How to Make Mascarpone (Foolproof)

If you’ve never attempted homemade mascarpone cheese before you’re in for a real treat!  Look no further for a foolproof mascarpone recipe!  Learn how to make mascarpone that’s luxuriously thick, rich and creamy.  It’s super easy, costs less than store-bought, and the results will wow you!

This foolproof homemade mascarpone recipe is so easy to make and costs less than the store-bought stuff!  I used to wince every time I had to pay the exorbitant price associated with a small tub of mascarpone at the store.  Those days of wincing over the price of mascarpone are gone!   Making it yourself is not only super easy and quick but will save you money!

What Is Mascarpone?  

Mascarpone cheese is a double or triple cream cheese that is made by heating cream over gentle, steady heat and then adding acid to thicken it.  The mixture is then left to drain in cheesecloth for a few hours where the whey will separate from the solids resulting in a thick, spreadable cream cheese.

Mascarpone originated in the Lombardy region of northern Italy and is believed to date back to the Renaissance.  It’s used in both sweet and savory dishes.  It’s best known for its use in making Italy’s famous dessert, tiramisu.

Mascarpone vs. Cream Cheese 

The taste, texture and fat content are different.  Mascarpone has at least double the fat as American cream cheese (e.g., Philadelphia) giving it a much richer, thicker and melt-in-your-mouth texture than standard cream cheese.  While cream cheese has a tangy flavor, mascarpone is much milder and isn’t tangy at all.  Cream cheese is firmer and more “rubbery” in texture while mascarpone is softer and much creamier.  Though you can use the two interchangeably the flavor and texture will be different.  A closer relative to mascarpone is the French crème fraîche or English clotted cream.

How Do You Use Mascarpone?

Mascarpone is as versatile as whipped cream and so the possibilities are endless.  Here are just few delicious ways to use it:

• Tiramisu (we’ll state the most famous application first)
• Mixed with berries and a little honey for a healthy dessert
• To make parfaits or trifles
• To make semifreddo
• Spread on toast or bagels with a drizzle of honey
• As a frosting for cake
• As a filling for crepes
• Substitute it for sour cream in cakes and muffins
• Mascarpone cream cheese frosting for your carrot cake  (or gluten free carrot cake)
• Serve a dollop of it with roasted fruits or vegetables
• Add it to risotto for an extra creamy texture
• As a substitute for whipped cream
• To make a savory herb dip or a sweet dip for fruits
• Use it as the white sauce for your pizza
• Use it to make your Fettuccine Alfredo
• As the base in your creamy sauces
• Add some to your mashed potatoes
• Add a dollop to your soups and stews
• Combine with Nutella for a frosting or pie filling
• Use it to make cheesecake
• Add some to your vegetable or au gratin potatoes
• Add some to your scrambled eggs
• Add some to your Southern grits to make them extra creamy

How Long Does Mascarpone Keep?

Mascarpone should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep for 3-5 days.  If it develops any mold or a strange odor toss it out.

Can You Freeze Mascarpone?

Mascarpone is not the best candidate for freezing because as with most soft cheeses it has the tendency to separate when thawed.  However once it’s thawed you can try to whip it back into shape again.  If that doesn’t work you can still use the mascarpone for cooking.  You can freeze it in heavy duty freezer bags for about 2 months and then thaw it very slowly in the refrigerator.

What Do I Need To Make Mascarpone?

• Heavy Cream (regular or “whipping” heavy cream)
• Milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
• Tartaric Acid
• Calcium Chloride
• Thermometer
• Cheesecloth

Tartaric Acid

Traditionally made by adding an acidic substance to thicken the cream (known as “denaturation”).  While you can use lemon juice, vinegar or citric acid, I’ve found that tartaric acid is the most foolproof and yields the best results for a really nice, thick texture.  You can find tartaric acid in any wine or cheesemaking shop.

I purchase my food-grade tartaric acid here on Amazon.

Calcium Chloride

Unless you’re using fresh cream straight from the cow you will need calcium chloride.  This is a necessary ingredient when using pasteurized milk and cream, it is what helps the milk/cream coagulate and thicken.

Thermometer

You will need a thermometer to check the temperature of your cream.  You can use a dairy thermometer or a regular digital thermometer.  I use an instant read thermometer which I already have on hand and use regularly for bread-baking and other things.

Cheesecloth

This is what you will use to drain your thickened cream.  I use and recommend this cheesecloth because it’s 100% unbleached cotton, is high grade, is very durable for multiple uses, and you get a ton of it.  Overall it’s the best value I have found for the quality.

Ready to make some perfect homemade mascarpone cheese?

Let’s get started!

How To Make Mascarpone

Pour the heavy cream and milk into a small saucepan. Thoroughly stir in the calcium chloride mixture making sure it is fully distributed throughout the cream.  Gently heat the cream over medium heat until it reaches 185-190 F, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.  Use a dairy thermometer or an instant read thermometer.

Once the cream reaches 185-190 F adjust the temperature so that the cream remains at 185-195 F and hold it at that steady temperature for 5 minutes.

During the 5 minutes dilute the tartaric acid in 2 tablespoons of water. Stir in the tartaric acid mixture, stirring constantly for about a minute. The cream will curdle and take on a consistency of thin cream of wheat. Let it cool for 5 minutes.

Pour the thickened cream into a colander that’s lined with cheesecloth.  Cover it to prevent anything from falling in it and place it in the fridge or in a cool place to let it drain for about 4 hours (or longer) until the desired consistency is reached.

Transfer the mascarpone to a bowl.  Cover and keep refrigerated.  It will keep for 3-5 days.  (See also section above about freezing mascarpone.)

Enjoy!

Be sure to also try our Homemade Quark!

 

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