Havarti Cheese vs Laruns Cheese

Havarti Cheese is a smooth cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Laruns Cheese is soft, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

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 Is Laruns Cheese?

Laruns is a French cheese originating from the region of Laruns. Made from unpasteurized sheep's milk, it is known for its soft, artisan texture. The flavor profile is a balanced mix of acidic, mild, nutty, salty, and sweet notes, making it a versatile choice for various pairings. It has a mild aroma that complements its straw-colored appearance. The cheese is wrapped in a natural rind, adding to its rustic appeal. Laruns is a prime example of traditional sheep's milk cheese, offering a gentle yet flavorful tasting experience.

What's the Difference Between Havarti Cheese and Laruns Cheese?

• Origin: Havarti Cheese (Denmark), Laruns Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Havarti Cheese (cow's milk), Laruns Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Havarti Cheese (pasteurized), Laruns Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Havarti Cheese (Smooth), Laruns Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Havarti Cheese (rindless), Laruns Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery), Laruns Cheese (acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Havarti Cheese Taste Like Laruns Cheese?

Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Laruns Cheese brings acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet character. On the nose, Havarti Cheese offers buttery, contrasted with Laruns Cheese's mild.

Can You Substitute Havarti Cheese for Laruns Cheese?

Havarti Cheese can stand in for Laruns Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery while Laruns Cheese brings acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Havarti Cheese or Laruns Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a smooth cheese, go with Havarti Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Laruns Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery notes, while Laruns Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Havarti Cheese the same as Laruns Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Havarti Cheese originates in Denmark, while Laruns Cheese comes from France. Havarti Cheese is made from cow milk; Laruns Cheese uses sheep.

Is Havarti Cheese similar to Laruns Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Havarti Cheese for Laruns Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Havarti Cheese taste like Laruns Cheese?

Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Laruns Cheese is acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Havarti Cheese leans buttery, and Laruns Cheese is closer to mild.

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.

What is Laruns Cheese made of?

Laruns Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Havarti Cheese or Laruns Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Havarti Cheese is smooth, while Laruns Cheese is soft, artisan.