese can be sliced for sandwiches or served as part of a cheese platter. It is also a good companion to fruits and nuts, enhancing its mild sweetness.

What Is Havarti Cheese?

Havarti is a semisoft Danish cow's milk cheese, mild and buttery with very small irregular eyes running through a rindless, cream to yellow paste. It slices, grills, and melts, and the EU reserved the name for Denmark in 2019.

What's the Difference Between Fontina-Style Cheese and Havarti Cheese?

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontina-Style Cheese	Havarti Cheese
Country of Origin	—	Denmark
Specific Origin	—	Denmark
Milk Type	—	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	—	Smooth
Rind	—	Rindless
Aging	—	About 3 months
Taste	—	Mild, buttery

Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Havarti Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Havarti Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Fontina-Style Cheese or Havarti Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fontina-Style Cheese the same as Havarti Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Havarti Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Havarti Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?

Fontina-Style Cheese is made from milk.

What is Havarti Cheese made of?

Havarti Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Denmark.

Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Havarti Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.