Mascarpone Cheese vs Pimento Cheese

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

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

Pimento Cheese Overview

Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Mascarpone is ranked #49 out of 375 types.

Pimento is ranked #72 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Mascarpone Cheese comes from Italy. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.

Milk Type and Treatment

Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.

Composition and Texture

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

Flavor and Aroma

Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy flavor. Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili flavor. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".

Appearance and Aging

Mascarpone Cheese's appearance is colored white . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Mascarpone Cheese Pimento Cheese
Country of Origin Italy United States
Specific Origin Lombardy Southern United States
Milk Type Cow's milk Cheddar, farmers’ style
Milk Treatment Heated
Fat Content 60 to 75 percent
Texture Soft, spreadable Spreadable
Flavor Buttery to slightly tangy Sweet, rounded chili
Aroma Sweet, rounded chili
Colors White
Forms Grated cheese mixed into a spread

Compare Mascarpone Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses