Boursin cheese is a popular French cheese spread made from a blend of cow’s milk cheese and cream cheese. Despite its soft, creamy texture that resembles some goat cheeses, Boursin is not actually made from goat’s milk. The confusion stems from the fact that goat cheese and Boursin share some similarities in terms of texture, taste, and appearance. However, upon closer inspection of the ingredients and production process, it becomes clear that Boursin is a cow’s milk cheese product.
The History and Origins of Boursin Cheese
Boursin cheese was originally created in 1957 by Francois Boursin in Normandy, France. Francois Boursin came from a long line of dairy farmers and cheesemakers. He wanted to create an innovative new cheese spread that was creamy, rich, and versatile.
To make his new cheese spread, Boursin used a base of smooth, creamy cow’s milk cheese. He blended the cow’s milk cheese with cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and spices. The resulting spread had a mild, tangy flavor and a luxuriously smooth, creamy texture.
Boursin named his new cheese spread after himself and packaged it in a small, round container resembling a crottin of goat cheese. This packaging choice likely added to the confusion surrounding whether Boursin was made from goat or cow milk. Despite the shape of the container and texture of the cheese, the actual cheese ingredients have always been cow’s milk based.
The Main Ingredients in Boursin Cheese
While the exact recipe for Boursin cheese is a closely guarded secret, the basic ingredients are:
- Cow’s milk cheese – The base of Boursin is a smooth, triple-cream cow’s milk cheese like Brie or Camembert.
- Cream cheese – Cream cheese is blended with the cow’s milk cheese to give Boursin its signature creamy texture.
- Garlic – Finely minced garlic adds a subtle background flavor and aroma.
- Herbs – Traditional Boursin is flavored with a blend of parsley, chives, tarragon, and thyme.
- Spices – Black pepper and other spices add seasoning.
- Salt
As you can see from the official list of ingredients, Boursin cheese contains no goat’s milk products. The cow’s milk cheese and cream cheese create the rich texture, while the garlic, herbs and spices impart Boursin’s trademark flavor profile.
The Production Process for Boursin Cheese
From the carefully sourced ingredients to the manufacturing and packaging, each step in making Boursin cheese is engineered to produce the ideal creamy cheese spread:
- Cows milk cheese base – High quality, rich triple-cream cow’s milk cheese from Normandy is used as the starting base.
- Blending – The cow’s milk cheese base is blended together with cream cheese, salt, garlic, herbs, and spices until smooth.
- Aging – The Boursin cheese mixture is aged for at least 4 weeks to allow the flavors to properly meld and develop.
- Packaging – The smooth cheese spread is packaged into small 150g circular containers.
- Shipping – Boursin is exported globally from France while maintaining cold storage.
Goat’s milk is never used at any stage in the traditional production of Boursin cheese. The iconic cheese pots are filled exclusively with a blend of cow’s milk cheese and cream cheese.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients Labels
Looking at the nutrition facts and ingredient list on a package of Boursin cheese will quickly confirm that it is a dairy product made from cow’s milk:
Boursin Nutrition Facts
Ingredients: Pasteurized cow’s milk, cream cheese (milk), garlic, salt, herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon, thyme), black pepper, cheese culture, rennet.
Contains: Milk
The nutrition information and ingredient listing clearly state that pasteurized cow’s milk is the first ingredient used to make Boursin. There is no mention of goat’s milk or goat cheese anywhere on the label.
The Flavor and Texture of Boursin
When tasting Boursin cheese, the signature flavor and texture come from the smooth base of rich triple-cream cow’s milk cheese blended with cream cheese.
The result is a cheese spread that is:
- Creamy and smooth
- Spreadable straight from the refrigerator
- Rich, indulgent, and creamy without being too heavy
- Well balanced blend of garlic, herbs and spices
- Subtle tang from cheese cultures
While these attributes resemble some types of fresh goat cheese, the actual flavor and mouthfeel of Boursin aligns more closely with cheese products made from cow’s milk.
