Mascarpone Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mascarpone Cheese and Pecorino Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Mascarpone Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?"
• "Is Mascarpone Cheese and Pecorino Cheese the same?"
• "How does Mascarpone Cheese compare to Pecorino Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Mascarpone Cheese compare to Pecorino Cheese?"
• "Is Mascarpone Cheese or Pecorino 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.

Pecorino Cheese Overview

Pecorino is a term for Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk. The most well-known varieties include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, and Pecorino Sardo, each named after their region of origin. These cheeses vary in texture from soft and buttery to hard and granular, and they range in flavor from mild to sharp and salty, often aged to develop deeper flavors.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Mascarpone Cheese comes from Italy. Pecorino Cheese originated from Italy.

Milk Type and Treatment

Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated. Pecorino Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Mascarpone Cheese has a fat content of 60 to 75 percent. Mascarpone's texture can be described as "soft, spreadable". Pecorino's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy taste. Mascarpone's aroma can be described as "fresh".

Appearance and Aging

Mascarpone Cheese's appearance is colored white .

Rind and Rennet Type

Mascarpone Cheese's rind is described as rindless .

Ranking

Mascarpone is ranked #37 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino is ranked #170 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Mascarpone and Pecorino pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft, spreadable cheese, go for Mascarpone. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino might be the better pick.

Compare Mascarpone Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Cheese to Other Cheeses