Ackawi Cheese vs Mascarpone Cheese

Q: Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Mascarpone Cheese?

No. Ackawi Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese are distinct cheeses from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Ackawi Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Mascarpone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Ackawi Cheese

Mascarpone Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Mascarpone Cheese is soft, spreadable and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Ackawi Cheese?

Ackawi is a soft, brined cheese that originates from the Middle East, including countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is made from pasteurized cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. The cheese has a mild, milky flavor with a noticeable salty taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a gentle yet savory cheese experience. Its aroma is similarly mild and milky, complementing its white color. The texture is soft, making it easy to slice and use in various dishes. Ackawi is often compared to feta but is less crumbly and more elastic. It is used in both savory dishes and desserts, and can be eaten fresh or melted. Alternative spellings include Akkawi, Akawieh, and Akawi.

What Is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone is a creamy, soft Italian cheese made from cream, coagulated by the addition of citric acid or acetic acid. It has a very rich, buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. Mascarpone is a key ingredient in desserts like tiramisu and can also be used in dips, spreads, and sauces.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese?

Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Mascarpone Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Mascarpone Cheese (cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Mascarpone Cheese (Heated)
Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Mascarpone Cheese (Soft, spreadable)
Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Mascarpone Cheese (rindless)
Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Mascarpone Cheese (Buttery to slightly tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ackawi Cheese	Mascarpone Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria	Italy
Specific Origin	—	Lombardy
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Heated
Texture	Soft, brined	Soft, spreadable
Rind	Natural	Rindless
Taste	Mild, milky, salty	Buttery to slightly tangy

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Mascarpone Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Mascarpone Cheese brings buttery to slightly tangy character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Mascarpone Cheese's fresh.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Mascarpone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, spreadable. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Mascarpone Cheese brings buttery to slightly tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Mascarpone Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, brined cheese, go with Ackawi Cheese. For a soft, spreadable profile, Mascarpone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Mascarpone Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery to slightly tangy.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Mascarpone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Mascarpone Cheese comes from Italy. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Mascarpone Cheese uses cow.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Mascarpone Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Mascarpone Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Mascarpone Cheese is buttery to slightly tangy. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Mascarpone Cheese is closer to fresh.

What is Ackawi Cheese made of?

Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.

What is Mascarpone Cheese made of?

Mascarpone Cheese is made from cow milk (heated). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Mascarpone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Mascarpone Cheese is soft, spreadable.