5 Things About Mascarpone Cheese (2024)

What is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone cheese is ivory-coloured, exceptionally soft, slightly sweet and tart, spreadable cheese often described as Italian sweet cream cheese. Mascarpone originated around the 17th century and is most commonly made with pasteurized cow's milk. The origins course back to Abbiategrasso and Lodi in the Lombardy region, in northern Italy. The cheese is most well-known as the key ingredient in Italian desserts.

1. High-fat content

Mascarpone cheese is quite indulgent but may raise concerns in health-conscious minds. The cheese has exceptionally high-fat content, with a lavish 43 grams of fat per 100 grams (usually ranging from 60% to 75%) - it has the highest fat content in the domain of cheeses. The high-fat content is attributed to its rich and creamy texture.

2. Made from fresh cream

While many cheeses are made from milk, mascarpone is generally derived from cream. This full-bodied triple-cream cheese is made from fresh cream. Traditionally, the fresh milk of cows that graze pastures filled with fresh herbs and flowers is used for the processing of the cheese. Though the freshest milk is still the best option, Mascarpone can also be made with cream from the store.

3. Mild flavours

Mascarpone is slightly sweet with a hint of acidity that overpowers the tanginess. Its rich, creamy texture makes it an indulgent addition to both sweet and savoury dishes. The cheese has a mild flavour and yet there's a distinct sweetness. It also exhibits a subtle buttery undertone that adds a layer of richness to its flavour profile.

5 Things About Mascarpone Cheese (1)


4. Homemade Mascarpone

Why buy expensive tubs of mascarpone when you can make it at home? All you need is two staple ingredients: fresh, high-quality heavy cream and lemon juice (or citric acid). It is vital to observe factors such as the right temperature and the right amount of citric acid. Then, it needs to have enough resting time in the refrigerator to get the final result of a delicious creamy cheese.

5. Quick Production

Mascarpone is a fresh cheese that can be produced relatively quickly compared to aged cheeses. It doesn't require an extensive ageing process, usually being ready for consumption shortly after its production.

5 Things About Mascarpone Cheese (2024)

FAQs

What are some interesting facts about mascarpone cheese? ›

Mascarpone cheese is a rich and creamy Italian cheese that originated in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. The name 'mascarpone' is believed to have been derived from the Lombard word 'mascarpa,' which means 'quark' in English. It's a triple-cream cheese made from whole cow's milk.

What are the benefits of mascarpone cheese? ›

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Mascarpone's high-fat content provides the vehicle these vitamins need to be absorbed in the body. Serving a carrot cake with mascarpone frosting, for example, will boost the bioavailability of the orange vegetables' vitamin A.

Why is mascarpone so good? ›

The butterfat separates from the water content and coagulates, rather than curdles. Mascarpone, therefore, achieves a rich, smooth, hom*ogenous texture that is closer to freshly churned butter or a soft brie than the fluffy curds of its cousin ricotta.

Is mascarpone sweet or salty? ›

Mascarpone is a fresh, soft cow's milk cheese with a lightly sweet, rich flavor that is originally from Northern Italy. Mascarpone contains 70 to 75% milk fat, giving it a smooth, creamy texture and pale ivory color.

How old is mascarpone cheese? ›

Origins. Mascarpone originated in the Italian region of Lombardy in the area between Lodi and Abbiategrasso south of Milan, probably in the late 16th or early 17th century.

What is mascarpone cheese like? ›

Mascarpone cheese is a soft, slightly sweet and a tad bit tart, spreadable cheese often described as an Italian sweet cream cheese. Mascarpone is probably most well-known as the key ingredient in Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli.

What can mascarpone be used for? ›

Best mascarpone recipes
  • Salted caramel mascarpone cheesecake pots.
  • Cannoli.
  • Vanilla and raspberry mascarpone loaf cake.
  • Tomato, spinach and mascarpone gnocchi.
  • Pesto greens and three-cheese lasagne.
  • Spinach, mascarpone and ham hock rotolo.
  • Classic tiramisu.
  • Butternut squash, spinach and mascarpone lasagne.

Can I eat mascarpone by itself? ›

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 does mascarpone taste of? ›

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.

Is mascarpone cream cheese good? ›

Unlike some other soft cheeses, mascarpone is unaged, so it has a delicate flavor and is best consumed fresh. Mascarpone is a luxurious addition to desserts like tiramisu, cheesecakes, and frostings. It's also used in savory dishes to add richness and creaminess.

Can you eat mascarpone raw? ›

While Italians adore traditional Mascarpone-based dishes, they're not necessarily among the ones they make themselves at home. Mascarpone cheese seems to be more of a cooking ingredient than something consumed raw, even if it can easily act as any other spreadable cheese.

Is mascarpone a healthy cheese? ›

Mascarpone is an ingredient of some famous Italian desserts like tiramisu. Mascarpone is not the best choice for your heart health as it's one of the highest fat cheeses (44 per cent, of which 30 per cent is saturated).

Does mascarpone go bad? ›

Check the "use by" date on the package for storage time, but it's generally a week. Mascarpone tends to go bad quickly, so use an open container within a few days; return any unused portion to the fridge with the lid tightly sealed. If it develops mold or if its aroma or color is off, discard the entire package.

Is mascarpone cheese actually cheese? ›

Mascarpone cheese is a type of cheese originating in Italy. It's made from only two ingredients: heavy cream and citric or tartaric acid. The cream is heated and then the acid is added to solidify and thicken the cream.

Why is it called mascarpone? ›

mascarpone, an Italian cream cheese. Mascarpone is one of Italy's most distinguished cheeses. Some believe its name originates from the Spanish words for “better than good,” though it more likely derives from the Lombard word for ricotta, mascherpo; the cheese's name is locally spelled mascherpone.

Is mascarpone cheese from a cow or goat? ›

Mascarpone is made from the cream of cow's milk, making it an extremely smooth, slightly sweet, fresh cheese that is similar to Devon Cream or Clotted Cream.

Does mascarpone have more fat than cream? ›

Mascarpone is made from heavy cream, while cream cheese is made from whole milk. This gives mascarpone its high fat content and richer, creamier texture. The fat content of cream cheese is 30 to 40 percent, compared to mascarpone's whopping 60 to 75 percent fat content.

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