You don't have to be Italian to love Mascarpone cheese! Its smooth and velvety texture are a great addition to many delicious Keto recipes.
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If you've browsed through many of my recipes, by now you will see one of my favorite low carb ingredients is Mascarpone cheese. Because of its mild flavor lending such versality to so many recipes, it has become a staple in my home. After you see this amazing Mascarpone roundup, I think it will become one in yours as well.
For all of those following Keto or a low carb diet, you know the importance of eating healthy fat. This roundup of recipes using Mascarpone cheese, will be right up your alley with some of the best and most delectable Keto desserts, and main course meals.
What is Mascarpone Cheese?
One question that sometimes comes up from people not familiar with Mascarpone cheese is, "Exactly what IS Mascarpone Cheese?"
Mascarpone (pronounced mahs-car-POH-nay) cheese originates from Lombardy region of Northern Italy and is a double or triple cream cheese. It's best known for its incredibly smooth texture and mild flavor used in an Italian dessert, tiramisu, but it can be used in many other ways!
The rich, buttery texture comes from its 75% butterfat. Mascarpone has grown in popularity over the past few years and it's readily available in most all major grocery stores. You’ll often find it in the specialty cheese section.
Is Mascarpone Keto?
Oh you bet it is! In fact, it is super low carb and high in healthy fat making it an exceptional Keto food.
What are the Carbs in Mascarpone?
Are you ready for this? For a ¼ cup serving, there's only 1 net carb in Mascarpone cheese! Talk about a low carb treat! It you want a really simple afternoon snack, add a serving of Mascarpone cheese to some heavy whipping cream sweetened, mix well with Swerve Confectioners to give it a little sweetness and serve with fresh berries.
Is Mascarpone and Cream Cheese the Same Thing? Can I Use Cream Cheese Instead?
Even though the two cheeses look similar there are some differences, including where each originates. Mascarpone originates from Italy and cream cheese comes from America.
But, the biggest difference between the two is the amount of milk fat each contains. Cream cheese has a bit of a acidic flavor where as the higher milk fat content in Mascarpone makes it smoother and sweeter than cream cheese.
If you simply can't find Mascarpone, you can use equal parts of cream cheese. It will work fine but because Mascarpone doesn't have the same texture as cream cheese, you may have to add a tad bit of whipping cream to copy the creaminess of mascarpone. Cream cheese also has a higher carb count so be sure you adjust your macro's if you are keeping track.
How do I Store Mascarpone Cheese?
You'll find that Mascarpone cheese comes in a small tub. It should be kept chilled in the refrigerator. When purchasing it, you'll want to be sure and check the "best used by" date on the container. Once you've opened it, it will need to be used within a week.
Mascarpone cheese is best when it's freshly purchased or "by the used by date." It can be frozen, but for optimum results, I wouldn't recommend it. Once it thaws, the water content can sometimes separate from the cream giving it a different texture.
There are so many great ways to use Mascarpone cheese! Here are some of my favorite:
Sweet Recipes
Lemon Curd Layer Cake
Lemon Curd Cake is made with delicate lemon cake layers then topped with the best lemon frosting to make this one amazing Keto cake.
No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Decadent chocolate tart with a hint of sweet raspberry flavor in a no-bake crust!
Almond Joy Fudge
Thick and rich fudge with shredded coconut and chopped almonds cut into little squares of heaven!
Strawberry Ice Cream
Fresh strawberries give this ice cream a wonderful sweetness that’s completely guilt-free to indulge in!
Lemon Mascarpone Tart
Homemade lemon curd and mascarpone cheese, make this tart smooth, creamy and so decadent!
Strawberry Coconut Cream Mousse
Sweet creamy strawberries and coconut cream, whipped up into a mousse to enjoy in under 5 minutes!
Tiramisu Pancakes
Smooth and creamy mascarpone cream fill the layers between these light and fluffy pancakes, with a dusting of cocoa powder over the top!
Strawberry Cream Tart
Enjoy fresh strawberries whipped up with mascarpone and cream cheese served in a baked gluten-free tart crust, topped with whip cream!
Lemon Cupcakes
The fresh flavor of lemons inside a moist cupcake, topped with a creamy frosting that has... you guessed it, more lemon!!
Fat Bombs Recipes
White Chocolate Macadamia Keto Fat Bombs
These decadent white chocolate Keto fat bombs have buttery macadamia nuts in them. They double as a mini dessert to satisfy your cravings for sweets!
Cookie Dough Fat Bombs
Little cookie dough flavored fat bomb bites to boost your healthy fats and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Strawberry Coconut Fat Bombs
Sweet strawberries and shredded coconut make one tasty Keto Fat Bomb that will also satisfy your cravings for sweets!
Savory Recipes
Best Instant Pot Roast with Gravy
Juicy pot roast smothered in gravy and so tender, it cuts like butter!
Keto Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Keto Chicken Pot Pie has chicken and veggies in a creamy gravy, topped with gluten-free fluffy biscuits. It’s easy, hearty and super comforting!
Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Enjoy this super creamy Low Carb gravy made with mushrooms over chicken, steak or pork.
Easy Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
Mouth watering creamy comfort in a bowl. Keto Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup is full of flavor, easy to make and is ready in under 30 minutes.
Beef Stroganoff Casserole
Beef Stroganoff given a Keto-style makeover! I turn this old classic into a casserole, with the same great flavor and topped with cheesy mashed cauliflower!
Easy Alfredo Sauce
Quick and easy Alfredo sauce that is super creamy and packed with lots of flavor!
Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
Need a quick easy side that is also loaded with healthy fats? This mashed cauliflower is cheesy, creamy and absolutely delicious!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
Tender chicken sautéed in a flavorful creamy pink sauce made in one pan in just 20 minutes. This Low Carb Italian skillet is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Easy Creamed Spinach
Chopped spinach in a creamy cheesy sauce makes a great side dish to go with just about any meal!
Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
Creamy chicken in a marsala wine and mushroom sauce that is packed with flavor!
Loaded Creamy Cauliflower Casserole
All the flavors of a classic loaded baked potato blended with cauliflower and baked with cheddar cheese!
Easy Keto Cheese Sauce
Dress up your favorite Keto vegetables in just 5 minutes with this quick and easy cheese sauce!
Chicken Alfredo Casserole
A casserole of chicken, mushrooms and spinach swimming in creamy Alfredo sauce and baked with gooey cheese on top!
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Classic jalapeño popper dip turned into a hearty soup with shredded chicken and topped with bacon and lots of cheddar cheese!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
A great classic turned into a casserole! Tender juicy chunks of ham, chicken, swiss cheese and cauliflower, all baked in a creamy sauce!
Pork Chops with Bacon Mushroom Gravy
Tender juicy pork chops pan fried in bacon fat, then smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy. Chunks of bacon gives this Keto friendly dinner loads of flavor!
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Chunks of chicken with a creamy Indian sauce, super easy to make in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker!
I hope you have enjoyed this Mascarpone recipe round up. If you make any of the recipes here, please drop a comment and let us know how you liked them.
If you'd like to know more about baking on Keto, this article, Keto Baking Made Easy, is loaded with tips and info that you'll find helpful. You might also check out my Keto Sweet Treats eBook that has 50 amazing Keto dessert recipes, all with color pics, macros and more! I'm offering it at 50% off when you subscribe to my free weekly emails here.
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