Boursin cheese is a creamy, spreadable cheese with a rich flavor infused with garlic and herbs. It’s made from cow’s milk and cream and is versatile enough to be used as a spread, dip, or as an ingredient in recipes like pasta sauces, soups, and savory baked dishes.
What Is Boursin Cheese?
Boursin cheese is a soft, spreadable French cheese made from cow’s milk, cream, garlic, and a blend of herbs like parsley and chives. It has a creamy texture and a savory flavor, with distinctive garlicky and herbal notes. It was originally created in Normandy, France, in 1957 by a cheese maker called François Boursin and is now a global product that is sold around the world.
5 Substitutes for Boursin Cheese
If you don’t have Boursin cheese, there are several substitutes that can replicate its flavor and creamy consistency.
1. Cream Cheese with Herbs
Cream cheese mixed with garlic and fresh or dried herbs like parsley, chives, and dill is the easiest and most accessible substitute for Boursin cheese. Start with plain cream cheese, then blend in minced garlic, salt, and your choice of herbs to mimic Boursin’s flavor profile. This substitute has a similar creamy texture and works well in dips, spreads, and sauces.
Recipes: Perfect for pasta sauces, stuffed chicken breasts, or as a cracker spread.
2. Mascarpone with Herbs
Mascarpone cheese is an Italian cream cheese that offers a mild and creamy base similar to Boursin. It’s less tangy than cream cheese, but when blended with garlic and herbs, it can serve as an excellent substitute. Its ultra-smooth texture works particularly well in sauces or as a stuffing.
Recipes: Best for pasta fillings, creamy dips, or baked dishes.
3. Ricotta Cheese with Garlic and Herbs
Ricotta cheese has a mild and soft texture that can be transformed into a Boursin substitute by blending it with garlic, herbs, and a splash of olive oil or cream to smooth it out. While it’s lighter in flavor, this mixture works well in recipes that need a fresh, creamy touch.
Recipes: Suitable for stuffed pasta, dips, or as a spread for toast.
4. Herb and Garlic Cheese Spread
Store-bought herb and garlic cheese spreads, such as Alouette or Rondele, are pre-flavored and are similar to Boursin’s flavor profile and texture. These spreads are widely available and work as a direct substitute for Boursin in any recipe, offering a similar blend of creaminess and herbal notes.
Recipes: Great for cheese platters, bread spreads, or as a topping for baked dishes.
5. Goat Cheese with Herbs
Goat cheese has a slightly tangy and creamy flavor and is a good alternative to Boursin cheese when blended with garlic and herbs. Its flavor profile is milder than expected, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes. To replicate Boursin, soften the goat cheese with a splash of cream and mix in finely minced garlic and fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Recipes: Ideal for spreads, salads, or as a topping for roasted vegetables.