Havarti Cheese vs Pélardon Cheese

Q: Is Havarti Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?

No. Havarti Cheese and Pélardon Cheese are distinct cheeses from Denmark and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Havarti Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Havarti Cheese for Pélardon Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Havarti Cheese taste like Pélardon Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Havarti Cheese or Pélardon 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.

Havarti Cheese

Pélardon Cheese

Havarti Cheese is a smooth cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Pélardon Cheese is soft and made from goat 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 Pélardon Cheese?

Pélardon is a small round goat's milk cheese from the Cévennes range in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. It ripens under a white mold rind and has carried AOC status since August 2000.

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

Origin: Havarti Cheese (Denmark), Pélardon Cheese (France)
Milk type: Havarti Cheese (cow's milk), Pélardon Cheese (goat)
Texture: Havarti Cheese (Smooth), Pélardon Cheese (soft)
Rind: Havarti Cheese (rindless), Pélardon Cheese (bloomy, white mold)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Havarti Cheese	Pélardon Cheese
Country of Origin	Denmark	France
Specific Origin	Denmark	Cévennes Range, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Smooth	Soft
Rind	Rindless	Bloomy, white mold
Aging	About 3 months	—
Taste	Mild, buttery	—

Taste Comparison: Does Havarti Cheese Taste Like Pélardon Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Havarti Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?

Havarti Cheese can stand in for Pélardon 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.

Which Is Better, Havarti Cheese or Pélardon 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 profile, Pélardon Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Havarti Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?

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

Is Havarti Cheese similar to Pélardon Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Havarti Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?

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

Does Havarti Cheese taste like Pélardon Cheese?

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

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 Pélardon Cheese made of?

Pélardon Cheese is made from goat milk. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Havarti Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?

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