Skip to Content

Upgrade Recipes: 5 BEST Substitutes for Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone cheese is a delicious, rich cheese that originates from Italy.

It’s perfect for use in both sweet and savory dishes and can be used as a spread, dip, or topping.

If you’re looking for a delicious way to add some extra flavor to your food, then mascarpone cheese is a great option.

But what exactly is mascarpone cheese? And what are the best substitutes for it if you can’t find it?

Read on to find out everything you need to know about this delicious cheese.

What is Mascarpone Cheese?

what is mascarpone cheese

Mascarpone cheese is a rich, creamy Italian cheese that is often used in desserts.

It has a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a smooth, velvety texture.

Mascarpone can be used in various ways, including as a spread on toast or bagels, in tiramisu or other Italian desserts, or even simply as a topping on fresh fruit.

When cooking with mascarpone, it is important to remember that it melts easily and should therefore be added to dishes at the end of cooking.

Here are some ideas for how to use mascarpone cheese in your cooking:

  • Spread it on toast or bagels for a quick and easy snack.
  • Stir it into oatmeal or yogurt for a creamy, delicious breakfast.
  • Use it as a filling for crepes or chocolate-dipped strawberries.
  • Swirl it into soup or pasta sauce for an extra rich and creamy flavor.
  • Make your own homemade ice cream by stirring mascarpone into plain yogurt and freezing it.

When shopping for mascarpone, look for a brand that is made with all-natural ingredients and has a smooth, creamy texture.

The flavor of mascarpone can vary depending on the brand, so feel free to experiment until you find one that you like.

Mascarpone is best used within a few days of opening, so be sure to use it up quickly once you’ve opened it.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Mascarpone Cheese

If you’re in a pinch and need a mascarpone cheese substitute, don’t worry.

There are plenty of options available.

1 – Crème Fraiche

crme fraiche

Crème Fraiche is a thick, creamy French dairy product with a slightly tangy flavor.

It is made from heavy cream that has been fermented with bacteria.

This fermentation process gives crème Fraiche its characteristic thickness and slightly sour taste.

Crème Fraiche is a versatile ingredient that can add richness and flavor to many different dishes.

Crème Fraiche can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

It is often used as a topping for fruit or as a component in dips and sauces.

Crème Fraiche can also be used in place of mascarpone cheese in many recipes.

When substituting crème Fraiche for mascarpone, it is important to thin it out with a little milk or cream to maintain the same consistency.

2 – Ricotta Cheese

ricotta cheese

Ricotta cheese is a fresh, white cheese that has a light, sweet flavor and a creamy texture.

It is typically made from cow’s milk but can also be made from goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, or buffalo’s milk.

Ricotta cheese is often used in Italian cooking, and it is a common ingredient in lasagna, ravioli, and cannelloni.

It can also be used as a spread on bread or crackers or as a filling for cakes and pastries.

When cooked, ricotta cheese forms a smooth, creamy sauce that is perfect for coating pasta or vegetables.

It can also be used as a pizza topping or in place of mozzarella cheese in calzones.

Ricotta cheese is also delicious when baked into cookies or pancakes.

To substitute ricotta cheese for mascarpone cheese, simply mix equal parts ricotta and cream together.

This easy-to-make cheese will add a touch of richness to any dish.

3 – Cream Cheese

cream cheese

Cream cheese is a versatile and delicious dairy product that can be used in sweet or savory dishes.

It is made by combining milk and cream and then adding a culture to produce the signature tangy flavor.

Cream cheese can be used in baking, as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, or even as a dip for fruit or vegetables.

It is also a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes.

To cook with cream cheese, simply add it to your recipe as directed.

It can be used in place of mascarpone cheese in most recipes, though it will result in a slightly milder flavor.

When substituting cream cheese for mascarpone, use 1 cup of cream cheese for every 1/2 cup of mascarpone.

This ratio will help maintain your dish’s rich texture and flavor.

Whether you’re using it in sweet or savory recipes, cream cheese is sure to add deliciousness to your meal.

4 – Cottage Cheese

cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is a type of cheese made from curdled milk.

It is usually made from cow’s milk but can also be made from goat’s or sheep’s milk.

The curds are then strained, and the whey is removed, resulting in creamy, high-protein cheese.

Cottage cheese can be eaten on its own or used in various recipes.

It is often used as a spread on toast or crackers or as an ingredient in dips and sauces.

Cottage cheese can also be used in place of mascarpone cheese in many recipes.

When substituting cottage cheese for mascarpone, it is important to drain the whey from the cottage cheese to create a thicker, creamier consistency.

This can be done by pressing the cottage cheese through a fine-mesh strainer with the back of a spoon.

To further improve the texture and flavor of cottage cheese, it can be blended with milk, yogurt, or cream until smooth.

Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs can also be added to taste.

Whether you enjoy it on its own or use it as an ingredient in your favorite recipes, cottage cheese is delicious and versatile food that is sure to please everyone at the table.

5 – Plain Greek Yogurt

plain greek yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt is a type of yogurt that has been strained to remove the whey and other liquids, resulting in a thick, creamy consistency.

Unlike other types of yogurts, plain Greek yogurt is relatively low in sugar and carbs, and it is also a good source of protein.

Additionally, plain Greek yogurt can be used in savory dishes as a substitution for sour cream or mayonnaise.

It can also be used as a base for dips and dressings.

Additionally, plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for mascarpone cheese in many recipes.

When cooking with plain Greek yogurt, it is important to remember that it will thicken as it cooks.

For this reason, it is best to add it towards the end of the cooking process.

Additionally, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a base for smoothies or eaten on its own as a snack.

When shopping for plain Greek yogurt, choose a brand made with whole milk and contains live and active cultures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few great substitutes for mascarpone cheese that can be used in its place.

These substitutes include ricotta cheese, cream cheese, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and creme fraiche.

While each of these substitutes will provide a slightly different taste and texture, they can all be used in recipes that call for mascarpone cheese.

So, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have any mascarpone cheese on hand, be sure to give one of these substitutes a try.

substitutes for mascarpone cheese

The 5 Best Substitutes for Mascarpone Cheese

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Crème Fraiche
  • Ricotta Cheese
  • Cream Cheese
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Plain Greek Yogurt

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
  • Organize all of your ingredients.
  • Follow the substitution ratio to determine how much is required in your recipe.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

About The Author

Sharing is caring!

Recipe Rating