Boursin cheese substitutes
Boursin cheese substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade herbed cream cheese
Same amount as the Boursin cheese
Mix cream cheese with herbs, garlic, and seasonings to replicate Boursin's flavor.
The best substitutes for Boursin cheese are homemade herbed cream cheese, goat cheese with herbs, or a mix of cream cheese, herbs, and garlic.
- The tweak —
- Let cream cheese soften to room temperature. Mix with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Best for —
- crackers
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Boursin cheese |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade herbed cream cheesecrackers | Same amount |
| 2 | Goat cheese with herbscrackers | Same amount |
| 3 | Cream cheese + sour cream + herbsdips | ¾ cup cream cheese + ¼ cup sour cream + herbs and garlic per 1 cup Boursin |
| 4 | Ricotta + herbs + garlicpasta | Same amount |
| 5 | Mascarpone + herbs + garlicpasta | Same amount |
| 6 | Plant-based cream cheese + herbsvegan cooking | Same amount |
Homemade herbed cream cheese
creamy, herby, garlicky
Mix cream cheese with herbs, garlic, and seasonings to replicate Boursin's flavor.
- Best for
- crackers, bread, cooking, dips, spreads, pasta
- Texture
- smooth, spreadable
- Prep
- Let cream cheese soften to room temperature. Mix with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Mix 8 oz cream cheese with 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp each of chives, parsley, and dill, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Goat cheese with herbs
tangy, herby
Soft goat cheese mixed with herbs and garlic for similar tangy, creamy texture.
- Best for
- crackers, salads, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, appetizers
- Texture
- creamy, spreadable
- Prep
- Mix soft goat cheese with minced garlic, chopped herbs, and seasonings. Let flavors meld for 30 minutes.
Goat cheese has more tang than Boursin but similar creamy texture. Mix with herbs and garlic.
Cream cheese + sour cream + herbs
creamy, tangy
Cream cheese and sour cream blend with herbs for similar texture and flavor.
- Best for
- dips, spreads, cooking, pasta sauces, crackers
- Texture
- smooth, spreadable
- Prep
- Mix softened cream cheese with sour cream, then add minced garlic and chopped herbs.
Sour cream adds tang similar to Boursin. Mix with herbs and garlic for full flavor.
Ricotta + herbs + garlic
mild, herby
Fresh ricotta mixed with herbs and garlic for lighter, similar flavor.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, dips, spreads, cooking
- Texture
- grainy, creamy
- Prep
- Mix fresh ricotta with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Let sit for flavors to develop.
Ricotta is lighter than Boursin but works well in cooked dishes. Add herbs and garlic for flavor.
Mascarpone + herbs + garlic
rich, sweet, herby
Rich mascarpone cheese with herbs and garlic for luxurious texture.
- Best for
- pasta, risotto, dips, spreads, sauces
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
- Prep
- Mix mascarpone with minced garlic, chopped herbs, and seasonings. Adjust salt to taste.
Mascarpone is richer and sweeter than Boursin but creates luxurious texture. Add herbs and garlic.
Plant-based cream cheese + herbs
similar to cream cheese
Vegan cream cheese alternative mixed with herbs and garlic.
- Best for
- vegan cooking, dips, spreads, crackers, sandwiches
- Texture
- smooth, spreadable
- Prep
- Mix plant-based cream cheese with minced garlic, chopped herbs, and seasonings. Let flavors meld.
Choose high-quality plant-based cream cheese. Mix with herbs and garlic for similar flavor profile.
Questions
4 questionsWhat is Boursin cheese made of?
Boursin is a soft, spreadable cheese made from cow's milk, typically mixed with herbs like chives, parsley, and dill, plus garlic and seasonings.
Can I make Boursin at home?
Yes, you can make a close approximation by mixing cream cheese with minced garlic, chopped herbs (chives, parsley, dill), and seasonings.
Is Boursin the same as cream cheese?
No, Boursin is a specific brand of herbed cheese spread, while cream cheese is plain. Boursin has herbs and garlic mixed in.
Can I use Boursin in cooking?
Yes, Boursin melts well and is great in pasta sauces, risotto, stuffed meats, and other cooked dishes.
Tips for substituting Boursin cheese
10 tips- Boursin melts beautifully in pasta sauces
- Use in risotto for creamy, herby flavor
- Mix with pasta for quick herbed pasta
- Spread on bread for gourmet sandwiches
- Add to scrambled eggs for luxury breakfast
- Use in stuffed chicken or fish
- Mix with potatoes for herbed mashed potatoes
- Add to quiche or frittata for flavor
- Use in dips and spreads for parties
- Melt over vegetables for elegant side dish