Havarti Cheese vs Saint Marcellin Cheese
Havarti Cheese is a smooth cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Saint Marcellin Cheese is soft, 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 Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Saint-Marcellin is a small soft cow's milk cheese from the Dauphiné area of France, weighing about 80 grams. It is sold at three stages of ripening, sec, crémeux and bleu, and turns runnier as it ages.
What's the Difference Between Havarti Cheese and Saint Marcellin Cheese?
- Origin: Havarti Cheese (Denmark), Saint Marcellin Cheese (France)
- Texture: Havarti Cheese (Smooth), Saint Marcellin Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Aging: Havarti Cheese (about 3 months), Saint Marcellin Cheese (2 to 3 weeks)
- Taste: Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery), Saint Marcellin Cheese (mild, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Havarti Cheese | Saint Marcellin Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | France |
| Specific Origin | Denmark | Dauphiné, Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Smooth | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Rindless | — |
| Aging | About 3 months | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Mild, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Havarti Cheese Taste Like Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Saint Marcellin Cheese brings mild, tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Havarti Cheese at about 3 months develops a different profile than Saint Marcellin Cheese at 2 to 3 weeks.
Can You Substitute Havarti Cheese for Saint Marcellin Cheese?
In most recipes, Havarti Cheese and Saint Marcellin 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery while Saint Marcellin Cheese brings mild, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Havarti Cheese or Saint Marcellin 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, Saint Marcellin Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery notes, while Saint Marcellin Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Havarti Cheese the same as Saint Marcellin Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Havarti Cheese originates in Denmark, while Saint Marcellin Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Havarti Cheese is typically aged about 3 months, Saint Marcellin Cheese 2 to 3 weeks.
Is Havarti Cheese similar to Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Havarti Cheese for Saint Marcellin Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Havarti Cheese taste like Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Saint Marcellin Cheese is mild, tangy.
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 Saint Marcellin Cheese made of?
Saint Marcellin Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 2 to 3 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Havarti Cheese or Saint Marcellin Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Havarti Cheese is smooth, while Saint Marcellin Cheese is soft, artisan.