As temperatures drop and the nights grow longer, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in comfort food. From gooey grilled cheeses to savoury dips, this season is all about hearty, warm dishes. Lifestyle and makeover expert Steven Sabados wants to show you how to elevate these fall favourites with one simple swap. It’s his infamous havarti makeover and it will change your outlook on seasonal recipes!
To experience the magic of havarti’s melt-in-your-mouth, creamy, buttery cheese, Steven recommends swapping out your cheddar, or mozzarella with your favourite havarti flavour.
Imagine using Dill Pickle Havarti in your grilled cheese, or stirring Roasted Garlic Havarti into a rich mac and cheese. Castello Havarti has seven distinct flavours you can choose from to elevate your meals: jalapeño, dill pickle, roasted garlic, smoked, herbs & spices, garden vegetable, and the original creamy. Crafted from 100% Canadian dairy and free from artificial ingredients, it’s Steven’s number one havarti choice for flavour and quality.
Its light and delicate flavour enhances dishes without overpowering them, making it perfect for everything from creamy soups to hearty casseroles, rich scalloped potatoes, savoury poutines, stews and more.
So, as the leaves continue to turn, try Steven’s #HavartiHack and warm up with your favourite comfort foods in a style all your own.
Curl Up & Queso
Kick things up a notch with Steven’s queso-licious dip made with Jalapeno Havarti. 
Ingredients:
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2 cups shredded Castello Jalapeño Havarti
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1 cup pico de gallo (tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro) or chunky salsa (drain any juice)
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Jalapeños, chopped
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Approx 1 tsp onion flakes, garlic powder, ground cumin
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Season with salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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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)
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Gradually whisk in milk, bring to boil, then reduce heat until thick. Add the Havarti gradually until incorporated.
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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 instead of swiss. 
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:
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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.
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Serve with maple syrup on the side
French Toast Affair
From brunch to lunch, Steven’s stylish and decadent French toast will have you craving more, one bite after another. 
Ingredients:
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Castello Creamy Havarti, thinly sliced
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2 pears, peeled and thinly sliced
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8 slices of French or Brioche-style bread
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2 eggs
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3/4 cup milk
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1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
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2-4 tablespoons butter
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Icing sugar, maple syrup
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Sliced strawberries, optional
Directions:
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In a large skillet, sauté the pears in butter and cinnamon until tender (5-8 minutes)
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Whisk together eggs and milk and place in a shallow bowl
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Build a sandwich with the cooked pears and a generous amount of Castello Creamy Havarti. Option to add in sliced strawberries.
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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
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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!
