Aged Cheese vs Mascarpone Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Mascarpone Cheese is soft, spreadable and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Aged Cheese?
Aged cheese is cheese that has gone through ripening, the stage after manufacture when enzymes, bacteria and moulds build its taste, texture and body. Ripening runs from about three weeks to more than two years, and all cheese except fresh cheese gets it.
What Is Mascarpone Cheese?
Mascarpone is a soft Italian dairy product made by coagulating cream with acid and heat, without rennet and without aging. Milky white and easy to spread, it is best known as the base of tiramisu.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Mascarpone Cheese (not aged)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Mascarpone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Lombardy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Heated |
| Texture | — | Soft, spreadable |
| Rind | — | Rindless |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | Not aged |
| Taste | — | Buttery to slightly tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Mascarpone Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Aged Cheese at three weeks to two or more years develops a different profile than Mascarpone Cheese at not aged.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Mascarpone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Mascarpone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aged Cheese the same as Mascarpone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Mascarpone Cheese not aged.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Mascarpone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Mascarpone Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Aged Cheese made of?
Aged Cheese is made from milk. It's typically aged three weeks to two or more years.
What is Mascarpone Cheese made of?
Mascarpone Cheese is made from cow milk (heated), using none rennet. It's typically aged not aged. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Mascarpone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.