Find the most important etiquette rules on how to serve and eat Mascarpone and tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest at the dining table.

how to serve and eat mascarpone

What Mascarpone etiquette is

Mascarpone etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat Mascarpone. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow Mascarpone etiquette to serve it to your guests appropriately.

If you are a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat and enjoy it.

What you should know about Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a soft Italian cheese. It is made from cow’s milk. 

It is milky white to pale yellow in color. Its texture is soft and creamy. Its taste is sweet with acidic notes.

Etiquette tips to serve and eat Mascarpone

1) How to store Mascarpone

Store Mascarpone in the fridge. It can last for up to 3 or 4 weeks. After opening it, keep it in its original packaging. Or place it in a sealed container. 

In the freezer, Mascarpone can last for up to 3 months. However, freezing affects the taste and texture of the cheese. 

Store dishes with cooked Mascarpone in the fridge. They can last for up to 3 or 5 days. 

2) How to clean Mascarpone

You do not need to wash Mascarpone.

If you notice a foul smell or mold on its surface, Mascarpone has gone bad. You should discard it immediately.

3) How to cook Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a common ingredient for cooking. It is a light, fresh cheese that enhances the texture of many dishes. 

Mascarpone does not melt on its own. To melt it, you need to mix it with a liquid such as water or milk.

You can bake it as an ingredient for savory pies. Or add it to risotto. 

It is a popular ingredient for desserts. Such as Tiramisu or cheesecake.

4) How to serve & present Mascarpone

You can serve Mascarpone for dessert. Accompany it with fruit, jams, cookies, or chocolate sauce or powder. It is uncommon to serve Mascarpone alone.

You can present it on a serving plate with a serving spoon. Otherwise, you can serve it in individual cups.

Serve Mascarpone chilled. You can take it out of the fridge immediately before serving. 

5) Food and wine to pair Mascarpone with

Mascarpone has a delicate, fresh taste and pairs well with many foods.

As an ingredient, it goes well with vegetables, meat, and even some seafood. 

Mascarpone pairs well with most fruits and nuts. With chocolate, coffee, or jams. 

The best wine pairings are with sparkling wines. Fizzy Moscato. Lambrusco. Champagne.

6) How to eat Mascarpone

Eat Mascarpone with a dessert spoon. Do not use forks and knives. Do not eat it with your fingers.

Mascarpone etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the worst Mascarpone etiquette mistakes. 

  • 9/10. Serving spoiled Mascarpone.
  • 7/10. Eating it with your fingers.
  • 3/10. Eating it with a fork and a knife.

Additional information for properly serving Mascarpone

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and to correctly plan a menu.

Mascarpone contains 435 calories per 100 grams. An average single serving is about 50 grams and contains 218 calories.

How to buy the best Mascarpone

A crucial factor in Mascarpone etiquette is to serve the best product possible to your guests.

Season and availability 

Mascarpone is available all year round. 

Choose the best

The most common products in commerce are industrial Mascarpone. However, some cheese shops sell artisan or semi-industrial Mascarpone, which is superior in taste and texture. 

Alternatives to Mascarpone

Common alternative products are Ricotta, cottage cheese, or Indian Paneer.

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