Herbed Garlic Cheese Spread from Scratch

Unlock the secret to irresistible creaminess with this sensational homemade Boursin cheese recipe! Forget expensive store-bought versions; this copycat rendition delivers all the herbaceous, garlicky goodness you crave, crafted with just a handful of simple ingredients right in your own kitchen. For years, I’ve meticulously refined this recipe, reverse-engineering the beloved French Gournay cheese to create a homemade spread that’s not only incredibly more affordable but, dare I say, even more delightful than its commercial counterpart. Get ready to impress your guests, elevate your everyday meals, and discover a new culinary obsession that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.

🧀 Why This Homemade Boursin Recipe is a Must-Try

• It’s no secret – my love for Boursin runs deep! This isn’t just a casual fling; I’ve dedicated countless recipes, both here and on our sister site, to showcasing the incredible versatility of this soft, French Gournay cheese. From transforming ordinary mashed potatoes into a gourmet side dish to elevating humble scrambled eggs, or creating a rich creamy Boursin chicken, its impact is undeniable. It even graces our elaborate cheese-focused charcuterie boards. If you’ve ever experienced its unique profile, you understand my passion. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes: wonderfully crumbly yet creamy, intensely savory, and wonderfully rich. The sheer versatility it offers in the kitchen is truly unparalleled, making it a staple for both simple snacks and sophisticated meals.
• This homemade Boursin recipe effortlessly captures all the delicious qualities of the premium store-bought version, providing you with an incredibly easy, do-it-yourself cheese spread. The best part? It comes together in an astonishingly short amount of time – less than 10 minutes – and requires fewer than 10 readily available ingredients. There’s absolutely no cooking involved, making it the perfect no-fuss option for last-minute entertaining or a quick gourmet treat. Just a few pulses in your food processor, and you’re moments away from a velvety, herb-infused delight.
• Another significant advantage of preparing Boursin cheese at home is the substantial cost savings it offers. Homemade Boursin is a fantastically budget-friendly alternative to its retail counterpart. Consider this: in many grocery stores, a small 5-ounce wheel of Boursin can cost upwards of $6.50 (before tax). By investing roughly the same amount of money (or even less!) in basic ingredients like butter and cream cheese, you can yield an impressive 24 ounces of fresh, homemade Boursin. That’s nearly five times the quantity for the same price, making it an undeniable economic win. Why buy small amounts when you can create a bountiful supply of this exquisite cheese spread for a fraction of the cost per ounce? It’s a smart choice for any home cook looking to enjoy gourmet flavors without breaking the bank.

👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Chef’s Tips for Perfect Homemade Boursin

• To achieve the deepest, most harmonious flavors, I highly recommend preparing your homemade Boursin at least a few hours in advance, or even the day before you plan to serve it. Allow it to chill thoroughly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy. This resting period is crucial; as the cheese spread sits, the garlic, herbs, and other ingredients have ample time to meld together, resulting in a significantly richer and more vibrant flavor profile than when it’s freshly made. You can serve it chilled as a firm spread, let it come to room temperature for a softer, more dippable consistency, or easily incorporate it into various savory cooked dishes.
• Our traditional Boursin cheese recipe specifies the use of dried herbes fines, a classic French blend of delicate herbs, often compared to herbes de Provence but with a lighter, more aromatic character. You can typically find a pre-mixed dried herbes fines blend in the spice aisle of well-stocked grocery stores. However, if it’s not readily available, don’t fret! It’s incredibly simple to create your own blend at home. Just combine equal amounts of dried parsley, dried chives, dried tarragon, and dried chervil. Mix these herbs thoroughly to ensure an even distribution, then measure out 2 teaspoons of your custom blend to add to the butter and cream cheese mixture as instructed. This ensures you still capture that authentic Boursin flavor.
• Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your homemade Boursin. Always refrigerate your cheese spread in an airtight container. For best results, choose a container that is roughly the same size as the amount of Boursin you’ve made, minimizing air exposure and helping to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors. When stored correctly, this delightful cheese spread can keep beautifully for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to savor its goodness over time. For a professional and appealing presentation, consider using an ice cream scoop with a release handle to portion the prepared Boursin into your serving bowl or storage container, creating attractive, uniform mounds.
• For the smoothest and creamiest Boursin texture, ensure both your unsalted butter and full-fat cream cheese are at **room temperature** before you begin processing. This allows the ingredients to blend effortlessly and evenly, preventing lumps and creating that signature silky consistency. Cold ingredients will result in a clumpy mixture and can overwork your food processor.

