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    Home » Savory

    Havarti Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Caramelized Onion

    September 23, 2021 by Chenée Lewis

    2.6K shares
    Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipe with Bacon, Havarti, and Caramelized Onions | Chenée Today

    Bacon Havarti grilled cheese is one of the best Havarti cheese recipes ever! Filled with two kinds of cheese, whole grain dijon mustard, and caramelized onions, it's such a delicious savory treat. And for more savory recipes, try my Puff Pastry Pizza, my Baked Boursin Pasta, or my Southern Baked Mac and Cheese!

    closeup of Havarti grilled cheese sandwich
    Havarti Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipes
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    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Havarti Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic easy comfort food snack. When you want something simple, but totally delicious, grilled cheese is definitely the way to go. But there are some times when you just want more. Something that is satisfying, but also sophisticated and flavorful. That's when you need this Havarti grilled cheese sandwich. It's got two types of cheese, seeded rye bread, and it's also filled to the brim with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and whole grain dijon mustard.

    So let's get started making this amazing Havarti grilled cheese sandwich. And what's the most important part of a fancy grilled cheese sandwich? Fancy cheese, of course!

    What are the best cheeses for grilled cheese?

    For this grilled cheese sandwich we're using not one, but two of my favorite cheeses for grilled cheese! Our first cheese is one of my favorites for sandwiches: Havarti! Havarti is a Danish semisoft cow's milk cheese that has a smooth yet tangy flavor. It also melts well, so it's perfect for this fancy grilled cheese!

    What cheese goes well with Havarti?

    Next, we'll use Emmental, a Swiss cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk that has a nutty, creamy flavor. Emmental is a major ingredient in fondue, so it melts very well and provides lots of flavor. Together, these two cheese impart the perfect flavor and texture to make a grilled cheese sandwich that is downright elegant.

    What can I add to my grilled cheese?

    Whatever you like! In our Havarti grilled cheese sandwich, we're grabbing some crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and our two cheeses for some amazing sweet and savory flavors.

    But that's not all! To make this fancy grilled cheese even fancier we're using one of my favorite ingredients, whole grain dijon mustard! It adds that tangy dijon flavor with a bit of texture from the mustard seeds. I love using whole grain mustard in my cooking. If you can't find whole grain mustard, regular dijon works just as well, and complements the cheeses marvelously.

    Is mayo or butter better for grilled cheese?

    The age-old debate! I personally prefer the flavor of butter, but I recognize that mayo is a better choice for browning and crispness. So for this Havarti grilled cheese, we're going with mayo to get the perfect toasty browned outer crust!

    You can also use softened butter, or clarified butter to coat the outside of your bread slices. Either way, you're on your way to an amazing grilled cheese sandwich!

    Havarti Grilled Cheese sandwich sliced
    Havarti Cheese Recipes

    Ingredients

    • rye bread - The best sandwiches start with a good bread. I love the flavor of seeded rye, especially with the Havarti and dijon mustard flavors. But you can also use a seedless rye, or sliced sourdough to fit the flavor-packed goodness of this fancy grilled cheese sandwich!
    • whole-grain dijon mustard - I love the combination of dijon mustard and cheese flavor, especially with the caramelized onion. It makes me feel like I'm in a French café somewhere enjoying a quick ham sandwich on a baguette. I like this one, but you can use any whole grain or dijon mustard you like!
    • crispy cooked bacon - For this recipe, you can use leftover bacon, or your favorite recipe for cooking bacon in the oven or the stovetop.
    • Havarti and Emmental cheese - you can't have a Havarti grilled cheese sandwich without Havarti! Along with the nutty Emmental, it brings lots of flavor and creamy texture, which is perfect for grilled cheese!
    • mayonnaise - As I mentioned above, mayo gives you the best toasty brown exterior for a grilled cheese sandwich. I'm from the midwest, where Hellmann's is king, but you can use your favorite mayo for this recipe.
    • caramelized onions - These are truly the stars of this Havarti grilled cheese sandwich! You can buy prepackaged caramelized onions, but it's actually super easy to make them yourself! I like this method from The Kitchn.

    Equipment

    All you'll need for this recipe is a skillet, griddle, or nonstick pan to fry up your fancy grilled cheese. If you use a cast iron skillet to caramelize your onions, then you're already one step ahead!

    Tips and F.A.Q.

    Is Havarti a good melting cheese?

    Definitely! Havarti is a semi-hard cheese that is super versatile and creamy! It also adds a mild nutty flavor to this havarti grilled cheese sandwich that you'll love!

    What is a good cheese to use for grilled cheese?

    Other than the Havarti and Emmental we're using in this Havarti grilled cheese, some other great cheese options are mild cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, and Muenster. These are all flavorful cheeses that melt well and aren't overly greasy, and they'll all perform well in a grilled cheese sandwich!

    What is Havarti cheese best used for?

    In addition to this Havarti grilled cheese, you can use your Havarti on burgers, in casseroles and pasta bakes, or in an omelet!

    What is Havarti cheese comparable to?

    If you can't find Havarti, you can look for other mild semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, Colby, Edam, or mild cheddar.

    More Savory Recipes to Try

    • Sweet Potato Patties with Chickpeas and Creamy Avocado Sauce
    • Paleo Chicken Thigh Recipe with Roasted Vegetables
    • Shrimp Macaroni Salad With Cajun Spices
    • Rotisserie Chicken Salad
    • Boursin Pasta – Tiktok Viral Recipe
    Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipe with Bacon, Havarti, and Caramelized Onions | Chenée Today

    Havarti Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Bacon Havarti grilled cheese is one of the best Havarti cheese recipes I can think of! Learn what meat goes with Havarti cheese and other Havarti cheese uses!
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 7 minutes
    Course: Main Course, Snack
    Cuisine :American, Dutch, French, Swiss
    Servings: 1 sandwich
    Calories: 651kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • 10-inch cast-iron skillet
    • griddle pan
    • large sauté pan
    • pancake spatula

    Ingredients

    • 2 slices seeded rye bread
    • 1 tablespoon whole-grain dijon mustard
    • ¼ cup caramelized onions - (see note)
    • ¼ cup crisp bacon - crumbled
    • 2 slices Havarti cheese
    • 1 slice Emmental cheese - or Swiss cheese, or Gruyère
    • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise - or butter

    Instructions

    • Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
      1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 2 slices seeded rye bread
    • Place one of the slices, mayo side down, on a clean plate or work surface. Spread mustard onto slice and top with one slice of Havarti and one slice of Emmental.
      1 tablespoon whole-grain dijon mustard, 1 slice Emmental cheese, 2 slices Havarti cheese
    • Top with caramelized onions evenly spread over cheese, then bacon, then one more slice of Havarti.
      ¼ cup caramelized onions, ¼ cup crisp bacon
    • Place second slice of bread on top with mayo facing up.
    • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Place sandwich in skillet to cook for 3-4 minutes each side, or until deep golden brown and cheese is melted.

    Video

    https://cheneetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/af4e1ef08d128a7de0e80af36ef65e8e.mp4

    Notes

    Caramelized onions: I like this method for making caramelized onions by The Kitchn, and they can be used as toppings and ingredients for so many dishes! You can also buy prepackaged caramelized onions.
    Cheese Alternatives: If you can't find Havarti, some alternatives are Gouda, or Monterey Jack. If you can't find Emmental, try Jarlsberg, Gruyère, or Swiss.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 sandwich | Calories: 651 kcal | Carbohydrates: 39 g | Protein: 37 g | Fat: 39 g | Saturated Fat: 19 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 111 mg | Sodium: 1950 mg | Potassium: 267 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 6 g | Vitamin A: 611 IU | Vitamin C: 5 mg | Calcium: 545 mg | Iron: 2 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: can you grill havarti cheese, caramelized onion grilled cheese, fancy grilled cheese, gourmet grilled cheese, grilled cheese bacon, grilled cheese mayo, havarti cheese recipes, havarti cheese uses, havarti grilled cheese, havarti grilled cheese calories, havarti grilled cheese sandwich recipes, what cheese goes well with havarti, what meat goes with havarti cheese
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    PIN this Havarti grilled cheese recipe for later!

    Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipe with Bacon, Havarti, and Caramelized Onions | Chenée Today

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    2.6K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. Britney Brown

      April 14, 2021 at 8:11 am

      5 stars
      This was the best grilled cheese I've ever made! From the harvati to the bacon and caramelized onions, woooo this was truly a hit!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        April 24, 2021 at 4:34 pm

        Thank you so much!!

        Reply
    2. Jazz

      April 14, 2021 at 7:09 am

      5 stars
      This was right on time for grilled cheese day! I made it for lunch at home and it was the high point of my workday.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        May 05, 2021 at 12:29 pm

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    3. Cat William

      April 12, 2021 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      Hubby and I had so much fun eating this grilled cheese. It was easy to make and bursting with flavor. It was our first time trying Emmental cheese and we loved it.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        April 13, 2021 at 11:15 pm

        I'm so glad you guys liked it!

        Reply
    4. Kaluhi

      April 12, 2021 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      Melty, indulgent, delicious!!! This is BY FAR the best grilled cheese sandwich i have had i a long time and I'll be making it again and again!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        April 13, 2021 at 11:16 pm

        You and me both! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    5. Mila

      April 12, 2021 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      I LOVED the sweet and savory flavors in this. Adding caramelized onions to grilled cheese is straight up GENIUS. I loved rye as the base - I'd never tried my grilled cheese with rye bread before!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        May 26, 2021 at 6:20 pm

        Thanks! I love the combination too!

        Reply
    6. Shanna Jones

      April 12, 2021 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      You had me at havarti! This was so simple to make and the melted cheese paired with those delicious carmelized onions --- whew, chile! Amazing!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 23, 2021 at 1:10 am

        So glad you liked it!!

        Reply
    7. Crystal DaCruz

      April 12, 2021 at 7:52 am

      5 stars
      Yes to this amazingly elevated grilled cheese! I love caramelized onions so trying this recipe was a MUST for me! It did not disappoint!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 23, 2021 at 1:10 am

        Caramelized onions are the best!

        Reply
    8. Robin Sparks

      April 11, 2021 at 10:20 pm

      5 stars
      I'm a little obsessed with havarti cheese so I knew I was in for a good experience going in. On the whole, this is a great sandwich.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        May 26, 2021 at 6:24 pm

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    9. Chef Mireille

      April 11, 2021 at 2:12 pm

      5 stars
      Adding caramelized onions to grilled cheese is such an ingenious ideas. The natural sweetness of the onions paired so well with the salty cheese. My new way of making grilled cheese for sure!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        May 26, 2021 at 11:44 pm

        So glad you enjoyed! I love that combination too!

        Reply
    10. Renia Butler

      April 09, 2021 at 8:43 am

      5 stars
      Loved this adult grilled cheese. We use the leftover sourdough from Easter to make these delicious sammies. Can't wait to try them out with rye bread as you've suggested.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        April 10, 2021 at 11:23 am

        Sourdough sounds like it would be amazing! So glad you liked them!

        Reply
    11. Jen Sim

      April 08, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      This sandwich was so delicious! I love the fact that you included Havarti cheese and Swiss cheese. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        April 10, 2021 at 11:23 am

        Thank you! Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    12. Tamara

      April 07, 2021 at 9:06 pm

      5 stars
      First of all, I’m OBSESSED with Havarti!!! This cheese makes the absolute best grilled cheese, and I only know that now because of you! Everything about this was too amazing. Can’t wait to make it again!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        April 07, 2021 at 11:46 pm

        Me too!! I always have some Havarti in my fridge for sandwiches, especially grilled cheese! I'm so glad you liked it!

        Reply
    13. Marta

      April 07, 2021 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      I love havarti and we all love grilled cheese sandwiches. We loved making these together in our little kitchen! The complexity of flavors truly elevated a simple sandwich. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        April 08, 2021 at 12:03 am

        So glad you guys enjoyed! It's definitely a great sandwich if you love grilled cheese!

        Reply

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    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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