Havarti Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Havarti Cheese is a smooth cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

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 Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Havarti Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Havarti Cheese (Smooth), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Havarti Cheese (rindless), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Havarti Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Havarti Cheese offers buttery, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Havarti Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Havarti Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind 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 to hard. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Havarti Cheese or Washed Rind 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 to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Havarti Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Havarti Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Havarti Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Does Havarti Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Havarti Cheese leans buttery, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Havarti Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Havarti Cheese is smooth, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.