Boursin cheese substitute recipe

Making your own Boursin cheese substitute at home is easier than you might think! This recipe creates a creamy, herbed cheese spread that closely mimics the flavor and texture of the original Boursin cheese.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. 01Soften the cream cheese - Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes
2. 02Prepare the herbs - Wash and chop all herbs finely
3. 03Mince the garlic - Use a garlic press or finely mince with a knife
4. 04Mix the base - Combine cream cheese with olive oil and lemon juice
5. 05Add the herbs - Mix in chives, parsley, and dill
6. 06Add seasonings - Mix in salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder
7. 07Add garlic - Mix in minced garlic
8. 08Let it rest - Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow flavors to meld
9. 09Taste and adjust - Add more salt, herbs, or garlic as needed

Extra garlic version

Additional ingredients

• –2 additional cloves garlic
• –½ tsp garlic powder
• –¼ tsp garlic salt

Instructions

Follow basic recipe but increase garlic amounts for a more intense garlic flavor.

Herb-forward version

Additional ingredients

• –1 tbsp fresh thyme
• –1 tbsp fresh rosemary
• –1 tbsp fresh basil
• –½ tsp dried oregano

Instructions

Add extra herbs to the basic recipe for a more complex herb profile.

Spicy version

Additional ingredients

• –¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• –1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• –¼ tsp paprika

Instructions

Add spices to the basic recipe for a kick of heat.

Lemon-herb version

Additional ingredients

• –Zest of 1 lemon
• –2 tbsp lemon juice
• –1 tbsp fresh thyme
• –1 tbsp fresh basil

Instructions

Increase lemon and add citrus-friendly herbs for a bright, fresh flavor.

Proper cream cheese softening

Room temperature method

• –Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before use
• –Cut into cubes for faster softening
• –Don't microwave as it can change texture

Water bath method

• –Place cream cheese in a bowl
• –Add hot water around the bowl (not in it)
• –Let sit for 10-15 minutes
• –Drain and use

Herb preparation

Fresh herbs

• –Wash and dry thoroughly
• –Remove tough stems
• –Chop finely for even distribution
• –Use immediately for best flavor

Dried herbs

• –Use 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs
• –Crush between fingers before adding
• –Add earlier in the process
• –Let sit longer for flavors to develop

Garlic preparation

Mincing

• –Use a sharp knife
• –Cut into thin slices first
• –Then chop crosswise
• –Continue until finely minced

Garlic press

• –Peel garlic cloves
• –Press through garlic press
• –Scrape off excess
• –Mix immediately

Refrigerator storage

Container

Airtight glass or plastic container

Duration

5-7 days

Temperature

40°F or below

Tips

Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator

Freezer storage

Container

Airtight freezer-safe container

Duration

2-3 months

Thawing

Refrigerator overnight

Texture

May be slightly grainy after thawing

Room temperature

Safe duration

2 hours maximum

For serving

Let sit at room temperature 15-30 minutes before serving

Safety

Discard if left out longer than 2 hours

Too thick

Solutions

• –Add 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
• –Add 1 tbsp olive oil
• –Add 1 tbsp sour cream
• –Mix with a little water

Too thin

Solutions

• –Add more cream cheese
• –Refrigerate to firm up
• –Add 1-2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• –Reduce liquid ingredients

Not creamy enough

Solutions

• –Mix longer with a whisk
• –Use room temperature cream cheese
• –Add 1 tbsp olive oil
• –Use a food processor

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
• –Add garlic powder
• –Add roasted garlic
• –Increase garlic gradually

Too salty

Solutions

• –Add more cream cheese
• –Add 1 tbsp sour cream
• –Add more herbs
• –Mix with unsalted cream cheese

Not herby enough

Solutions

• –Add more fresh herbs
• –Add dried herbs
• –Increase herb amounts gradually
• –Let sit longer for flavors to develop

Pasta dishes

Creamy herbed pasta

• –1 lb pasta
• –1 batch Boursin substitute
• –¼ cup pasta water
• –¼ cup grated Parmesan
• –Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 01Cook pasta according to package directions
2. 02Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
3. 03Return pasta to pot over low heat
4. 04Add Boursin substitute and ¼ cup pasta water
5. 05Toss until creamy, adding more water if needed
6. 06Add Parmesan and season to taste

Appetizers

Herbed cheese spread

• –1 batch Boursin substitute
• –2 tbsp olive oil
• –1 tbsp lemon juice
• –Crackers or bread for serving

Instructions

1. 01Mix Boursin substitute with olive oil and lemon juice
2. 02Serve with crackers or bread
3. 03Garnish with fresh herbs

Stuffed dishes

Stuffed chicken

• –4 chicken breasts
• –1 batch Boursin substitute
• –¼ cup breadcrumbs
• –1 tbsp olive oil
• –Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 01Cut pocket in each chicken breast
2. 02Mix Boursin substitute with breadcrumbs
3. 03Stuff chicken breasts
4. 04Season with salt and pepper
5. 05Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes

This homemade Boursin cheese substitute recipe is easy to make and tastes remarkably similar to the original. The key is using room temperature cream cheese, fresh herbs, and allowing the flavors to meld in the refrigerator. Whether you're using it for pasta, appetizers, or stuffed dishes, this recipe will give you the creamy, herbed flavor you're looking for.