Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create the iconic, creamy, and intensely flavorful Boursin cheese right in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe captures the luxurious texture and signature garlic-and-herb taste of the original, but with a freshness that is simply unmatched. Forget the expensive store-bought tubs; in just 10 minutes, you can whip up a gourmet cheese spread that will become the star of any appetizer plate, cheese board, or recipe. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the basic recipe to exciting flavor variations and expert troubleshooting tips.
Table of Contents
What is Boursin Cheese?
Boursin is a brand of creamy, crumbly Gournay cheese, a fresh cheese originating from Normandy, France. It’s renowned for its rich flavor, which is infused with garlic and fine herbs. Unlike aged cheeses, Boursin is meant to be enjoyed fresh, making it a perfect candidate for a simple homemade recipe. Its soft, spreadable texture makes it incredibly versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Boursin Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: This entire recipe comes together in about 10 minutes of active prep time.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own is significantly cheaper per ounce than buying the pre-packaged version.
- Completely Customizable: You control the ingredients. Add more garlic, try different herbs, or create one of the exciting variations below.
- No Artificial Ingredients: Enjoy a pure, delicious cheese spread without any preservatives or stabilizers.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Boursin: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Homemade Boursin | Store-Bought Boursin |
| Cost | Significantly lower per ounce | Premium price |
| Ingredients | Simple, fresh, no preservatives | Contains stabilizers for shelf life |
| Flavor | Fresh, vibrant, and fully customizable | Consistent but less fresh-tasting |
Ingredients
- 8 ounces block cream cheese, fully softened to room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, fully softened to room temperature
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced very fine or pressed through a garlic press
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare your base. Ensure the block of cream cheese and butter are completely softened to room temperature. This is the single most important step for achieving a perfectly smooth, lump-free texture. Cutting them into smaller cubes can help them soften faster.
- Combine and beat. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and finely minced garlic. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it is completely smooth, airy, and well combined. You can also use a sturdy spatula and some elbow grease, but a mixer yields the best results.
- Add the herbs and seasonings. Add the finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, dill, salt, and pepper to the whipped cheese base.
- Fold gently. Using a spatula, gently fold the herbs and seasonings into the cream cheese mixture. Continue to fold just until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the airy texture you created.
- Chill to meld flavors. Transfer the finished cheese spread into a small serving bowl, ramekin, or shape it into a log on plastic wrap. For the best and most developed flavor, cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the garlic and herb flavors to fully meld into the cheese.
- Serve and enjoy. Remove from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Serve chilled with crackers, crusty bread, fresh vegetables, or use it in your favorite recipes.
3 Must-Try Boursin Flavor Variations
Classic Garlic & Herb
This is the main recipe detailed above. It’s the timeless, crowd-pleasing flavor that started it all.
Spicy Jalapeño & Cilantro
- Ingredients: To the base recipe, omit the parsley, chives, and dill. Add 1 finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin.
- Instructions: Follow the main recipe, folding in the jalapeño, cilantro, and cumin at step 4.
Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil
- Ingredients: To the base recipe, omit the chives and dill. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained well) and 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil.
- Instructions: Follow the main recipe, folding in the sun-dried tomatoes and basil at step 4. This variation pairs wonderfully with our Simple Focaccia Bread recipe.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- How to avoid lumpy cheese: The key is truly room temperature ingredients. If your cream cheese or butter is even slightly cool, it won’t whip smoothly. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the cream cheese (out of the foil wrapper) in 10-second bursts until softened but not melted.
- How to fix consistency: If your cheese is too thick, you can beat in a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin (unlikely if using block cream cheese), you can chill it for a longer period.
- How to boost flavor: For a deeper garlic flavor, you can briefly sauté the minced garlic in a teaspoon of olive oil until fragrant before cooling it and adding it to the cheese. Always use fresh herbs for the best taste.
How to Serve Your Homemade Boursin
This versatile cheese is perfect for so many occasions:
- On a Cheese Board: Serve it as the centerpiece of an appetizer platter. For a comprehensive guide, check out our article on [How to Build the Ultimate Cheese Board].
- As a Spread: Slather it on crackers, bagels, crostini, or fresh-cut vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
- In Recipes: Use it to make incredible Boursin cheese recipes with tomatoes and pasta, like in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. It’s also fantastic stuffed in chicken breasts, mixed into mashed potatoes, or spread inside one of these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. For a savory pastry, try it in our Healthy Chicken and Cheese Jalousie.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the homemade Boursin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will continue to deepen over the first couple of days.
- Freezer: While you can freeze Boursin, the texture may become slightly more crumbly upon thawing due to the high fat and water content. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Boursin Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces block cream cheese fully softened to room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter fully softened to room temperature
- 2 large cloves garlic minced very fine or pressed through a garlic press
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare your base. Ensure the block of cream cheese and butter are completely softened to room temperature. This is the single most important step for achieving a perfectly smooth, lump-free texture. Cutting them into smaller cubes can help them soften faster.
- Combine and beat. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and finely minced garlic. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it is completely smooth, airy, and well combined. You can also use a sturdy spatula and some elbow grease, but a mixer yields the best results.
- Add the herbs and seasonings. Add the finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, dill, salt, and pepper to the whipped cheese base.
- Fold gently. Using a spatula, gently fold the herbs and seasonings into the cream cheese mixture. Continue to fold just until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the airy texture you created.
- Chill to meld flavors. Transfer the finished cheese spread into a small serving bowl, ramekin, or shape it into a log on plastic wrap. For the best and most developed flavor, cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the garlic and herb flavors to fully meld into the cheese.
- Serve and enjoy. Remove from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Serve chilled with crackers, crusty bread, fresh vegetables, or use it in your favorite recipes.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories. 125 kcal
- Carbs. 1g
- Cholesterol 35mg
- Fat 12g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 2g
- SaturatedFat 8g
- Sodium 150mg
- Sugar 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boursin cheese made of?
Authentic Boursin is a brand of Gournay cheese, but this homemade version is made with a base of full-fat cream cheese and butter, infused with fresh garlic, herbs, and seasonings.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
You can, but the flavor will be less vibrant. If using dried herbs, use 1/3 of the amount called for (e.g., 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every 1 tablespoon of fresh). Allow the cheese to chill for at least 4 hours to give the dried herbs time to rehydrate and release their flavor.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
For the best flavor and creamiest texture, full-fat block cream cheese is highly recommended. Low-fat or whipped cream cheese will result in a thinner, less rich final product.
How long does homemade Boursin last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade Boursin will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week.
