Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Mascarpone Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Mascarpone Cheese
Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mascarpone Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Mascarpone Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Mascarpone Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Mascarpone Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Mascarpone Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Mascarpone Cheese or Munster Cheese better?"
Mascarpone Cheese Overview
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.
Munster Cheese Overview
Munster is a strong-smelling, soft cheese from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. It has a washed rind, which gives it a red-orange color and a distinctive pungent aroma. The flavor is rich and tangy, often enjoyed with cumin seeds and paired with beers or strong wines.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Mascarpone Cheese comes from Italy. Munster Cheese originated from France.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Mascarpone is not a protected cheese. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Mascarpone Cheese has a fat content of 60 to 75 percent. Mascarpone's texture can be described as "soft, spreadable". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy taste. Mascarpone's aroma can be described as "fresh". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Mascarpone Cheese's appearance is colored white . Munster Cheese has a color of orangey-pink to orange-red , comes in flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter and has an aging period of 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mascarpone Cheese's rind is described as rindless . Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Mascarpone is ranked #36 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Mascarpone | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Asti Spumante, Fruit Compote, Kiwi, Mangoes, Prosecco, Raspberry, Strawberries | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Mascarpone and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Mascarpone Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Lombardy | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | Not Specified | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Heated | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | 60 to 75 percent | 45-48% |
| Rind | Rindless | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Soft, spreadable | Semisoft |
| Taste | Buttery to slightly tangy | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Fresh | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | White | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | Not Specified | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | Not Specified | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, spreadable cheese, go for Mascarpone. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Mascarpone has a buttery to slightly tangy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
