Pizza is a food that is enjoyed by all people and has been for decades. Its delicious toppings, crunchy dough, and delightful aroma come from the melting cheese. Pizza has undergone a broad spectrum of taste modifications, from fruit pizzas to traditional pizzas, to cater to the palates of the general public. But “Can you put Mascarpone on pizza?” is another question that you want to ask about a variant of cheese. Let’s delve into the details of mascarpone cheese on pizza.
Table of Contents
What is Mascarpone?
Mascarpone is a creamy and smooth Italian cheese, traditionally made from cow’s milk. It has a high-fat content, similar to cream cheese, but with a richer and slightly sweeter taste. It’s commonly used in desserts like tiramisu, but it can also be used in salty dishes.
Let’s see the difference between cheese and mascarpone…
Differences between mascarpone, cream cheese, and pizza cheese
Mascarpone, cream cheese, and pizza cheese are all made up of dairy input. These are all usually used in baking and cooking. They look similar in texture, but they are different in their characteristics, development process, and usage.
Mascarpone cheese
This is Italian-rooted cheese that is obtained from milk cream mixed with any acidic ingredient like vinegar, lemon juice, etc. It is sweet and tangy in flavor while being enriched with a creamy texture. It is mostly used in tiramisu desserts and can also be used in salty and spicy dishes. It may also used as a bread spread on many occasions. It has a high fat content ratio compared to other cheeses available and it is famous for its high fat content. It typically has a 75 % fat content, making it a beloved choice for many dishes.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is made up of a milk and cream mixture. It has a soft, creamy, and enriched texture with a mild, tangy flavor. It is mostly used in cakes or dips for savory dishes. It can also be used as a bread spread. It also contains fat content but is low as compared to mascarpone cheese. It has almost 35 % fat content.
Pizza Cheese
Pizza cheese, as visible from its name, is a cheese that is specially made for pizza use. It is a mixture of mozzarella, cheddar, and some other types of cheese, like provolone. Pizza cheese is made to fit the purpose of the topping for a gooey, cheesy, and savory look and taste of pizza when it is melted. It has a lower fat content than both the above-mentioned cheese types; mascarpone and cream cheese. It has almost 25 % fat content.
Now that we know about the differences in cheese variety, let’s get back to the main query:
Can You Put Mascarpone on Pizza? Yay, or Nay?
Some pizzerias might argue that adding mascarpone to pizza is disastrous and is a culinary crime. However, for those who love experimentation in cooking and adventures of different taste creations, mascarpone is a game changer. Although it is not a usual choice for a pizza, it can enhance the pizza’s look and taste to a new level of creaminess.
The thing is to note that mascarpone on pizza will give your pizza a wild and creamy touch. It’s not a regular and classic choice, however, it adds a special wilderness and a tasty challenge variety for yourself. So if you want a different experience in the taste of pizza and you love adventures in food, here you go…
How to Add Mascarpone to Pizza?
Depending on the type of pizza, mascarpone may be added in the following ways: You may tell us in the comments if you use it in some other way too…. Happy moments!!
As a Base Sauce
In our list of uses of mascarpone on pizza; we mention the use of this creamy cheese as a substitute for traditional tomato pizza sauce. First, spread a thin layer of this cheese on the dough of the pizza, and then add your favorite toppings( to see the list of toppings available, you may visit one of my blogs https://versatilepizza.com/a-z-pizza-toppings-of-100-words/). After baking, you will get a creamy, rich pizza, with colorful and flavored toppings like prosciutto, arugula, and figs.
As a Drizzle
Another exciting use of mascarpone on your pizza is by using it as a drizzle on pizza toppings. some herbs and spices can also be mixed to create a unique flavor. This method is more suitable for veggie and fruit pizzas.
As a Dollop
Mascarpone can enhance the aesthetics of your pizza when it is used to dollop on top. This method is more suitable when you are traditionally baking your pizza; wood-fired pizzas, where the extensive heat will melt the mascarpone creating a beautiful and creamy texture of pizza.
Best Toppings to Pair with Mascarpone on Pizza
Although this depends on your choice of taste, we can suggest some suitable toppings to pair well with both savory and sweet toppings. Here are some combinations, you may try…
Prosciutto and Arugula:
The saltiness of the prosciutto and the peppery flavor of arugula go perfectly with the subtle sweetness of mascarpone.
Fig and Balsamic
The combination of sweet figs and tangy balsamic works well with the creamy mascarpone.
Mushrooms and Truffle Oil
The earthy flavors of mushrooms and truffle oil are enhanced by the creamy mascarpone.
Caramelized Onions and Bacon
The creamy and slightly sweet mascarpone balances out the smoky and savory flavors of caramelized onions and bacon.
Concluding remarks
Although Mascarpone is used in other bakery dishes it has high fat content. Still, if you want to have a versatile taste in pizza, you can use mascarpone on your pizza to get a creamy cheesy pizza of next-level taste and looks. You may experiment with different toppings suggested or as per your taste choice.