Ever wondered how to create that irresistibly creamy, crumbly, and flavor-packed garlic and herb cheese spread you love? This Homemade Boursin Cheese recipe is your answer. In just 10 minutes, with a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this copycat Boursin that rivals, and dare we say, surpasses the store-bought version. It’s the perfect elegant appetizer for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday feasts, without any of the preservatives or high costs.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Boursin Cheese Recipe
If you’re not already convinced, here are a few reasons why this recipe will become your new go-to for effortless entertaining and everyday indulgence.
- Incredibly Easy: With just a food processor or hand mixer and 10 minutes of your time, you can create a gourmet-quality cheese spread. No complicated steps, no cooking required.
- Budget-Friendly: Making your own Boursin is significantly cheaper than buying the pre-packaged version, allowing you to enjoy this creamy delight more often.
- Perfectly Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter, whipped to perfection, creates a light, airy, and ultra-creamy texture that’s simply divine.
- Completely Customizable: You have full control over the flavors. Adjust the garlic, add different herbs, or even throw in some cracked black pepper for a bit of a kick.
What Is Boursin Cheese?
Boursin is a brand of Gournay cheese, a soft, creamy cheese that originated in Normandy, France. It’s known for its fresh, creamy flavor and crumbly texture. The most popular variety, Garlic & Fine Herbs, is what we’re recreating today. While the authentic French version is a specific product, this Homemade Boursin Cheese captures its essence perfectly, using cream cheese as an accessible and delicious base.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few high-quality ingredients to achieve that classic Boursin flavor and texture.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best results. It should be softened to room temperature to ensure it whips up smoothly without any lumps.
- Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and helps create that signature creamy, yet slightly crumbly texture. Ensure it’s also softened.
- Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh parsley, dill, and chives provides the classic Boursin flavor. While fresh is best, I’ll cover using dried herbs in the FAQ section.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that pungent, aromatic kick. Adjust the amount to your personal preference.
- Salt & Pepper: Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Homemade Boursin Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Making this creamy garlic and herb spread is as simple as combining and mixing. Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor or a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter.
- Whip Until Creamy: Process or mix with a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and airy. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Flavorings: Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, dill, chives, salt, and black pepper to the whipped cream cheese mixture.
- Pulse to Combine: Pulse the food processor a few times or mix on low speed just until the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as it can bruise the fresh herbs.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the cheese mixture to a serving bowl. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Tips for the Best Boursin
While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips will guarantee the best possible texture and flavor for your Homemade Boursin Cheese.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This is the most crucial tip! Softened cream cheese and butter are essential for achieving a perfectly smooth and creamy texture without lumps.
- Don’t Overmix the Herbs: Once you add the fresh herbs, mix them in gently and briefly. Overmixing can bruise them, which can alter the flavor and color of your cheese.
- Let the Flavors Meld: The cheese is good right away, but it’s great after chilling. Allowing it to rest in the refrigerator lets the garlic and herb flavors fully infuse into the creamy base.
- Taste and Adjust: Before chilling, give your cheese a taste. You might want to add more salt, a bit more pepper, or an extra clove of garlic to suit your palate.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, feel free to get creative! This cheese is a fantastic canvas for other flavors.
- Spicy Boursin: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Caramelized Onion: Fold in a few tablespoons of finely diced caramelized onions for a sweet and savory twist.
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a delicious Mediterranean flavor.
How to Serve Your Boursin
This versatile cheese spread can be served in countless ways. It’s a true entertainer’s secret weapon!
- As a dip with crackers, crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
- Spread on a bagel or toast for a savory breakfast, maybe alongside this hearty breakfast casserole (coming soon).
- Stuffed into chicken breasts or dolloped onto a baked potato.
- As a flavorful base for a creamy pasta sauce; it would be delicious with some spring pasta.
- As the star of a cheese board, surrounded by meats, fruits, and nuts. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like these French onion meatballs (coming soon).
Storing Homemade Boursin
Store your homemade Boursin in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits. I do not recommend freezing, as it can negatively affect the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use dried herbs in a pinch, but fresh herbs will give you the best, most vibrant flavor. If using dried, use 1/3 the amount called for in the recipe (e.g., 1 teaspoon of dried for every 1 tablespoon of fresh) and let the cheese chill for at least 4 hours to allow the herbs to rehydrate and soften.
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade Boursin cheese will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. The flavors will actually deepen and improve after a day or two!
Authentic Boursin is a brand of Gournay cheese from France. Our homemade Boursin cheese recipe creates a copycat version using a base of full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter, flavored with fresh garlic, parsley, dill, chives, salt, and pepper.
Plain cream cheese is the base ingredient for this recipe. Boursin is a finished product—a soft, creamy cheese that has been whipped and infused with specific flavors, most famously garlic and fine herbs. We elevate simple cream cheese to create a Boursin-style spread.
Boursin is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a dip with crackers, crusty bread, and fresh veggies. You can also spread it on bagels, stuff it into chicken, or dollop it on a baked potato. It is a fantastic addition to any cheese or charcuterie board.
The Best Homemade Boursin Cheese Recipe
Homemade Boursin Cheese (The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor or a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter.
- Process or mix with a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and airy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, dill, chives, salt, and black pepper to the whipped mixture.
- Pulse or mix on low speed just until the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the cheese to a serving bowl. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
Storage: Keep your homemade Boursin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Share Your Creation!
I can’t wait to see how your Homemade Boursin Cheese turns out! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest and tag me! Your feedback helps and inspires other home cooks.
