Mascarpone Cheese Substitutes: 10 Creamy Alternatives You Should Try

If you’re a fan of Italian desserts, you’ve probably come across mascarpone cheese. This rich and creamy cheese is an essential ingredient in Tiramisu, one of Italy’s most famous desserts.

But what if you don’t have it on hand or can’t find it in your local grocery store? No worries! 

In this post, we’ll explore 10 alternatives to mascarpone cheese that will work just as well in your favorite recipes.

What is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone cheese originated in the Lombardy region of Italy, where it has been produced for centuries. It is believed to have been first made during the late 16th or early 17th century.

Mascarpone is made by adding a coagulating agent, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid, to heavy cream. This causes the cream to thicken and form the rich, creamy texture that mascarpone is known for. Allow the mixture to drain in cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.

Although it’s commonly referred to as cheese, mascarpone is technically a type of thickened cream rather than a true cheese. This is because it doesn’t undergo the same fermentation process as most cheeses.

Mascarpone has a smooth, velvety texture and a rich, slightly sweet flavor. Its high-fat content gives it a luxurious mouthfeel, making it ideal for use in indulgent desserts and creamy sauces.

How to Choose the Best Mascarpone Alternative?

When looking for a substitute for mascarpone cheese, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, the taste and texture should be similar enough to yield comparable results in your recipe. 

You’ll also want to consider the fat content of the substitute and how it compares to mascarpone. Finally, environmental impact is always worth considering when choosing food products.

The Best Substitutes for Mascarpone Cheese

There are many substitutes for mascarpone cheese that will work well in your recipes. Here are our top picks:

1. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is an excellent substitute for mascarpone cheese as it has a similar texture and mild flavor. It’s also readily available at most grocery stores and has a lower fat content than mascarpone (around 33%). To make cream cheese more like mascarpone, mix it with heavy cream until smooth.

2. Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta is another Italian cheese that can be used as a substitute for mascarpone. It has a grainier texture and more tangy flavor than mascarpone, but it’s still creamy and delicious. 

Be sure to strain the ricotta before using it to remove any excess liquid.

3. Neuchâtel Cheese

Neuchâtel cheese is similar to cream cheese but has a slightly lower fat content (around 23%). It has a tangy flavor that makes it a good substitute for mascarpone in savory dishes.

4. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt can be used to replace mascarpone in recipes that call for a tangy, creamy ingredient. It’s lower in fat than mascarpone (around 5%) and high in protein, making it a healthier option. However, it’s not as thick as mascarpone, so you may need to strain it first.

5. Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is a vegan alternative to mascarpone cheese that can be used in desserts and savory dishes alike. It has a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor that won’t overpower your dish. It’s also much lower in fat (around 4%) than mascarpone.

6. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese can work as a substitute for mascarpone if you blend it until smooth and creamy first. It has a slightly grainy texture but is still rich and creamy with a mild flavor.

7. Coconut Cream

Coconut cream is an excellent vegan alternative to mascarpone that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. 

It’s high in fat (around 20%) and has a rich, creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor.

8. Cashew Cream

Cashew cream is another vegan alternative that can be used in place of mascarpone cheese. To make cashew cream, simply blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. It has a neutral flavor and creamy texture that works well in a wide range of dishes.

9. Whipped Cream

Whipped cream can work as a substitute for mascarpone cheese in some recipes, especially if you’re using it as a topping. 

It has a light, fluffy texture and mild flavor but is much lower in fat than mascarpone.

10. Soy Cream Cheese

If you’re looking for a vegan substitute that’s readily available at most grocery stores, try soy cream cheese. It has a texture and flavor similar to cream cheese and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Tasty Recipe with Substitute

Other Notable FAQ on the Topic

Conclusion

There are many alternatives to mascarpone cheese that will work just as well in your favorite recipes. From cream cheese to coconut cream, there’s a substitute out there for every taste and dietary preference. Experiment with different options to find the one that works best for you!