Mascarpone Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese

Q: Is Mascarpone Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?

No. Mascarpone Cheese and Old Ford Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and England, Great Britain and United Kingdom respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Mascarpone Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Mascarpone Cheese or Old Ford 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.

Mascarpone Cheese is a soft, spreadable cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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 Is Old Ford Cheese?

Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.

What's the Difference Between Mascarpone Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?

Origin: Mascarpone Cheese (Italy), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
Milk type: Mascarpone Cheese (cow's milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
Milk treatment: Mascarpone Cheese (Heated), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Mascarpone Cheese (Soft, spreadable), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
Rind: Mascarpone Cheese (rindless), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
Taste: Mascarpone Cheese (Buttery to slightly tangy), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Mascarpone Cheese	Old Ford Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	England, Great Britain And United Kingdom
Specific Origin	Lombardy	Timsbury, Somerset
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat's milk
Milk Treatment	Heated	Unpasteurized
Texture	Soft, spreadable	Semi-hard, artisan
Rind	Rindless	Natural
Aging	Not aged	—
Taste	Buttery to slightly tangy	Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory

Taste Comparison: Does Mascarpone Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?

Mascarpone Cheese reads as buttery to slightly tangy, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Mascarpone Cheese offers fresh, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.

Can You Substitute Mascarpone Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

Mascarpone Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, spreadable bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Mascarpone Cheese reads as buttery to slightly tangy while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Mascarpone Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

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

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mascarpone Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Mascarpone Cheese originates in Italy, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Mascarpone Cheese is made from cow milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.

Is Mascarpone Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Mascarpone Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

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

Does Mascarpone Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?

Mascarpone Cheese reads as buttery to slightly tangy, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Mascarpone Cheese leans fresh, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.

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.

What is Old Ford Cheese made of?

Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Mascarpone Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mascarpone Cheese is soft, spreadable, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.