Definition

Noun A soft, mild, and creamy Italian cheese made from cream, typically used in desserts like tiramisu.

Examples

• The recipe calls for mascarpone to make the filling for the cheesecake.
• For an authentic tiramisu, you must use fresh mascarpone.
• She spread mascarpone on the toast and drizzled it with honey.

Usage Notes

Mascarpone is an uncountable noun. It refers to the cheese substance itself, not individual pieces. It is primarily used in culinary contexts to describe an ingredient. It is not typically used as a general term for other types of cream cheese.

Advanced Usage

• While mascarpone is a cream cheese, the term "cream cheese" in English often refers to a different, firmer product (like Philadelphia brand). Therefore, specifying "Italian mascarpone" adds precision.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe something with a similarly rich, soft, and smooth texture.
  • The fog was a mascarpone-thick blanket over the city.

Variants and Related Words

• Mascarpone cheese: A fuller, more descriptive term with the same meaning.
• Crema di mascarpone: The Italian name, sometimes seen on packaging or in gourmet contexts.

Synonyms

• Italian cream cheese (this is a descriptive synonym, not a brand or different product)

Antonyms

• Hard cheese (e.g., Parmesan, Pecorino)
• Aged cheese
• Sharp cheese (e.g., mature cheddar)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Mascarpone-based: Describing a dish or sauce that uses mascarpone as its primary creamy component.
  • It's a mascarpone-based frosting, so it's very light.

Noun

1. soft mild Italian cream cheese