How Boursin Compares to Goat Cheese
Although Boursin may seem similar to goat cheese, side by side comparisons reveal some notable differences:
| Boursin | Goat Cheese |
|---|---|
| Made from cow’s milk | Made from goat’s milk |
| Smooth, creamy texture | Can vary from crumbly to creamy |
| Mild flavor | Tangy, pronounced flavor |
| Herb and garlic notes | Grassy, earthy notes |
| Includes cream cheese | No cream cheese |
| Higher in fat | Lower in fat than cow cheeses |
While both cheeses are soft, spreadable, and tangy, the differences in flavor, texture, and nutrition profile help distinguish the two.
Common Uses for Boursin Cheese
The smooth, creamy texture and subtle garlic-herb flavor of Boursin cheese makes it extremely versatile in cooking and entertaining. Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy Boursin:
As a Spread
Boursin is delicious when spread on crackers, bread, toasted baguette slices, crostini, vegetables, or fresh fruit. Try pairing it with wine for easy appetizers.
In Dips and Spreads
Mix Boursin with mayo or Greek yogurt to make a quick veggie or chip dip. Or blend it into creamy dips like hummus, spinach artichoke dip, or crab dip.
On Sandwiches and Burgers
Elevate sandwiches by adding a spread of Boursin. It’s great on both cold and hot sandwiches.
Swirled into Soups
Stir in a few teaspoons of Boursin just before serving to add a rich, creamy finish to soups like potato, tomato, cauliflower, or broccoli.
As a Sauce
Sauce up pasta, gnocchi, seafood, chicken, or steamed veggies with a simple sauce of Boursin thinned with milk or cream.
Baked Dishes
Mix Boursin into stuffings, batters, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese. Drop dollops on top of pizza, tarts, baked potatoes, or casseroles.
Breakfast
Schmear on bagels, English muffins, toast, or baked goods. Fill omelets, frittatas, and hash browns.
Where to Buy Boursin Cheese
True Boursin cheese imported from France can be found in the specialty cheese section at many grocery stores. It is also available online through retailers like:
- Amazon.com
- Igourmet.com
- Murrayscheese.com
- Pastacheese.com
- Zabars.com
- Gourmet Food Store.com
Look for the 150g round containers labeled Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs for authentic flavor. Price will typically range from $5 to $8 depending on the retailer.
There are also some domestic “Boursin style” cheese spreads made by companies like Alouette and Marzetti. But for the real, imported French Boursin made with cow’s milk, opt for the tubs shipped from France.
Boursin Cheese Recipes to Try
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy the one and only creamy, cow’s milk-based Boursin cheese:
Boursin and Prosciutto Flatbread
Spread Boursin on flatbread or naan, top with prosciutto, arugula, and a squeeze of lemon for a quick appetizer.
Steak Salad with Boursin Dressing
Whisk Boursin with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a creamy salad dressing.
Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Boursin Cream Sauce
Simmer gnocchi in a rich, creamy Boursin and white wine sauce with sautéed mushrooms.
Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Beat Boursin into hot mashed potatoes with garlic, chives, cream and butter.
Boursin Cheese Pizza
Spread Boursin sauce on prepared pizza crust. Top with caramelized onions, pears or figs, prosciutto and arugula.
Conclusion
While Boursin cheese may resemble some soft goat cheeses in appearance, the proof is in the pudding – or should we say cheese spread. From the brand’s origin story to the ingredients list, nutrition facts, and flavor profile, it is evident that Boursin is made solely from cow’s milk. This popular French cheese has no goat’s milk roots.
Boursin does share some textural and tangy similarities with fresh goat cheeses. However, the smooth, creamy quality derives from blending rich triple-cream cow’s milk cheese with cream cheese. The flavor balances subtle garlic and herbs without an overly goaty or grassy taste.
When shopping, look for the traditional Boursin packaged in 150g round containers, labeled with Garlic & Fine Herbs. For an authentic European treat, nothing beats the real French Boursin, made with cows’ milk and perfect for spreading on crackers or baked French bread.