Mascarpone recipe | Gourmet Traveller recipe (2024)

Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for mascarpone.

Jan 21, 2011 12:27am

By Lisa Featherby

  • 5 mins preparation
  • 15 mins cooking plus cooling, chilling, setting
  • Serves 6
  • Mascarpone recipe | Gourmet Traveller recipe (1)

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Mascarpone, the spreadable, whiskable, versatile Italian cream cheese, is simple to make. Unlike hard cheeses, it requires no difficult-to-obtain culture or humidity-controlled storage area, and the process of transforming the simplest of dairy ingredients into something luscious is immensely satisfying.

Traditionally, raw milk is the starting point for making mascarpone. The milk is left to stand overnight at cool room temperature, during which time the cream naturally rises to the surface of the milk and acquires a slight tartness from the bacteria that grow spontaneously in the milk. The resulting cultured cream is then mixed with an equal quantity of whole milk, heated, acidified (usually with tartaric acid), and drained.

A more practical method, given that raw milk isn't available for sale in Australia, is to use natural cream with no thickening agents, as we've done here. The resulting mascarpone doesn't have the flavour of cultured cream, but it nevertheless reflects the characteristics of the cream used, whether it's grassy or more neutral, organic or conventional, from King Island or from the local supermarket.

We recommend using heavy cream, because its fat content (45 per cent) will result in a thick, rich mascarpone. You could use a regular pouring cream with a fat content of 35 per cent, but the result won't be as rich, and you'll need to spend more time draining the whey to achieve the thick consistency you're after.

To acidify, we've used lemon juice. Other recipes call for vinegar or tartaric acid - they all work, although the proportions needed are a little different.

Gently heat the cream to 80C, and then add the lemon juice, enough to coagulate the cream but not so much as to result in sourness. Leave the mixture to stand at room temperature to cool gently and then refrigerate it until the mixture coagulates and resembles large, soft, gel-like curds.

Drain the mixture in a sieve lined with four layers of muslin placed over a bowl. This is a gentle way of separating the thick curds from the watery whey, and results in mascarpone of spoonable consistency. The longer it drains, the thicker the mascarpone will be, but overnight is usually sufficient. By making mascarpone yourself, you can control the texture of the finished product: a lighter version is nice for a tiramisù or a fruit tart filling, while a richer, creamier style is perfect for stirring through a wild mushroom risotto.

As there are no preservatives involved, homemade mascarpone is highly perishable and will turn sour after only a few days, so start your cheese-making three days before you need the mascarpone, and serve it within two days. Not that this is likely to be a problem - it'll be almost impossible to resist the urge to eat it straight away.

Ingredients

  • 600 ml heavy cream (45% fat)
  • 1½ tbsp lemon juice

Method

Main

Notes

Note You'll need to begin this recipe 2 days ahead; it makes 2 cups.

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Mascarpone recipe | Gourmet Traveller recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is mascarpone cream cheese the same as mascarpone? ›

Mascarpone vs.

Mascarpone is categorized as a cream cheese, but it is different than what we know as “cream cheese” in America. 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.

What's the difference between mascarpone and ricotta cheese? ›

The unique processes result in two very different products—mascarpone is a rich, decadent, and super spreadable cheese with a slight tang. Ricotta, on the other hand, has a lumpy, soft texture and mild, milky flavor.

What's the difference between heavy cream and mascarpone? ›

Although this is also how ricotta is made, mascarpone is much smoother and creamier. It's such a good heavy cream substitute because it has a similar fat content — mascarpone contains at least 44% fat (but up to 75%!) and heavy cream contains between 36% and 40% fat.

What is a substitute for mascarpone? ›

Crème Fraîche and sour cream bring unique tastes and handle heat like pros. Then there's ricotta, Mascarpone's flavor buddy, perfect for cheesecakes and spreads. Cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese are also the go-to for rich textures.

Which is healthier, cream cheese or mascarpone? ›

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.

Can you use Philadelphia cream cheese instead of mascarpone? ›

No mascarpone and cream cheese are not the same, they are both dairy-based and do have some similarities but they are made in different ways. They have a similar texture so can very often substitute each other but Philadephia is more savory while mascarpone is milkier in taste.

Is cannoli filling ricotta or mascarpone? ›

A cannoli is typically filled with a sweet filling that's made out of ricotta — according to tradition, at least. However, some people choose to use mascarpone instead because it's thicker, higher in fat and easier to control.

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.

Why is my mascarpone not creamy? ›

If you accidentally over-whip the mascarpone and it turns grainy, you can rescue it by folding in a splash of cream until it smooths out again. You can use it right away or cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or so.

What is mascarpone cheese good for? ›

But the uses for mascarpone extend past the sweet realm: Finish pasta sauces with a dollop of the stuff for extra silkiness, or add it to lasagna for an ultra-creamy, velvety filling. We even have instructions for making your very own mascarpone cheese—it's easier than you might think.

What is mascarpone cheese called in English? ›

What Is Mascarpone? Mascarpone, also known as Italian cream cheese, is a rich, spreadable cow's milk cheese with an especially high percentage of butterfat. Mascarpone is a Renaissance-era invention from the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, and a staple ingredient in Italian desserts like tiramisu.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mascarpone? ›

Full-fat Greek yogurt can be a fantastic substitute for mascarpone cheese in various recipes. Its thick and creamy texture closely resembles that of mascarpone, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their calorie or fat intake.

What brand of mascarpone cheese is best for tiramisu? ›

Best Mascarpone For Tiramisu

Here in Italy there are quite a few brands that produce mascarpone cheese but without a doubt the best and my first choice above all others is Santa Lucia produced by Galbani. I was truly over the moon to find out that you have no excuses here, cause Amazon.com has this very brand.

Why is it called mascarpone cheese? ›

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.

What aisle is mascarpone cheese in? ›

Mascarpone cheese is usually found in the cheeses section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

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.

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