Camembert Cheese vs Havarti Cheese
Camembert Cheese
Havarti Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Havarti Cheese is smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Denmark.
What Is Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.
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 Camembert Cheese and Havarti Cheese?
- Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Havarti Cheese (Denmark)
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Havarti Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Havarti Cheese (Smooth)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Havarti Cheese (rindless)
- Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Havarti Cheese (about 3 months)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Havarti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Denmark |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Denmark |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Smooth |
| Rind | Bloomy | Rindless |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | About 3 months |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Mild, buttery |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Camembert Cheese | Havarti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam and more | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Apples, Asian Pear, Asparagus, Belgian Blonde, California Viogniers, Champagne, Crackers, Dirty Martini, Green Apple and more |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Havarti Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Havarti Cheese's buttery. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Havarti Cheese leans toward mild, buttery, slightly acidic cheese known for its irregularly shaped small holes creating a lacy appearance. smooth and firm texture, can be complimented with herbs or jalapeño peppers. variants include creamy versions with up to 65% fat on dry matter basis. manufactured in denmark, united kingdom, canada, and the united states, including artisanal and mass-produced by arla foods and costello.. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Havarti Cheese at about 3 months.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Havarti Cheese?
In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Havarti Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Havarti Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a smooth profile, Havarti Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Havarti Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, buttery.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Havarti Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Havarti Cheese about 3 months.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Havarti Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Havarti Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Havarti Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Havarti Cheese is mild, buttery. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Havarti Cheese is closer to buttery.
What is Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.
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, Camembert Cheese or Havarti Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Havarti Cheese is smooth.