Havarti Cheese vs Pas de l'Escalette Cheese

Havarti Cheese is a smooth cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow 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 Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

Pas de l'Escalette is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the Larzac region of France. It has a natural rind and a straw-colored interior. The cheese offers a sweet flavor profile, accompanied by a fresh aroma. Its texture is artisan, reflecting traditional cheese-making techniques. Pas de l'Escalette is well-suited for a cheese board and pairs nicely with a variety of breads and fruits. This cheese is a fine example of the rich dairy heritage of the French countryside.

What's the Difference Between Havarti Cheese and Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

• Origin: Havarti Cheese (Denmark), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Havarti Cheese (pasteurized), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Havarti Cheese (Smooth), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Rind: Havarti Cheese (rindless), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Havarti Cheese Taste Like Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese brings sweet character. On the nose, Havarti Cheese offers buttery, contrasted with Pas de l'Escalette Cheese's fresh.

Can You Substitute Havarti Cheese for Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

In most recipes, Havarti Cheese and Pas de l'Escalette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese brings sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Havarti Cheese or Pas de l'Escalette 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery notes, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Havarti Cheese the same as Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Havarti Cheese originates in Denmark, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese comes from France.

Is Havarti Cheese similar to Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Havarti Cheese for Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Havarti Cheese taste like Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is sweet. Aromas also diverge. Havarti Cheese leans buttery, and Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is closer to fresh.

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 Pas de l'Escalette Cheese made of?

Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Havarti Cheese or Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Havarti Cheese is smooth, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.