Start the Season on a Havarti High

Fall is officially here, and the perfect time to take your meals to the next level with the easy and cheesy sophistication of Havarti. 

Cheddar typically dominates menus, but Canada’s favourite makeover king suggests stepping out of the cheddar rut and into the creamy taste of Havarti.

Steven Sabados’ Havarti Hack is one of the easiest, game changers for meals.  Imagine elevating your grilled cheese with Dill Pickle Havarti, or energizing your mac and cheese with Roasted Garlic Havarti. This simple swap creates a range of possibilities when it comes to meals.  

When choosing a Havarti, Steven suggests a well-crafted brand like his personal favourite, Castello, which is made with 100% Canadian dairy and free of artificial ingredients. He loves that they have seven flavours to choose from too: dill, jalapeno, roasted garlic, smoked, herbs and spices, garden vegetables, and the original creamy, making it the perfect cheese for getting creative.

Havarti also melts into sandwiches and dips like a dream so Steven created the following Havarti Makeover recipes for the season – but feel free to get creative with the classics too by trying Smoked Havarti on pizza or Herbs and Spices on nachos.  The options are endless.  

Curl Up & Queso:

Steven’s queso kicks it up a notch with Jalepeño Havarti for a mouthwatering rich and flavourful dip.

photo provided by: Havari

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded Castello Jalapeño Havarti
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup pico de gallo (tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro) or chunky salsa (drain any juice) 
• Jalapeños, chopped
• Approx 1 tsp onion flakes, garlic powder, ground cumin
• Season with salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and incorporate until lightly golden in colour. (stir in garlic, onion and cumin, to incorporate the spices) 
2. Gradually whisk in milk, bring to boil, then reduce heat until thick. Add the Havarti gradually until incorporated.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the pico de gallo. Let come to room temperature, garnish with chopped jalapeños and serve with taco chips. Enjoy!

Cristo Gone Couture:

Steven revamped the classic Monte Cristo swapping homemade waffles for bread and using smoked havarti cheese for the ultimate makeover. 

photo provided by: Havari

Ingredients:

Castello Creamy Havarti, grated

Castello Smoked Havarti, grated

1/4 cup plum, or apricot preserves

8 waffles (store-bought or homemade)

4 slices of fresh deli turkey meat

4 slices of fresh deli ham

4 strips of cooked crispy bacon

Slices of tomato, optional

Handful of Micro Greens, optional

Maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle. Spread preserves over 4 waffles, then layer with turkey, ham, bacon, and a generous amount of the Havarti mixture. Option to add in slices of tomato and a handful of micro greens. Place the waffle on top and transfer to a lightly buttered griddle pan. Grill for 4-6 minutes or until golden and the cheese has melted.
2. Serve with maple syrup on the side.

French Toast Affair:

From brunch to lunch, Steven’s stylish French toast will tickle your tastebuds with a refreshing combination of seasonal fruits and creamy havarti.

photo provided by: Havari

Ingredients:

• Castello Creamy Havarti, thinly sliced
• 2 pears, peeled and thinly sliced
• 8 slices of French or Brioche-style bread
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2-4 tablespoons butter
• Icing sugar, maple syrup 
• Sliced strawberries, optional

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the pears in butter and cinnamon until tender (5-8 minutes)
2. Whisk together eggs and milk and place in a shallow bowl
3. Build a sandwich with the cooked pears and a generous amount of Castello Creamy Havarti. Option to add in sliced strawberries.
4. Dredge the sandwiches in the egg/ milk mixture and place on a buttered skillet on medium heat, and cook each side until golden brown and crispy
5. Lightly dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup

For more fun and delicious havarti recipes visit https://www.castellocheese.com/en-ca/ and check out your local grocery store to grab your favourite havarti flavour!