What category of cheese is mascarpone?

Mascarpone is considered a specialty cheese primarily because of its unique characteristics and uses in culinary applications. It is an Italian cream cheese that is rich, creamy, and has a smooth texture, setting it apart from more common types of cheese like Cheddar or Hard cheeses. Specialty cheeses often include those that are made from specific techniques or ingredients and can have distinctive flavors, which is true for mascarpone as it is well-regarded for its role in dishes like tiramisu and other desserts.

While mascarpone is indeed soft and has a higher moisture content compared to hard cheeses, its classification as a specialty cheese reflects its distinct characteristics that go beyond typical cheese types, emphasizing its unique applications and gourmet status in the kitchen.