Mascarpone Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Mascarpone Cheese comes from Italy. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.

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. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Mascarpone Cheese has a fat content of 60 to 75 percent. Mascarpone's texture can be described as "soft, spreadable". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy taste. Mascarpone's aroma can be described as "fresh". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Mascarpone Cheese's appearance is colored white . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Mascarpone Cheese's rind is described as rindless . Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Mascarpone is ranked #36 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #56 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Mascarpone and Taleggio 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 soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Mascarpone has a buttery to slightly tangy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Mascarpone Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses