After college, my sisters and I used to love to grab a loaf of crusty french bread and Boursin cheese and enjoy all that garlicky and herb goodness spread over torn-off chunks of bread. It was our go-to food for picnics, concerts, road trips or any time we were getting together.
Boursin cheese recipe
While I love the traditional brand of Boursin cheese, it can be a bit expensive. This homemade version of the cheese spread is a fraction of the cost, and you can tailor make it to your tastes!
This cheese spread is often requested at parties and family gatherings. For my nephews wedding, I made a quadruple batch to serve on the grazing table along with some of my other homemade spreads including olive tapenade and sun-dried tomato spread. It was a huge hit!
What is Boursin Cheese?
Boursin cheese is brand of cheese that is soft, spreadable and often flavored with garlic and herbs. This recipe is for a homemade version of the store bought cheese.
Boursin Cheese Ingredients
This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.
- Cream Cheese - I use regular cream cheese. Make certain the cream cheese is at room temperature.
- Butter - Use regular salted butter softened at room temperature.
- Garlic - Fresh, finely minced garlic.
- Herbs - You'll need dried dill parsley, marjoram, basil, thyme, and black pepper.
- Parmesan Cheese - Freshly grated.
How to make Boursin Cheese
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Set cream cheese and butter out at room temperature until fully softened.
- Place softened cream cheese in a bowl and mix well with a mixer until very smooth.
- Add butter and mix until creamy.
- Fold in garlic, herbs and parmesan cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate or serve right away.
To mold the cheese
You can serve this cheese in a bowl or mold it for a different presentation.
- Use a small dish lined with plastic wrap.
- Fill the bowl with the cheese and then wrap the plastic wrap over the top and chill for 2 hours.
- To remove the cheese, simply unwrap the top, and place the cheese upside down on a plate.
4. Remove the bowl and then remove the plastic wrap.
5. Any imperfections on the cheese can be smoothed out with a knife or the back of a spoon.
Tips for making Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread
- Make certain the cream cheese and butter are very soft. Otherwise, they will not blend into a smooth mixture and you may have lumps.
- Cover and refrigerate if you aren't serving right away.
- This cheese spread is best served slightly softened. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
How to eat Boursin Cheese
- Serve with rustic homemade crackers
- Set on a veggie platter
- Serve on a charcuterie board
- Top a baked potato
- Add a few dollops to hot pasta
How to store Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Spread
Store the cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can you freeze Boursin?
Homemade Boursin can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the cheese in plastic wrap and then place in a freeze-safe container or bag. To use, remove from freezer and allow the cheese spread to thaw in the refrigerator.
Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese FAQs
This homemade Boursin cheese is best if eaten within two weeks.
More delicious appetizers
- Coconut Shrimp
- Cocktail Meatballs
- Mini Taco Cups
- Baked Brie
- Cranberry and Jalapenos
- Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
- Olive Tapenade
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
If you loved this recipe you'll LOVE all the others in this category. Check out all my appetizers here!
Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 4 ounces butter, 1 stick (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and creamy. Add butter and mix until very soft.8 ounces cream cheese, 4 ounces butter, 1 stick
- Fold in minced garlic, Parmesan cheese and dried herbs.2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried dill weed, ½ teaspoon dried marjoram, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- Scoop cheese mixture into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled
- Make certain the cream cheese and butter are very soft. Otherwise, they will not blend into a smooth mixture and you may have lumps.
- Cover and refrigerate if you aren't serving right away.
- This cheese spread is best served slightly softened. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
Katie Crenshaw says
Kathy, this looks absolutely delicious. I love Boursin Cheese. I can't wait to make this. Merry Christmas!
Adina says
I love dips and spreads and I make them all the time. This one sounds great as well, I might give it a try. I wish a Happy Christmas, Kathy!
CakePants says
Oh, this looks fabulous! I had no idea it was so easy to make a spread like this. Can't wait to try it sometime soon!
Kathy says
I hope you enjoy it!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
Cheese is my jam during the holidays and this Boursin Cheese Spread sounds amazing with some crackers.
Kathy says
That's my kind of dinner!
Ashley says
Those little packages are definitely expensive!! Although definitely delicious! haha Love this homemade version! Happy holidays Kathy!!
