Castello — a cheese brand of Basking Ridge, N.J.-based Arla Foods Inc. USA and maker of authentically Danish havarti cheese — said it is giving food truck owners the opportunity to bring home some serious “cheese” with the first-ever “Hype the Havarti Food Truck Challenge.” Through June 4, Castello is inviting food truck owners from across the country to submit their most creative and crave-worthy recipes featuring Castello creamy havarti cheese at www.HypeTheHavarti.com.

In addition to creating a unique recipe, entrants will also share how they’ll “Hype the Havarti” and encourage their fans and communities to test out their new Castello creamy havarti cheese menu item. The top 10 finalists will be determined based on recipe creativity, consumer appeal and their “Hype the Havarti” ideas, Castello said.

From July 21 through July 31, fans will help the brand determine the winner by casting votes and engaging with their favorite trucks on social media. The winner will receive $20,000 plus a year’s supply of Castello creamy havarti, and one runner-up will also receive a year’s supply of Castello creamy havarti cheese, the brand said.

“We are super excited to kick off this nationwide challenge that will help showcase the endless possibilities that come with Castello creamy havarti’s creamy, buttery flavor and luxurious meltability,” said Kevin Rider, Castello brand manager. “Our creamy havarti cheese is not only sure to be a family favorite with its versality and approachability, but is also perfect for elevating any recipe — from over-the-top grilled cheese to mouthwatering mac and cheese — and we couldn’t think of a more creative group to help get consumers ‘hyped’ about trying our havarti cheese!”

Castello said it is tapping into Roaming Hunger’s network of nearly 19,000 food trucks to encourage entries into the challenge.

“As experts in the food truck arena, we know first-hand how popular cheese-based recipes are with consumers across the country,” said Alyssa Mason, director of accounts at RMNG, The Experiential Agency at Roaming Hunger. “We are thrilled to be working with Castello to bring even more unique menu items to the food truck landscape.”

The top 10 food truck finalists will be announced on or around June 15, giving fans the chance to cast their vote or share #HypetheHavarti on social from July 21 through July 31 in support of their favorite recipe. Food truck owners from across the country are encouraged to enter. For official rules and to enter, consumers may visit www.HypeTheHavarti.com.