What to do with mascarpone: properties, tips, and delicious recipes

Mascarpone is a soft, gluten-free cheese made from cream , with a particularly delicate flavor . Although it is primarily known as an ingredient in desserts and creams , it can also be used in savory recipes. Its versatility makes it particularly useful in the kitchen , both for appetizers and first courses, as well as for tasty second courses.

It’s impossible to mention mascarpone without mentioning tiramisu , a dessert remarkably simple to make: a delicious cream made from mascarpone and eggs (be sure to beat the egg whites thoroughly! ), followed by biscuits, usually ladyfingers , soaked in coffee and layered in alternating layers with the cream. Some also use other biscuits, such as Pavesini biscuits or sponge cake. The finishing touch : a dusting of cocoa powder on top.

Beyond classic dessert recipes, there are many other dishes you can make with mascarpone. From a creamy sauce for pasta and rice to more complex recipes like side dishes, desserts, and savory pies, mascarpone is the perfect ingredient for those who want to experiment in the kitchen. Just a little creativity is all it takes to feel like a chef!

Using mascarpone in your recipes certainly adds that extra touch, especially for certain occasions . For example, at Christmas it’s traditional to top pandoro with mascarpone cream, while at Easter you can impress your guests with a tiramisu-filled egg. Other ideas? Serve a mascarpone and chocolate cheesecake for Halloween , delicious stuffed fritters for Carnival , or a mascarpone cake (soft, requiring the use of yeast) to decorate with birthday candles.

Mascarpone is an extremely versatile cheese, so its culinary uses are endless. If you don’t want to limit yourself to just desserts, here are some ideas for creating unique dishes that will wow at every course!

When making risotto , mascarpone can be used as a binding agent to give the dish a creamy texture , without the need for butter . At the end of cooking, stir in a knob of mascarpone to give it an unparalleled flavor. You can experiment with mascarpone in many different risottos, and the result is guaranteed: a first course with a delicate flavor and a striking effect .

Pasta can also be served with a mascarpone-based sauce . The cream recipe is simple: beat the eggs in a bowl, then add the Parmesan and pepper . Heat the mascarpone in a double boiler, add it to the mixture, and add nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor. This mascarpone and egg cream sauce has a delicate flavor and a smooth texture that is sure to win everyone over!

The one-dish meal par excellence: we couldn’t help but talk about pizza .

The use of mascarpone as a topping is already well known in various areas of Italy, not as a substitute for mozzarella but as an additional condiment , often accompanied by speck and walnuts .

It can also be used inside the dough to prepare delicious focaccias, for an extremely soft result.

Finally, mascarpone can also be used to make a sauce for meat or fish dishes. The preparation is very simple: just heat the mascarpone over low heat and add spices according to your preferences. If you prefer a firmer consistency, you can also adjust the consistency with a teaspoon of flour .

Sometimes you don’t use all the product in a package, but what can you do with the leftovers? Here are some tips for making delicious desserts and appetizers .

Spread it on crostini for a quick and easy appetizer: they can be savory , with dried tomatoes or salami, or sweet , with mascarpone and strawberries. If you’re looking for a fun and delicious dish that will delight both adults and children, try puff pastry croissants with mascarpone whipped with vanilla and powdered sugar. A quintessential waste-saving recipe is baked potatoes stuffed with mascarpone, chives, bay leaves, and rosemary, perfect for winter dinners. The world of food is constantly evolving, and new recipes are being created every day —all that’s left to do is get cooking!