🧄 Unleash Your Creativity: Boursin Flavor Variations

Consider this recipe your foundational guide to homemade Boursin – a delicious gateway to a world of creamy, crumbly possibilities. While the core recipe is a perfect copycat of the classic garlic & fine herbs variety, don’t hesitate to experiment! Feel free to customize the seasonings and add-ins to replicate your favorite Boursin flavors or invent entirely new ones. The base is wonderfully adaptable, inviting endless culinary exploration.

• Caramelized Onion Delight: For a savory and sweet depth, gently fold in finely diced caramelized onions after the Boursin has been processed. Their rich, sweet notes pair beautifully with the tangy cheese.
• Fresh Herb & Shallot Fusion: Substitute the dried garlic and herb blend with a combination of finely minced fresh basil or tarragon, and fresh chives, along with some minced shallots. This provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Zesty Chimichurri Boursin: Take inspiration from our Chimichurri recipe! Add fresh garlic, plenty of chopped cilantro and parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the base for a vibrant, piquant twist.
• Sweet Fig & Balsamic Swirl: For an elegant touch, mix in finely chopped dried figs and a delicate drizzle of good quality balsamic glaze. This variation is particularly wonderful with crusty bread or on a cheeseboard.
• Spiced Cinnamon Sugar Spread: For those with a sweet tooth, venture into dessert territory! Create a spread similar to our popular Churro Dip by using cinnamon and brown sugar instead of savory herbs. This makes a unique and delightful sweet spread.
• Festive Holiday Boursin: During the holiday season, give your Boursin a celebratory makeover. Fold in dried cranberries, a touch of honey for sweetness, and a hint of fresh rosemary for an aromatic flourish. For extra texture and nutty flavor, mix in some toasted pecans.
• Spicy Calabrian Chili: Incorporate finely chopped Calabrian chilies in oil for a subtle heat and a bright, fruity spice that will awaken the palate.
• Lemon Zest & Cracked Pepper: A simple yet elegant variation. Add fresh lemon zest for brightness and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper for a delightful aromatic kick.

🫕 More Cheesy Recipes You’ll Adore

If you’re a cheese enthusiast, you know that Boursin is just the beginning! Explore these other delectable cheesy recipes that are sure to become new favorites:

• Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Lobster Mac and Cheese
• Egg Bites with Cottage Cheese
• Cheesy Roasted Asparagus
• Truffle Mac and Cheese
• Smoked Cream Cheese
• Baked Ziti Pasta
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
• Beer Cheese Dip
• Baked Brie and Steak Cheese Fries
• Easy Cheesy Salsa Chicken
• 4-Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip

Recipe By:
Cheryl Malik

Homemade Boursin Cheese Recipe

Prep
10 minutes minutes

Cook
0 minutes minutes

Total
10 minutes minutes

This recipe uses just five core ingredients to create a totally delicious, rich, and creamy Boursin cheese spread. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining, a quick indulgent snack, or as a versatile ingredient to elevate other recipes. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and luxurious texture with minimal effort!

Cheryl Malik

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8
servings

Equipment

• Food processor

  Essential for achieving the creamy, smooth consistency quickly and efficiently.

• Silicone spatula

  Useful for scraping down the sides of the food processor bowl and transferring the cheese.

• Serving bowl or airtight container

  For presentation or long-term storage.

Ingredients

For the Homemade Boursin

• ▢
  2-3 cloves garlic peeled; adjust to your preferred garlic intensity
• ▢
  2 4-ounce sticks unsalted butter 8 ounces total, softened to room temperature for smooth blending
• ▢
  2 8-ounce blocks full-fat cream cheese 16 ounces total, softened to room temperature for best texture
• ▢
  3 tablespoons grated fresh parmesan for an extra savory depth; see Notes for best results
• ▢
  1 pinch salt plus more to taste; salt enhances all flavors
• ▢
  1 pinch freshly ground black pepper or white pepper for a cleaner look, plus more to taste
• ▢
  2 teaspoons dried fines herbes plus more to taste; see Notes for DIY blend options

Serving Suggestions (All Optional)

• ▢
  crostini or slices of warm, crusty bread for spreading
• ▢
  vegetables celery sticks, carrots, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or roasted broccoli florets for dipping
• ▢
  potato chips or buttery crackers for a salty, crunchy accompaniment

