Meet the Italian-style cream cheese that is an undiscovered culinary force.
If you’re unfamiliar with this luxurious Italian-style cream cheese, you’re in for quite a treat. Mascarpone is perhaps best known for its role in tiramisu, but this delightful crème du force is a culinary treasure that leans savory or sweet with ease. Enjoy this creamy cheese in dishes like pasta and stuffed mushrooms, or make a luxe dessert like cheesecake or crepes. For a simple snack, you can just whip it with honey and serve it with berries.
Hungry yet? Dig into all things mascarpone – its history, how it’s made, how to pair and cook with it, and which Wisconsin cheesemakers craft this beauty.
Cheese History: The Story Behind Mascarpone
Mascarpone is a cheese rooted in Italian heritage. Born in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, historians have traced mascarpone back to the 16th century, when it became a decadent favorite upon arrival. This lush, dairy-rich region is also the birthplace of parmesan—making it a paradise for cheese lovers. While the exact origin of mascarpone is hard to pin down, it quickly gained popularity for its luxurious texture and subtly sweet flavor. Eventually, this svelte charmer made its way across Europe and into American kitchens on the tiramisu-cannoli and cheesecake wave.
Wisconsin cheesemakers also embraced mascarpone as a cheese of choice. The state’s rich heritage of Italian cheesemakers, who brought their flavor memories and recipes with them, soon made good use of the bounty of fresh, local milk. Producers like BelGioioso Cheese and Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese craft their mascarpone with uncompromising attention to detail. The result is a rich, velvety cheese that’s won both makers accolades in the U.S. and abroad. Time-honored dairy traditions tap into Wisconsin terroir via lush pastures and clean water to give each of these mascarpones a fresh, nuanced profile that honors the Italian original while offering something distinct.
All About Mascarpone
How is mascarpone made?
Compared to other cheeses, the process for making mascarpone is actually very simple. Like any cheese, the cheesemaking process starts with fresh milk that is allowed to sit. When left undisturbed in a vat, the cream naturally rises to the top and separates from the milk. This cream is what will eventually become mascarpone. Mascarpone, in fact, is typically 60 to 75% milk fat, higher than its counterparts, including clotted cream, cream cheese, and crème fraîche.
The cream is then heated and acidified using acetic acid. This causes the cream to curdle, and the whole vat is filtered to separate the liquid whey from the curds. After this, the creamy cheese is immediately packaged for sale. No aging process here—mascarpone is a fresh cheese that is best enjoyed as soon as possible. And believe us, you won’t want to wait!
What does mascarpone taste like?
You can expect a subtle sweetness, notes of lemon, and a fresh finish that leaves you ready for another spoonful. Mascarpone can do double duty as an addition in both sweet and savory dishes due to its balanced flavor that lets it fit in just about anywhere, anytime. It’s a cheese that should be a staple in every household.
Are mascarpone and cream cheese the same thing?
Although they might look similar, mascarpone and cream cheese are actually quite different. Cream cheese is distinctly tangy, while mascarpone is mild and very lightly acidic. Cream cheese also has a firmer texture than mascarpone. Although mascarpone and cream cheese are often used in similar capacities in many recipes, they’re both unique and delicious cheeses!
Is mascarpone really cheese?
Short answer: yes. Mascarpone is actually produced with cream—a component of fresh milk—and the process for making mascarpone is identical to that of many other cheeses.
Must-Try Wisconsin Mascarpone
- Belgioioso Cheese Mascarpone – Meet America’s first mascarpone! BelGioioso was the first cheesemaker in the U.S. to make mascarpone back in 1990. Since then, they have won nearly 30 awards for their original mascarpone, and they’re now the largest producer of mascarpone in the country. BelGioioso Mascarpone is a naturally sweet and light cheese that can be used in a variety of contexts, from mac and cheese to ice cream.
- Belgioioso Cheese Crema di Mascarpone – For those who like their mascarpone with just a little more sweetness, look no further than BelGioioso’s Crema di Mascarpone. This mascarpone is the ideal base for frostings and other desserts. (Tiramisu, anyone?) In addition to sweetness, this mascarpone is also differentiated from the original by its slightly airier texture.
- Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Mascarpone – Founded by three brothers, Crave Brothers is a farmstead cheesemaker in Waterloo, Wisconsin known for their handcrafted mascarpone and mozzarella. Crave Brothers’ original mascarpone is deliciously velvety and a bit more savory than Belgioioso’s original—perfect as an addition for pasta sauces!
- Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Chocolate Mascarpone – Chocolate and cheese are a pretty great pairing, so it’s no surprise that Crave Brothers’ chocolate mascarpone is so phenomenal. This chocolate mascarpone has won many prestigious awards, including a bronze medal from the 2024 U.S. Cheese Championship! This decadent treat is perfect for any dessert application—or with a spoon straight from the container. Hey, we get it.
Pairing Mascarpone
Mascarpone is a famously unsung hero of the cheese world that pairs just as well with berries and balsamic as it does with smoked salmon or fruit-forward cocktails. While its rich, creamy texture and mild flavor make it a natural canvas for both sweet and savory pairings, it plays best with ingredients that highlight its subtlety without overwhelming it.
What drinks pair well with mascarpone?
Mascarpone shines when matched with beverages that echo its richness or balance its sweetness. Think fruity, floral, or gently sparkling—not aggressively hopped or overly tannic.
- Wines – Light, slightly sweet white wines like moscato or riesling pair beautifully with mascarpone in desserts. For fresh or savory uses, a crisp prosecco or other dry sparkling wine cuts through the richness without overpowering it.
- Beers – Wheat beers, fruit ales, or lighter Belgian-style brews bring gentle carbonation and complementary fruit or spice notes. Hard ciders also work especially well with mascarpone-based desserts.
- Non-alcoholic options – Herbal teas like chamomile or mint add aromatic freshness. Fresh-pressed fruit juices (like apple or peach) and sparkling water with a citrus slice keep things bright and refreshing.
What food pairings go well with mascarpone?
- Fruits – Strawberries, blueberries, and ripe peaches pair naturally with mascarpone, whether layered into parfaits, spooned over shortcakes, or served simply with a drizzle of honey.
- Savory accents – For a more elevated spin, mascarpone works beautifully with smoked salmon on toast, prosciutto-wrapped figs, or roasted cherry tomatoes spooned over crostini.
- Bread and crackers – Serve mascarpone on crisp baguette slices, seeded crostini, or whole-grain crackers to add texture contrast to its luscious spreadability.
What is mascarpone used for?
Mascarpone is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes—from ice cream to mac and cheese! Take a look at some of our favorite cheesy recipes that use mascarpone:
Substitutions for Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone has a unique richness and smoothness, but solid substitutes can still be found, depending on your recipe. The key is to match texture and mild flavor where possible and to know when a little acidity or graininess is acceptable.
Similar cheeses for substitution:
- Cream cheese – The most common substitute. It’s denser and tangier than mascarpone, but mixing in a splash of heavy cream brings it closer in texture.
- Ricotta – Lighter and more textured than mascarpone. Works in some baked or blended recipes when richness isn’t the priority.
- Crème fraîche – This cultured cream is smooth and spoonable with a hint of zestiness. It performs well in both sweet and savory dishes that call for mascarpone.
- Whipped heavy cream with cream cheese – A quick blend of the two offers a soft, spreadable texture that approximates mascarpone’s feel. Ideal in a pinch.
How to choose a substitute:
- For sweet desserts – Use cream cheese with a bit of cream for richness. Crème fraîche works well if a little tang is welcome.
- For creamy pasta sauces or dips – Ricotta or crème fraîche can hold their own, though the result may be a bit lighter than the original.
- For a fresh, mild stand-in – Strained full-fat Greek yogurt brings creamy texture and slight acidity, good for chilled dishes or dips.
Conclusion
If this deep dive into mascarpone has you feeling cheesy, check out our selection of over 400 handcrafted recipes featuring Wisconsin Cheese. Get inspiration from our Instagram feed or our Facebook page.
Searching high and low for that one Wisconsin Cheese with no luck? You can get all your favorite Wisconsin Cheeses delivered right to your door with our continuously updated list of cheesemakers and retailers that allow you to order cheese online. Award-winning Wisconsin Cheese is just a click away.
FAQs
What does mascarpone taste like?
Mascarpone is mild, creamy, and rich, with a soft sweetness and buttery finish. Compared to other soft cheeses, it has a relatively mild tang.
Is mascarpone the same as cream cheese?
No. While both are soft and spreadable, cream cheese is firmer and has a zestier flavor, while mascarpone is creamier and milder.
Can you cook with mascarpone?
Yes. Mascarpone can be used in both sweet and savory recipes, from tiramisu and cheesecake to pasta sauces and risottos.
How long does mascarpone last in the fridge?
Typically, mascarpone lasts about one week after opening. Always check the sell-by date and keep it sealed and refrigerated.
What are some of the best Wisconsin mascarpones?
Look for mascarpone from BelGioioso Cheese and Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese. Both use fresh Wisconsin milk and have won awards for their luxurious, high-quality mascarpone.
