What Is Mascarpone? Find Out What Sets It Apart From Other Cheeses (2024)

You may know of mascarpone as the creamy, luscious ingredient in tiramisu—but what is mascarpone? How else is mascarpone used? Is it cheese, cream, or both? Keep reading for answers to all your frequently asked questions, as well as some serious recipe inspiration that will have you rushing to the store to stock up.

What Is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone cheese is a soft Italian double or triple cream cheese. It typically has 60-75% fat content, depending on the producer, which gives it a super spreadable, silky consistency. Mascarpone cheese originated in Abbiategrasso and Lodi in northern Italy. It is a fresh cheese that is most commonly made with pasteurized cow's milk. Unlike some cheeses, which have animal-derived rennet added, mascarpone is vegetarian. It's made by heating heavy cream and adding an acid like tartaric acid (aka cream of tartar), citric acid, or lemon juice to solidify and thicken the cream. Mascarpone is then strained through a cheesecloth to remove excess liquid whey.

What Is Mascarpone Cream?

Mascarpone cream is a traditional Italian whipped topping. It is made by whipping mascarpone cheese with eggs and sugar and is the tangy, velvety layer in tiramisu. In Italy, mascarpone cream is often served alongside pound cake, fresh berries, or an espresso drink. BelGioioso sells its own version of sweetened mascarpone cream known as Crema di Mascarpone.

To make mascarpone cream at home:

  1. Whisk together 16 ounces of mascarpone cheese and ½ cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  2. Slowly add in 3 egg yolks until creamy.
  3. For a flavorful, boozy finish, add in 2 tablespoons of rum, brandy, or cognac.

What Does Mascarpone Taste Like?

Mascarpone cheese is often compared to cream cheese, ricotta cheese, crème fraiche, and clotted cream; however, mascarpone is a sweeter and less tangy product than its peers. Mascarpone is slightly sweet with a hint of acidity. Its rich, creamy texture makes it an indulgent addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

Delicious Mascarpone Recipes

Try it in a classic Italian dish, tiramisu, or as the star of the show in creamy mascarpone mashed potatoes. You can also make savory dishes like creamy parmesan risotto and creamy polenta even more decadent by incorporating mascarpone cheese.

For something sweeter, you can add mascarpone cheese to any homemade ice cream base. Mix in 8 ounces of mascarpone to a heated custard before churning for a rich flavor and an extra-creamy consistency. We love it as a zesty complement to lemon meringue pie ice cream.

Where to Buy Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone cheese is sold in most commercial and specialty grocery stores. BelGioioso, Galbani, Cello, and Gelmini are the most prevalent producers of mascarpone cheese, and a 16-oz. package of mascarpone cheese costs approximately $8.

What Is Mascarpone? Find Out What Sets It Apart From Other Cheeses (2024)

FAQs

What Is Mascarpone? Find Out What Sets It Apart From Other Cheeses? ›

Mascarpone cheese is a soft Italian double or triple cream cheese. It typically has 60-75% fat content, depending on the producer, which gives it a super spreadable, silky consistency. Mascarpone cheese originated in Abbiategrasso and Lodi in northern Italy.

What is the difference between mascarpone cheese and normal cheese? ›

Mascarpone is made similarly to American cream cheese, but it uses a base of whole cream rather than milk. Like cream cheese, it is a fresh cheese that is not aged before it is eaten. Cream cheese contains at least 33% milk fat, and mascarpone may contain 60-75% milk fat.

What is the closest cheese to mascarpone cheese? ›

Mascarpone has a one-of-a-kind silkiness and a milky flavor profile but ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, full-fat cream cheese, and Requeson cheese are all similar to mascarpone cheese.

Is mascarpone healthier than cream cheese? ›

No, mascarpone cheese is not healthier than cream cheese as it contains 25% more fat than cream cheese. Yet mascarpone cheese is only preferred for its extra smooth texture. You can use cream cheese and mascarpone cheese for salty and sweet dishes.

What's the difference between ricotta and mascarpone? ›

Mascarpone cheese is made by heating heavy cream with acid until it has coagulated. 1 Ricotta is made by heating whole milk and buttermilk together until hundreds of small curds form—the curds, when strained, become ricotta.

What is special about mascarpone? ›

If you think Mascarpone is just like cream cheese, you'll be surprised and probably delighted to learn Mascarpone is richer and sweeter. Mascarpone has a more velvety texture, lending it to easier spreading and opening up possibilities as both a cream cheese substitute and the star of its unique set of dishes.

Can you eat mascarpone on its own? ›

Mascarpone cheese isn't very good to eat by itself (imagine eating a spoonful of butter), but it is perfect to use as an ingredient for savory and dessert recipes alike. Next time you want to try out a recipe calling for mascarpone cheese, give this recipe a try!

What is the unhealthiest cheese? ›

The 10 Unhealthiest Cheeses You Can Buy
  • Double Gloucester. ...
  • Brunost. ...
  • Any cheese that comes in a can or jar. ...
  • Brie. ...
  • Stilton. ...
  • Pre-grated parmesan cheese. ...
  • Roquefort. A blue cheese that originated in France. ...
  • Pre-packaged shredded cheese. It's loaded with additives and preservatives.
May 16, 2024

Can diabetics eat mascarpone cheese? ›

Cheese is often high in fat and salt but eating it in moderation is safe for someone who has diabetes.

What can mascarpone be used for? ›

Mascarpone can be used in savoury and sweet dishes. It is good for stirring through savoury sauces to thicken and add a distinct rich flavour. Serve it with fresh fruit, use it in cheesecakes, as a cake filling, or as a topping for desserts.

Does Aldi sell mascarpone cheese? ›

ALDI BelGioioso Fresh Mascarpone Cheese, Cup Same-Day Delivery or Pickup | Instacart.

Can you freeze mascarpone? ›

You can safely freeze mascarpone for a few months, but it will affect the texture, and it might separate when you defrost it. It's best for use in cooked dishes.

Can I use mascarpone instead of ricotta in lasagna? ›

Mascarpone: Another Italian cheese, mascarpone makes a great ricotta substitute. However, since mascarpone is more tart and flavorful, you should only use it in dishes with other strong flavors. It may overpower milder ingredients.

Can I use normal cream cheese instead of mascarpone? ›

Certain ingredients may be imported or are too pricey for our budgets and we need to find substitutes for them. Here's one quick tip I found to use cream cheese as a substitute for mascarpone cheese, which is generally used in the famous Italian dessert Tiramisu or sometimes in cheesecakes.

Does mascarpone taste like cheese? ›

The taste of mascarpone is similar to that of cream cheese, ricotta cheese, creme fraiche, or clotted cream, but with a little more sweetness and acidity. This makes it a versatile cheese for both sweet and savory dishes.

What do you use mascarpone for? ›

Mascarpone recipes
  1. Very berry trifle. ...
  2. Smoked salmon & mascarpone tortilla. ...
  3. Orange & almond cake with citrus mascarpone. ...
  4. Roasted tomato & mascarpone soup. ...
  5. Pasta with prawns, mascarpone & lemon. ...
  6. Cherry, almond & lemon mascarpone tart. ...
  7. Tomato & mascarpone pasta bake. ...
  8. Gnocchi with courgette, mascarpone & spring onions.

Is Philadelphia or mascarpone better for cheesecake? ›

Mascarpone and Cream cheese can be interchangeable in some recipes, including cheesecake. If you want a tangy flavored cheesecake, you should use Cream cheese, but if that flavor isn't necessary, either cheese can be used.

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