Kathy says
They are soooo delicious, but so is this homemade version! 🙂 Happy Holidays
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
I love boursin cheese, Kathy. I never thought of making it myself. What a great idea! I like making things myself so I know exactly what I'm eating. Definitely going to try this. Happy Holidays!
Kathy says
Thanks, Geraldine! Happy Holidays to you too! 🙂
Amanda says
Yes, cheese can get so expensive when you buy it for parties. I like this idea much more. It sounds delicious. At get together you can always find me next to the cheese (when I'm not next to the dessert ?)
Kathy says
All you really need for any party is cheese and desserts 🙂
Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says
Boursin cheese always pops up on my Facebook feed.....should I be concerned? I mean, it's the word sin right in there. Hehe. I think it's pretty pricey at the store so I should really try making my own. Thanks for this inspirational idea!
Kathy says
Thanks, Laura! Happy Holidays!
Lauren says
cream cheese AND butter ~ this is why my previous recipe seemed subpar, I wasn't using the AND butter part. #duh, it all makes sense now. I'll definitely be putting this recipe to work over the holiday break 😉
Kathy says
There's just something about butter that makes everything better!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
I just bought 2 of those darned little boursin cheese packages the other day! Luckily, they were on sale but I can literally eat one package in one sitting because I'm so addicted to it so that's not good. Now I can make it at home all the time and eat it 24/7! heeheehee 🙂
Kathy says
Don't worry, there's plenty of time for Boursin cheese....next time you can make your own!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Girl, you are so creative! I love that you made this yourself and I'm all for saving a buck!
Kathy says
I know! And that means more cheese dip for us!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
I have only had bourse cheese a couple of times, which needs to change now. Because I so want to try this cheese spread. Can't wait to try this amazing spread. YUM!
Kathy says
Super yummy! It goes on with so many different types of foods too!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Oh my gaaaawsh!!! I LOVE boursin cheese, but I have never even thought about making it myself!! This is SOOO genius, Kathy! I can't believe how easy it is too! You better bet I will be making this soon!! I can't wait! Pinned! Cheers!
Kathy says
Thanks, Cheyanne! Anything we can make is always better! 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
This is such a delightful spread! I love Boursin cheese too -but you are spot on - it's way too pricey - but this homemade version is not only more budget friendly, but it sounds delicious - my sister loves dips and spreads and I must add this to our Christmas apps! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Kathy says
It would make a perfect gift too!
David @ Spiced says
Oh man, I love Boursin cheese! Our neighbors always have it at their Christmas get-togethers, and I pretty much just set up shop right there next to it. 🙂 I've never thought about making my own though...what a fun idea. Definitely need to try this and soon! 🙂
Kathy says
Now you can have a HUGE bowl full of this delicious cheese! 🙂 Your friends will be impressed!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I love boursin cheese Kathy and I've never thought to make my own. And I always have all the spices you've included right in my pantry! I'll definitely be trying this. I make a chicken dish that's stuffed with boursin and roasted red peppers. It's delish! Next time I make it it will be homemade all the way! Thanks so much for sharing!
Kathy says
You can use fresh herbs, but this time I used all dry herbs since I just don't have any fresh this time of year....delicious either way!
Dawn says
I love this cheese and as a matter of fact have two packages in my fridge right now! I've never had a homemade version, but can't wait to try! Love all herbs in there. And I bet it is so much better than store bought 🙂 I could totally make a meal out of this with some crusty bread or crackers!
Kathy says
I'm with you...I could eat this for dinner with crackers just about every night!
mira says
This spread looks amazing! Love Boursin, so I'm sure I'll love this one, too! Pinned!
Kathy says
It is such a lovely garlicky, herby spread!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
You are so right, it is expensive for such a little amount of cheese! Love that you made your own and I'm sure it tastes better, and fresher, than the original! Beautiful appetizer! Happy Holidays!
Kathy says
Thanks! Happy Holidays to you too!
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
This recipe sounds like I could really save some money (by not buying the expensive little packets of this cheese). The name 'Boursin' sounds like it might be a strong smelly kind of cheese spread, but I see the ingredients would be flavorful but not too strong. Happy holidays to you, Kathy!
Kathy says
Hi Fran, No stinky cheese here....just a mild cream cheese with garlic and herbs! Super delicious.