3 Best Uses for Jalapeno Havarti Cheese

Want some fun ways to try jalapeno havarti cheese? Check out these 3 delicious cheese recipes that are quick and easy.

Havarti cheese is a delicious semi-soft variety with a slightly nutty taste. This Denmark cheese is often used in an appetizer or cheese platter although it works surprisingly well in many cheese recipes, including fondue and paninis. There are many varieties of havarti although one of the most interesting is jalapeno havarti, which is designed for those that like a little kick. Here's a look at some tasty ways to use jalapeno havarti cheese in meals and entrees.

Image credit: Jess Gambacurta at Flickr

Turkey/Chicken Bacon Havarti Sandwich

Havarti is the perfect complement to turkey and this recipe uses the jalapeno variety for a bit of spice. It's a great lunch on a cold day and also works really well with Thanksgiving leftovers!

Havarti Sandwich with Thansgiving Lef...

Eating Ike's at Flickr

Ingredients

Two slices of sourdough bread
A splash of balsamic vinaigrette
4 slices of turkey breast or chicken breast (or both!)
Jarred, roasted red bell peppers, sliced thinly
1 slice of jalapeno havarti cheese
1 slice of bacon
1 slice of tomato

1. Spread a small dash of balsamic vinaigrette on each slice of sourdough bread. Layer the bread with turkey (or chicken or both), peppers and jalapeno havarti cheese. Top with tomato and bacon.

Jalapeno Havarti Stuffed Chicken

This yummy cheese recipe gets thrown together pretty quickly and makes a delicious meal for the whole family. It calls for only a few ingredients -- what could be simpler? Tacos maybe? Check out this recipe if you're into tacos and want to add a twist. Pulled Chicken Tacos with Dofino Havarti with Jalapeño.

Angelamaphone at Flickr

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp paprika (or chili powder)
1 pkg jalapeno havarti cheese, sliced
salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut chicken in half, although not all the way through, and lay open on a cutting board.
2. Spread saran wrap over chicken and pound until flat. Remove saran wrap and sprinkle paprika over chicken. Add one slice of jalapeno havarti to each side of the chicken breast.
3. Fold chicken in half and secure with toothpicks. Add salt and pepper and place chicken in a baking dish. Cover with foil and cook for at least 30 minutes.

Chicken Breast with Jalapeno Havarti Sauce

This is a quick cheese recipe for boneless skinless chicken breasts with a creamy sauce that gets its kick from the jalapeno havarti cheese. It's delicious alongside roasted red potatoes and rice, or your favorite vegetable and salad. Try experimenting by adding dill, chili powder, chopped jalapenos and whatever else you like.

Daniel Eizans at Flickr

Ingredients

4 to 6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 c red bell pepper or roasted red pepper, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1-1/2 c milk
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
1 c shredded or diced jalapeno havarti cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13" baking dish.
2. Wash chicken and pat dry, then place in dish.
3. Combine onion, garlic, pepper and olive oil and top each chicken breast with the mixture. Bake for 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth then slowly add milk, pepper and salt. Stir until thickened then stir in cheese until melted. Spoon over chicken and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.