Mascarpone Cheese Belongs in More Than Just Tiramisu in 2025
When most people think of mascarpone cheese, tiramisu is the first thing that comes to mind — and fair enough. But there’s a lot more to this rich, creamy cheese than just dessert. Mascarpone is one of those rare ingredients that can go sweet or savory, making it surprisingly versatile once you know how to use it.
It’s the kind of ingredient that quietly transforms whatever you’re making. Spread it on toast, fold it into pasta or sneak a spoonful straight from the tub.
Jump to Section
- What Is Mascarpone Cheese?
- Mascarpone Cheese Flavor and Texture
- How Mascarpone Cheese Is Made
- Why Mascarpone Cheese Is Best Known for Tiramisu
- What Can You Make With Mascarpone Cheese?
- Pairings: What Goes With Mascarpone?
- How to Make Mascarpone Cheese at Home
- Where to Find Mascarpone Cheese Nearby
- Mascarpone Cheese FAQs
What Is Mascarpone Cheese?
Mascarpone (say it: mas-kar-POH-neh) is a rich, spreadable Italian cheese that originally comes from the Lombardy region. It’s best known for holding tiramisu together, but that’s just the beginning.
Silky smooth and slightly sweet, mascarpone has a high butterfat content that makes it feel more like a luxurious cream than a typical cheese. It’s less tangy than cream cheese and softer than ricotta — the kind of ingredient that fits in anywhere, from pasta sauces to pastry fillings. Think of it as your secret weapon for adding richness without overpowering the dish.
How Mascarpone Cheese Is Made
Mascarpone starts with heavy cream that’s gently heated, then combined with an acid like lemon juice to separate the curds. After a quick strain and some cooling time, you’re left with that soft, rich texture it’s known for. You can even make it at home with just two ingredients — more on that later.
Why Mascarpone Cheese Is Best Known for Tiramisu
Tiramisu is where most people first meet mascarpone. The creamy cheese is what gives this layered dessert its signature richness. Mascarpone’s smooth texture spreads easily between coffee-soaked ladyfingers and its subtle flavor helps balance out the bold espresso and cocoa. With its high butterfat content, mascarpone brings a silky finish that feels just indulgent enough. Plus, it holds its shape well, so the whole dessert stays light and luscious instead of turning soggy.
What Can You Make With Mascarpone Cheese?
1. Cannoli
Cannoli is traditionally filled with ricotta, but using mascarpone cheese instead (or a combination of the two) results in a richer, creamier texture that makes the dessert even more indulgent. Roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or fold in melted dark chocolate for something richer.
2. Pasta
If you’re looking for savory mascarpone recipes, try mascarpone cheese pasta. Stir it through cooked pasta with a splash of cooking water, lemon zest and shrimp for an easy upgrade, or use it to fill ravioli for something a little more indulgent.
3. Cheesecake
Mascarpone works as a one-to-one swap for cream cheese in cheesecake, but the results are even creamier. It’s rich, smooth and doesn’t have the tang of regular cream cheese, which gives the whole thing a more luxurious feel.
4. Whipped Mascarpone
Whip mascarpone on its own or with a bit of cream for a thick, velvety topping. It’s great on pie, layered into shortcakes or even used as frosting on cake decorating ideas. Bonus: it holds up better than whipped cream if you’re serving outside.
5. Scrambled Eggs
Fold mascarpone into scrambled eggs right at the end and you’ll never go back. It gives them a fluffy, creamy texture that can’t be beat. Serve on toast, in a burrito or straight from the pan — it works every time.
Want to get more confident using mascarpone or just sharpen your everyday cooking skills? Cooking classes near you are a great place to start.
Pairings: What Goes With Mascarpone?
1. Moscato
Sweet, bubbly Moscato balances out mascarpone’s richness without competing with it. It’s a great pick if you’re serving the cheese as part of a dessert or cheese board ideas.
2. Chardonnay
An oaky chardonnay pairs nicely with Mascarpone’s creamy texture and mild sweetness. Together, they feel smooth and indulgent — perfect for a slow evening in.
3. Marsala
Marsala and mascarpone are already a classic duo in tiramisu, but the pairing works just as well on its own. The wine’s depth brings out the best in mascarpone’s silky texture.
How to Make Mascarpone Cheese at Home
Yes, you can make mascarpone cheese at home — and it’s a lot easier than you might think. All you need is heavy cream, lemon juice and a little patience.
Start by heating two cups of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Give it an occasional stir until it hits 185 to 190°F. Drop the heat to medium-low, add one tablespoon of lemon juice and stir gently for about three minutes while keeping the temperature steady.
Take it off the heat, give it a whisk and let it sit for 30 minutes to cool slightly. Then pour it into a towel-lined strainer set over a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for another 30 minutes. Pop it in the fridge for at least eight hours to firm up — and that’s it.
Homemade mascarpone is smooth, spreadable and incredibly fresh. But if you’d rather grab a tub than make your own, mascarpone cheese from Lidl will do just fine.
Where to Find Mascarpone Cheese Nearby
You can usually find mascarpone in the dairy section of most major grocery stores, often near the cream cheese or specialty cheeses. But if you’ve searched high and low with no luck, you can easily order it online from places like Amazon, Sogno Toscano, Buona Italia or Gourmet Food Store.
Mascarpone Cheese FAQs
Is Mascarpone Cheese the Same as Cream Cheese?
Although mascarpone and cream cheese are often used interchangeably, they’re not quite the same. Both are soft and spreadable, but mascarpone is much richer, because it’s made with heavy cream, not a mix of cream and milk, so the fat content is nearly double. It also has a milder, less tangy flavor, which makes it more adaptable for both sweet and savory dishes.
What Do Americans Call Mascarpone?
Most Americans call it mascarpone (give or take a syllable). You’ll sometimes hear it called “Italian cream cheese,” and yes, “marscapone” slips out more than it should. But whatever you call it, you’ll probably find it in the same spot.
What Cheese Is Closest to Mascarpone?
Cream cheese is your best swap, especially in baking. The textures are similar enough that you can use them one-to-one in most recipes. Ricotta is another option, just blend in a little heavy cream to get closer to mascarpone’s smooth consistency.
Where Is Mascarpone Cheese in the Grocery Store?
Look for mascarpone in the refrigerated cheese section near the deli. It’s usually hanging out with the fancier cheeses like Brie and Gorgonzola. Mascarpone cheese is available at Lidl, Trader Joe’s and most national chains all carry it and it usually runs about $5 for an 8-ounce tub.
Mascarpone might have started as the unsung hero of tiramisu, but it’s earned its place well beyond dessert. It’s the kind of ingredient that works quietly in the background, pulling everything together without needing attention — rich, smooth and surprisingly easy to work with. Keep a tub on hand and you’ll always have an excuse to make something a little more indulgent.
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