Differences Between Havarti and Swiss Cheese: Which Is Better?

Both Havarti and Swiss are excellent cheeses. Although they seem identical to the naked eye, the palate recognizes these two unique varieties of cheese. Other characteristics distinguish these two types of cheese in addition to their varied origins. So, what are the distinctions between Havarti and Swiss cheese?

Havarti is a semi-soft cow’s milk cheese from Denmark. It is softer, nuttier, and sweeter than Swiss, but harder and more intensely flavored than Havarti. Swiss cheese, like Havarti, is manufactured from cow’s milk and matures longer than Havarti.

Havarti and Swiss are both wonderful cheeses that need to be highlighted. Knowing their distinctions can help you appreciate them more and utilize them more effectively, allowing you to enjoy them to the fullest. In the next sections, I will describe the distinctions between Havarti and Swiss cheeses.

Havarti vs. Swiss: Differences 

Although Havarti and cheese seem to be the same thing, they are not. They are almost identical in color and both feature holes, i.e., eyes. While the holes in Havartis are smaller, the holes in Swiss are larger and less dense. They are often used interchangeably, yet they have significant differences.

Origin

Hanne Nielsen, a Danish lady who traveled over Europe acquiring the trade of cheese production, developed Havarti cheese. She named the cheese Havarti after their family barn, Havartigarden.

Swiss cheese originated in Switzerland and is the country’s trademark. There are many different varieties of Swiss cheese, all with a distinct look and a rich buttery taste.

Taste and Texture

Havarti and Swiss are both incredibly rich and expressively nutty, in addition to being wonderfully tasty. They are aged for three months, although Swiss is more flavorful than Havarti.

Although it is primarily a matter of preference, Havarti is considered to be the richer of the two; yet, this does not make Swiss any less decadent. Havarti is milder and softer than Swiss. Swiss, on the other hand, is somewhat stiffer than Havarti, giving the impression that it is older, despite the fact that they age for the same amount of time.

While Havarti is more buttery and creamy, with a smooth and neutral flavor profile, Swiss is nuttier and more savory.

Both have soft textures with holes, with Havartis holes being smaller and denser than Swiss cheese holes. Although they are distinct types of cheese, they have a similar flavor and may be readily substituted for one another.

Nutrition

Havarti and Swiss are nutritionally comparable but not identical. Swiss is the most caloric as well as the carbohydrate-rich of the two. However, the change is little and insignificant.

Their protein levels are practically identical, with the Swiss having the higher protein content of the two. They both include calcium, vitamins A and B, and magnesium since they are manufactured from cow’s milk. [1] Havarti is somewhat less fatty than Swiss, yet they are both low in fat.

Uses

Because neither cheese is very flavorful, Swiss and Havarti are quite adaptable and may be used in a variety of ways and meals. They go well with everything, from cheese platters to pasta to pizzas to grilled cheese sandwiches.

They’re fantastic as a cold entree with fruit and deli meats combined with wine. A pasta dish with any of these cheeses is also a creamy and delicious supper.

Melting Properties

Swiss and Havarti melt nicely since they are both low in fat. They do, however, have specific needs and do not disappear under any circumstances. To effectively melt them, heat them gradually and cut them into cubes rather than slices or grate them.

They must both melt in a good cheese-melting pot or they will cling to the pan.

Havarti vs. Swiss: Which Is Better?

Both Havarti and Swiss are high-quality cheeses that are also extremely similar. It is entirely a question of taste which one you will select since they are versatile, quick to melt, and not too flavored but tasty. It is hard to say which is superior since they are both wonderful and may be used for identical reasons. This post is related to Differences Between Havarti and Gouda: Which Is Better?