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Havarti Cheese vs Kasseri Cheese
Havarti Cheese
Kasseri Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Havarti Cheese and Kasseri Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Havarti Cheese and Kasseri Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese and Kasseri Cheese the same?"
- "How does Havarti Cheese compare to Kasseri Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Havarti Cheese compare to Kasseri Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese or Kasseri Cheese better?"
Havarti Cheese Overview
Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is typically made from cow's milk and is a table cheese that can be sliced, grilled, or melted. Havarti may also be flavored with spices, herbs, or other additives to enhance its taste.
Kasseri Cheese Overview
Kasseri is a semi-hard cheese made predominantly from sheep's milk, with up to 20% goat's milk allowed. Originating in Greece, it is smooth and pale yellow, known for its elastic texture and mild, buttery flavor with a slight tang. Kasseri is often used in pies, pastries, and as a table cheese, especially in Greek and Turkish cuisines.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Kasseri Cheese originated from Greece.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Havarti Cheese has a PGI (2010). Kasseri Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Kasseri Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Havarti Cheese has a fat content of max 50% moisture, min 23% fat and a moisture content of 40–45% (typically). Havarti's texture can be described as "smooth". Kasseri's texture can be described as "firm to hard".
Taste and Aroma
Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste". Kasseri Cheese has a rich taste. Kasseri's aroma can be described as "flowery".
Appearance and Aging
Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Kasseri Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in wheels and has an aging period of at least 2 months, peak at 10+ months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Kasseri Cheese's rind is described as develops as ages , with natural rennet.
Ranking
Havarti is ranked #9 out of 996 types based on community views. Kasseri is ranked #112 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Havarti | Kasseri | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Apples, Asian Pear, Asparagus, Belgian Blonde, California Viogniers, Champagne, Crackers, Dirty Martini, Green Apple, Green Tea, Grilled Cheese, Hard Cider, IPA, Kombucha, Pistachios, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Sparkling Rosé, Viognier | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Havarti and Kasseri pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Havarti Cheese | Kasseri Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Greece |
| Specific Origin | No Specific Location | Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, Lesbos |
| Certification | PGI (2010) | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Traditionally raw, increasingly pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | 40–45% (Typically) | Not Specified |
| Rind | Washed rind | Develops as ages |
| Texture | Smooth | Firm to hard |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Rich |
| Aroma | Pungent aroma, earthy taste | Flowery |
| Colors | Not Specified | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Rectangular | Wheels |
| Age | Not Specified | At least 2 months, peak at 10+ months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Natural rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a firm to hard consistency, Kasseri might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Kasseri offers a rich profile, ideal for different meals.
