What Is Boursin Cheese?
Boursin cheese is a soft, spreadable French cheese flavored with garlic and fine herbs. It has the richness of cream cheese but a slightly crumbly texture thanks to added butter. The most popular flavor is Garlic & Fine Herbs.
This homemade version recreates that exact flavor profile using pantry spices and fresh dairy.
Use this homemade Boursin cheese in Boursin cheese pasta, Boursin chicken, or Boursin mashed potatoes.
Why This Copycat Version Works
This recipe tastes like store-bought Boursin because it balances three key elements:
- Cream cheese for tang and structure
- Butter for richness and that signature soft crumble
- A balanced blend of dried herbs for savory depth
The butter is what makes this different from whipped cream cheese. It gives Boursin its slightly crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture instead of a fluffy frosting texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Dried parsley
- Dried basil
- Dried dill
- Marjoram
- Dried thyme
This batch makes about 1 1/2 cups of cheese, which equals roughly 2 standard store rounds of Boursin.
How to Make Boursin Cheese
Boursin cheese is made by blending softened cream cheese and butter with garlic and herbs until smooth and creamy.
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter for 1 to 2 minutes until just combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix again just until evenly distributed.
Do not overmix. Overmixing creates a whipped texture instead of the classic slightly crumbly finish.
Serve immediately at room temperature or chill until ready to use.
Texture Tips That Make a Difference
Room temperature ingredients matter. Cold butter will not blend smoothly.
Cut the butter and cream cheese into cubes to speed softening.
Stop mixing once herbs are incorporated. The texture should be creamy but not airy.
If chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
These tips make it the perfect addition to my fall charcuterie board or alongside any of these gluten-free appetizers.
How to Use Boursin Cheese
This is more than just a cracker spread.
Use it as:
- A dip for crackers, crostini, or vegetables
- A base for Boursin cheese pasta
- A filling for stuffed chicken breasts
- A topping for baked salmon
- Stirred into mashed potatoes
- Spread inside sandwiches or wraps
- Added to scrambled eggs
It melts beautifully and instantly creates a creamy sauce.
Storage and Freezing
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can freeze Boursin for 3 to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains intact.
Variations
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter. This was tested with Kite Hill cream cheese and Miyokos butter.
Adjust herbs: Swap herbs to recreate other Boursin flavors.
Add fresh chives for a brighter finish.
FAQs
Yes. The balance of butter and herbs closely mimics Garlic & Fine Herbs Boursin.
Butter gives Boursin its signature richness and slight crumble. Without it, the texture tastes like whipped cream cheese.
Yes. Omit the kosher salt if using salted butter.
Yes. It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.
Yes. Both store-bought and this homemade version are naturally gluten-free.
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
Recipes Using Boursin
Boursin Cheese
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Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon EACH: dried basil, dried dill, marjoram, dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese and butter to a large bowl with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes, until combined and slightly fluffy.1 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and all of the spices. Blend again for 1 minute until they’re evenly distributed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon EACH: dried basil, dried dill, marjoram, dried thyme, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Transfer the boursin cheese to a serving bowl and serve right away at room temperature with crackers, chips, or veggies. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Allow the dip to warm slightly before serving to soften or use it immediately in your favorite recipes like boursin chicken or boursin cheese pasta.
Notes
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Dip Recipes
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Can it be frozen?
Hi there! Boursin keeps well in the freezer for between 3 and 6 months and should be defrosted in the fridge overnight. Just know that the texture may become slightly softer after freezing. The flavor will not be affected, though.
Thank you so much
This recipe is super delicious
With Doritos ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Made three batches lol friends
Got it first
This cheese and the chicken
Easy delicious awesome
Friends were shocked to
See dinner we made your
Perfect recipe me following
Steps 👍👍👍👍👍
You are a awesome blogger
Recipes are fast easy delicious
I’m a cook now
Thanks again for sharing 🥰
Thank you!! This is the best comment! Thanks for taking the time to share.