Instructions

• Begin by adding the 2-3 peeled garlic cloves to the bowl of your food processor. Secure the lid firmly and pulse the garlic until it is finely minced. Ensure there are no large chunks remaining, as this will contribute to a smooth cheese spread.
• Next, add the remaining core ingredients to the food processor: the 2 sticks (8 ounces total) of softened unsalted butter, the 2 blocks (16 ounces total) of room-temperature full-fat cream cheese, the 3 tablespoons of grated fresh parmesan, 1 pinch of salt, and 1 pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
• Before adding the dried herbs, rub the 2 teaspoons of dried fines herbes between your fingers. This gentle action helps to release their aromatic oils and enhances their flavor. Sprinkle the activated herbs into the food processor with the other ingredients. Secure the lid and pulse until the entire mixture is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy, with no visible lumps of butter or cream cheese.
• Once all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture has reached a smooth consistency, pause to taste the Boursin. This is your opportunity to customize the flavor. Adjust the seasonings by adding more fines herbes for a stronger herbal note, additional salt to enhance the overall taste, or more pepper for a gentle kick, as desired. Pulse the mixture again briefly after any adjustments to ensure the newly added ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Transfer your freshly made Boursin to a decorative serving bowl and serve immediately with crostini, fresh vegetables, crispy potato chips, or any other dipping vessels of your choice. Alternatively, if preparing in advance or for later use, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to deepen even further, and it can be stored for up to two weeks.

Notes

• Parmesan Quality: For the most authentic flavor and optimal results, we highly recommend grating your own Parmesan cheese from a solid block. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains added starches and anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. These additives can subtly alter the delicate flavor profile of your Boursin and may also affect its melting properties if you plan to use it in cooked applications.
• Dried Fines Herbes Alternatives: Fines herbes is a French herb blend celebrated for its mild, aromatic qualities, distinct from the more robust herbes de Provence. If you struggle to find a pre-mixed blend at your local grocery store, creating your own is simple! Just combine equal parts dried parsley, dried chives, dried tarragon, and dried chervil. Alternatively, for a simpler blend, you can use a combination of dried parsley and chives, or even fresh finely chopped versions of these herbs for a brighter flavor (use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried).
• Adjusting Seasoning to Taste: The recommended amount of 2 teaspoons of dried fines herbes is a starting point. Taste preferences, as well as the potency of different herb blends, can vary. I typically find myself adding a little more than the initial 2 teaspoons for a more pronounced herbal flavor. Always start with the suggested amount, then taste and gradually add more fines herbes, salt, or pepper until it perfectly suits your palate.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure both the butter and cream cheese are at proper room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, uniform texture without any lumps, as cold ingredients will not emulsify correctly.

Approximate Nutrition Information for One Serving

Serving Size:
1serving


Calories:
412cal


Protein:
5g


Fat:
44g


Saturated Fat:
27g


Trans Fat:
1g


Cholesterol:
122mg


Sodium:
258mg


Potassium:
14mg


Total Carbs:
2g


Fiber:
0.1g


Sugar:
0.04g


Net Carbs:
2g


Vitamin A:
733IU


Vitamin C:
0.4mg


Calcium:
75mg


Iron:
1mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Homemade Boursin

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs will provide an even brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using fresh, aim for about 1 tablespoon of finely minced fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried herbs called for in the recipe. A mix of fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil would be ideal.

What’s the best way to serve homemade Boursin?

Boursin is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a spread on warm crusty bread, baguette slices, or crackers. It’s a fantastic dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. You can also use it to enhance cooked dishes: stir it into mashed potatoes, fold it into scrambled eggs, use it as a base for creamy sauces, or even spread it onto sandwiches and wraps for an extra burst of flavor.

How long does homemade Boursin last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade Boursin cheese will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. The flavors will actually deepen and meld beautifully over the first few days, so making it in advance is often a good idea.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or low-fat?

While you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, and low-fat cream cheese, the characteristic rich and creamy texture of Boursin comes from full-fat dairy. Altering these ingredients will likely change the flavor and consistency significantly. For the best copycat results, we recommend sticking to the full-fat dairy as specified.

Why is room temperature butter and cream cheese so important?

Using room temperature butter and cream cheese is crucial for achieving a perfectly smooth and uniform Boursin. Cold ingredients will resist blending, resulting in a lumpy texture and potentially overworking your food processor. Softened ingredients combine effortlessly, creating that signature velvety consistency we’re aiming for.

There you have it – your comprehensive guide to crafting exquisite homemade Boursin cheese. This recipe proves that gourmet flavors don’t have to come with a hefty price tag or a complex preparation process. With its rich, creamy texture and aromatic blend of garlic and fine herbs, this DIY version is poised to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Whether spread on a crisp crostini, swirled into a savory sauce, or simply enjoyed with fresh vegetables, its unparalleled versatility makes it a true culinary gem. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your food processor, and get ready to indulge in the fresh, vibrant taste of Boursin, made with love right in your home. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!