What is Boursin Cheese?
Boursin cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that originated in France. It has a creamy, tangy flavor and contains herbs, garlic, and shallots. Boursin is a brand name, but “Boursin-style” cheese has become a commonly used term for similar soft, herbed spreads.
Some key facts about Boursin cheese:
- Created in 1957 by Francois Boursin in Normandy, France
- Often contains herbs like parsley, chives, basil, thyme, garlic, and shallots
- Has a smooth, creamy texture thanks to its high fat content
- Can be spread on breads, crackers, and vegetables or used in cooking
- Comes in several flavors like garlic & herbs, pepper, and Shallot & chive
With its tangy, herby flavor profile, Boursin is a popular choice for spreading on appetizer crackers, flavoring pastas or soups, and more. It’s readily available in most grocery stores, often near other specialty cheeses. However, some home cooks and foodies wonder if there are ways to recreate that Boursin taste at home using more common ingredients.
Why Substitute for Boursin?
There are a few reasons why someone may want an alternative to traditional Boursin cheese:
- Boursin can be expensive or hard to find.
- Making your own allows you to control the ingredients and flavors.
- You may want a non-dairy or vegan spreadable cheese.
- You have an allergy or dietary restriction.
- You want a lower fat or lower sodium option.
The good news is there are many ways to mimic Boursin cheese at home using items you likely already have in your fridge and pantry. Let’s look at some of the best options.
Substitutes for Boursin Cheese
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese makes an excellent base for homemade Boursin. Plain full-fat cream cheese provides the same smooth, spreadable texture as Boursin. To give it those distinctive herby notes, try mixing in any of the following:
- Dried herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, dill, or thyme
- Minced garlic
- Chopped shallots or onions
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper
Start with an 8-ounce block of room temperature cream cheese and mix in about 2-3 tablespoons of herbs, 1 small minced garlic clove, 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the flavorings to your liking.
For a dairy-free option, use plain vegan cream cheese.
Ricotta Cheese
The soft, creamy texture of part-skim or whole milk ricotta cheese also makes a great Boursin dupe. Stir in any of the herbs, shallots, garlic, pepper, and lemon juice listed above until well combined. Adding a touch of olive oil can also give it a nice richness and sheen. Whole milk Greek yogurt can be used in place of ricotta too.
Goat Cheese
The tanginess of goat cheese pairs beautifully with herbs and garlic. For a simple Boursin substitute, mix together:
- 4 oz soft goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small minced garlic clove
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Adjust herbs and seasonings to taste.
Fromage Blanc
Fromage blanc, sometimes labeled “fromage frais”, is a fresh French cheese with the consistency of thick yogurt or soft cream cheese. It has a tangy, citrusy flavor that works well mixed with herbs and spices.
Simply blend together:
- 8 oz fromage blanc
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, basil, etc.
- 1 small minced garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
Neufchâtel Cheese
Neufchâtel is a soft, spreadable French cheese made from cow’s milk. It’s lower in fat than brie or camembert but has a similar creamy, tangy profile. Mix together:
- 8 oz Neufchâtel cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk or olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 small minced garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegan Cheese
For plant-based alternatives, there are several creative options:
- Tofu: Blend silken or soft tofu with lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Cashew cheese: Blend soaked raw cashews with coconut milk, lemon, herbs and seasonings.
- Vegan cream cheese: Flavor with added herbs, garlic, shallots, salt, and pepper.
Experiment with your favorite vegan cheese recipes and adjust herbs and spices to mimic Boursin.
How To Use Boursin Cheese Substitutes
Boursin cheese substitutes can be used in any recipe that calls for Boursin or Gournay cheeses. Get creative with these ideas:
- Spread on crackers, bread, or bagels for an easy appetizer
- Fill celery sticks or stuff in mushrooms
- Toss with hot pasta, potatoes, or grains
- Use as a sandwich spread
- Mix into dips and spreads
- Top roasted or grilled vegetables
- Swirl into soups for added richness
- Add a dollop to roasted meat, fish, or poultry
Let your homemade Boursin-style cheese shine by pairing it with items like crusty bread, crackers, olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and crunchy vegetables.
Homemade Boursin Cheese Recipes
Here are some easy homemade Boursin-inspired recipes to try:
Garlic and Herb Boursin
8 ounces cream cheese, softened |
1 garlic clove, minced |
2 tablespoons chopped basil |
2 tablespoons chopped parsley |
1⁄2 teaspoon lemon zest |
1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice |
1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano |
Salt and pepper to taste |
- In a bowl, mix together all ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Chive and Garlic Boursin
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese |
1⁄4 cup sour cream |
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives |
2 cloves garlic, minced |
1⁄2 teaspoon lemon zest |
Salt and pepper to taste |
- Beat the cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth.
- Stir in the chives, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to develop.
Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Boursin
1 (8 ounce) container vegan cream cheese |
1⁄4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped |
1 garlic clove, minced |
1⁄4 cup chopped basil leaves |
1 tablespoon olive oil |
1 tablespoon lemon juice |
1⁄4 teaspoon salt |
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper |
- In a food processor, blend together all ingredients until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour before using.
Get creative with your own herb, spice, and flavor combinations to make homemade Boursin cheese substitutes. Adjust consistency as needed by blending in milk, olive oil, yogurt, or non-dairy milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boursin cheese expensive?
Boursin cheese can be pricier than basic cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. A 5.2 ounce package of Boursin typically costs between $4-$6. Name brand Boursin tends to cost more than generic brands. Making your own flavored cream cheese or herb cheese at home can be a more budget-friendly alternative.
How long does homemade Boursin last?
Properly stored, an opened package of store-bought Boursin will last about 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Homemade Boursin substitutes won’t last quite as long since they lack the preservatives of commercially made cheese. Store homemade Boursin in a covered container in the fridge and use within 5-7 days for the best quality.
Can I freeze Boursin cheese?
You can freeze blocks or portions of both commercial and homemade Boursin cheese for longer term storage. Make sure the Boursin is tightly wrapped and sealed before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. The texture may become more crumbly after freezing but the flavor will remain.
What are good crackers to serve with Boursin?
Boursin and softened herb cheeses pair deliciously with crackers. Look for crispy, sturdy crackers like:
- Buttery round crackers
- Water crackers
- Multi-grain crackers
- Flaky biscuits or savory scones
- Baguette slices or crostini
- Pita chips
Avoid greasy or heavily seasoned crackers that might overpower the Boursin flavor. Simple crackers will let the herby cheese shine.
Conclusion
With its tangy creaminess and flavors like garlic, herbs, shallots and pepper, it’s easy to see why Boursin cheese is so popular. Thankfully, Boursin can easily be substituted at home using ingredients like cream cheese, ricotta, or goat cheese blended with herbs, lemon, and spices. Experiment with different flavor combinations to create your own delicious Boursin-style spreads.