Cheese Database

Butterkäse vs Havarti

Butterkäse, field guide plate
Butterkäse, photographed

Butterkäse

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-soft
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Germany

Butterkäse is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese from Germany, and the German name means butter cheese. The paste is pale yellow, smooth, and mild, with a light tang and a soft buttery taste. A loaf is easy to slice, and small eyes are few or absent. German dairies treat it as an everyday slicing cheese rather than a long-aged wheel. The same mild style is also made in other countries for buyers who want a gentle melting cheese.

Havarti, field guide plate

Havarti

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-soft
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Denmark
Place
Øverød, Zealand

Havarti is a creamy semi-soft cheese from Denmark, first associated with Øverød on Zealand. It is made from cow's milk and has a supple, buttery paste with many small irregular openings. The usual flavor is mild, slightly acidic, and a little sweet. Cream-style Havarti is richer and softer than the plainer loaf. Both are sold as slicing cheeses that also melt well on warm bread.