Easy Homemade Mascarpone Cheese: 2-Ingredient Italian Cream Spread
Homemade Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian Spread
Unlock the secret to silky mascarpone with this easy, two-ingredient recipe that transforms simple cream into a versatile Italian delight.
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Why You’ll Love This Mascarpone Recipe
Imagine whisking up a lush, velvety cheese in your own kitchen—no food processor needed! Inspired by Chef John’s Italian heritage, this DIY mascarpone is perfect for:
- Flavor-packed cheesecakes
- Hearty appetizers and savory spreads
- Decadent desserts like tiramisu
Ready in under 10 minutes of active work, plus a bit of chilling time, this recipe is a game-changer for any home cook craving authentic Italian flair.
Ingredients for Homemade Mascarpone
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather all ingredients: Ensure your heavy cream is fresh and chilled.
- Pour the cream into a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low until it reaches 185 °F (85 °C). Use a candy thermometer for precision.
- Once at temperature, remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. The cream should thicken slightly.
- Line a fine-mesh strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth. Place it over a bowl to catch the whey.
- Slowly pour the warm cream into the lined strainer. Cover and refrigerate for 8–12 hours, or until the whey drains and a thick cheese remains.
- Transfer the drained mascarpone to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to one week.
Chef John’s Tips & Tricks
- Quality matters: Use the freshest heavy cream you can find for the best texture.
- Chill your strainer and bowl in the freezer ahead of time to speed up the thickening process.
- Flavor hacks: Stir in a pinch of sea salt, lemon zest, or vanilla extract before chilling for a custom twist.
Serving Suggestions
Spread your homemade mascarpone on warm crostini, swirl it into pasta sauces for luxury, or dollop over fresh berries for a simple, elegant dessert. The creamy versatility of mascarpone makes every dish feel special.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Total Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg
- Sodium: 13 mg
Now you have a batch of dreamy mascarpone ready to elevate desserts and snacks alike with authentic Italian charm.
Homemade Mascarpone Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all ingredients: Ensure your heavy cream is fresh and chilled.
- Pour the cream into a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low until it reaches 185 °F (85 °C).
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes, allowing a slight thickening.
- Line a fine-mesh strainer with double-layered cheesecloth and set over a bowl.
- Pour the warm cream into the strainer. Cover and refrigerate for 8–12 hours until thick.
- Transfer mascarpone to an airtight container and store in the fridge up to one week.
