Havarti cheese substitutes
Havarti cheese substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Gouda
Same amount as the Havarti cheese
Dutch semi-hard cheese with similar mild, nutty flavor.
The best substitutes for Havarti cheese are Gouda, Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, or Fontina depending on the dish.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- grilled cheese
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Havarti cheese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goudagrilled cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Swiss cheesegrilled cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Monterey Jackgrilled cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Fontinacooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Muenster cheesegrilled cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Edamcheese boards | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Gouda
similar taste and texture
Dutch semi-hard cheese with similar mild, nutty flavor.
- Best for
- grilled cheese, cheese boards, cooking, melting
Very similar in taste and melting properties.
Swiss cheese
similar taste and texture
Mild, nutty cheese with good melting properties.
- Best for
- grilled cheese, cooking, melting, sandwiches
Similar mild flavor and excellent melting.
Monterey Jack
identical taste and texture
American semi-soft cheese with mild, buttery flavor.
- Best for
- grilled cheese, cooking, melting, quesadillas
Very similar in taste and texture.
Fontina
similar taste and texture
Italian semi-soft cheese with mild, nutty flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, melting, fondue, pasta dishes
Similar mild flavor and excellent melting.
Muenster cheese
similar taste and texture
American semi-soft cheese with mild flavor.
- Best for
- grilled cheese, cooking, melting, sandwiches
Similar mild flavor and melting properties.
Edam
similar taste, different texture
Dutch semi-hard cheese with mild, nutty flavor.
- Best for
- cheese boards, cooking, melting, grilled cheese
Similar mild flavor but slightly firmer texture.
Questions
4 questionsWhat does Havarti cheese taste like?
Havarti has a mild, buttery, and slightly nutty flavor. It's not sharp or strong, making it very versatile for cooking and eating.
Can I use Havarti for grilled cheese?
Yes, Havarti is excellent for grilled cheese! It melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that works well in grilled cheese sandwiches.
Is Havarti similar to Swiss cheese?
They're similar in that both are mild, semi-soft cheeses that melt well. Havarti is slightly creamier and more buttery, while Swiss has a more nutty flavor.
How should I store Havarti cheese?
Wrap Havarti in wax paper or parchment paper, then place in a plastic bag or container. Store in the refrigerator and it should last 2-3 weeks.
Tips for substituting Havarti cheese
6 tips- Havarti melts beautifully and is great for grilled cheese
- Has a mild, buttery flavor that pairs well with many foods
- Can be sliced thin for sandwiches or cubed for cheese boards
- Excellent for cooking due to its melting properties
- Pairs well with fruits, nuts, and crackers
- Store wrapped in wax paper in the refrigerator