Boursin garlic and herb cheese substitute

Boursin Garlic and Herb is the most popular variety of Boursin cheese, featuring a good balance of creamy cheese with garlic, chives, parsley, and other herbs. This gourmet spread is beloved for its rich texture and distinctive flavor profile that works in both sweet and savory applications.

1. Homemade garlic and herb cream cheese

Ratio

Same amount

Best for

All uses

Recipe

• –8 oz cream cheese, softened
• –3 cloves minced garlic
• –2 tbsp chopped chives
• –2 tbsp chopped parsley
• –1 tbsp chopped dill
• –½ tsp salt
• –¼ tsp black pepper
• –¼ tsp onion powder
• –1/8 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. 01Let cream cheese soften to room temperature
2. 02Mince garlic and chop herbs finely
3. 03Mix all ingredients together until well combined
4. 04Let sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld
5. 05Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week

2. Goat cheese + garlic + herbs

Ratio

Same amount

Best for

Spreading, salads, pasta

Recipe

• –8 oz soft goat cheese
• –3 cloves minced garlic
• –2 tbsp each chopped chives and parsley
• –1 tbsp chopped dill
• –½ tsp salt
• –¼ tsp black pepper
• –1 tbsp olive oil

Goat cheese provides a tangier flavor than Boursin but similar creamy texture. Works especially well in Mediterranean dishes.

3. Mascarpone + garlic + herbs

Ratio

Same amount

Best for

Pasta, risotto, desserts

Recipe

• –8 oz mascarpone
• –3 cloves minced garlic
• –2 tbsp each chopped chives and parsley
• –1 tbsp chopped dill
• –½ tsp salt
• –¼ tsp black pepper
• –1 tbsp lemon juice

Mascarpone is richer and sweeter than Boursin, creating luxurious texture in cooked dishes.

4. Ricotta + garlic + herbs

Ratio

Same amount

Best for

Pasta, pizza, lighter dishes

Recipe

• –8 oz fresh ricotta
• –3 cloves minced garlic
• –2 tbsp each chopped chives and parsley
• –1 tbsp chopped dill
• –½ tsp salt
• –¼ tsp black pepper
• –1 tbsp olive oil

Fresh ricotta mixed with herbs and garlic works well in cooked dishes and provides lighter texture.

Commercial herbed cream cheese

Brands to look for

• –Philadelphia Herbs & Garlic
• –Kraft Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese
• –Store brand herbed cream cheese varieties

Tips

• –Look for products with garlic and herb combinations
• –Check ingredients for similar herb profiles
• –May need to add extra garlic for stronger flavor

Gourmet cheese spreads

Where to find

• –Specialty cheese shops
• –Gourmet grocery stores
• –Online cheese retailers
• –Farmers markets

What to look for

• –Soft, spreadable texture
• –Garlic and herb flavor profile
• –Similar fat content to Boursin

Australia

Major supermarkets

• –Coles: Look for herbed cream cheese varieties
• –Woolworths: Check specialty cheese section
• –IGA: May carry imported Boursin or alternatives

Specialty stores

• –Cheese shops in major cities
• –Gourmet food stores
• –Online specialty retailers

New Zealand

Major supermarkets

• –Countdown: Check dairy section for herbed cheeses
• –New World: Look in specialty cheese area
• –Pak'nSave: May have limited selection

Specialty options

• –Local cheese makers
• –Gourmet food stores
• –Online retailers

United kingdom

Widely available

• –Most major supermarkets carry Boursin
• –Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons
• –Waitrose and M&S for premium options

Alternatives

• –Herbed cream cheese varieties
• –Gourmet cheese spreads
• –Local artisan cheeses

Appetizers and entertaining

Cheese board

• –Serve with crackers and bread
• –Pair with fruits and nuts
• –Add to charcuterie boards
• –Use in stuffed mushrooms

Dips and spreads

• –Mix with sour cream for dip
• –Add to hummus for extra flavor
• –Create herbed butter
• –Make cheese balls

Cooking applications

Pasta dishes

• –Toss with hot pasta
• –Add to risotto
• –Use in stuffed pasta
• –Create creamy sauces

Main dishes

• –Stuff chicken breasts
• –Add to quiche
• –Use in frittatas
• –Create compound butters

Vegetables

• –Stuff roasted peppers
• –Add to mashed potatoes
• –Use in vegetable bakes
• –Create herbed vegetables

Extra garlic version

Add

2 additional cloves minced garlic

Best for

Garlic lovers, bold flavors

Herb-forward version

Add

Extra herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil

Best for

Herb enthusiasts, Mediterranean dishes

Spicy version

Add

Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper

Best for

Spice lovers, bold flavors

Lemon version

Add

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Best for

Bright, fresh flavors

Homemade substitutes

Refrigerator

5-7 days in airtight container

Freezer

2-3 months (texture may change)

Room temperature

2 hours maximum

Store-bought alternatives

Follow package instructions

Generally

7-10 days after opening

Check expiration dates

Too garlicky

Solutions

• –Add more cream cheese
• –Increase herb amounts
• –Add a pinch of sugar
• –Let sit longer for flavors to balance

Not garlicky enough

Solutions

• –Add more minced garlic
• –Use garlic powder
• –Add roasted garlic
• –Increase garlic gradually

Too thick

Solutions

• –Add milk or cream
• –Add olive oil
• –Add sour cream
• –Mix with a little water

Too thin

Solutions

• –Add more cream cheese
• –Refrigerate to firm up
• –Add grated Parmesan
• –Reduce liquid ingredients

Boursin Garlic and Herb cheese can be easily replicated at home or found in store-bought alternatives. The key is balancing the creamy cheese base with the right amount of garlic and herbs. Whether you're making it from scratch or using a commercial alternative, these substitutes will work beautifully in any recipe that calls for Boursin Garlic and Herb cheese.