Spread authentic French flavors on bread, crackers, sandwiches, and more with this quick and easy recipe for an herby, tangy classic!
I got my first taste of Boursin cheese in France. It was during my college semester abroad, while living with a family in a small village at the foot of the French Alps. My French “mom” served it with bread from the local bakery and small glasses of a locally made liqueur whenever friends dropped in to chat. I fell in love at first bite with the tangy, herbaceous, salty flavors. It seemed to melt right into the bread!
This homemade Boursin cheese recipe is my time machine for revisiting that wonderful part of my youth. It delivers exactly the right balance of richness and tang from the blend of butter and cream cheese. The Parmesan brings in deep nutty notes, while the garlic keeps it grounded in a savory foundation. Then the marjoram, thyme, and parsley add a slate of woodsy, citrusy, earthy, and floral notes.
You’ll love how quickly and easily these ingredients transform into an elegant spread. But if you plan to share it, you’ll probably need a double batch. Whenever I serve it for happy hour or a casual get-together, it disappears in minutes!
The man behind the cheese
François Boursin, a young cheesemaker from Normandy, France, created the now-famous Boursin cheese in 1957. He opened a cheese factory in Croisy-sur-Eure and dedicated years to perfecting his signature product. The idea for Boursin cheese sprang from a traditional French party dish called fromage frais, where guests would flavor fresh cheese with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. In response to a newspaper report in 1961 that mistakenly announced the launch of a garlic-flavored cheese, François quickly developed a recipe incorporating garlic and fine herbs—and by 1963, he launched the authentic Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese to great acclaim.
Boursin cheese quickly became a fixture at celebrations and gatherings across France. François revolutionized cheese marketing by being the first to advertise cheese on French television, famously using the slogan Du pain, du vin, du Boursin, which translates to “Some bread, some wine, some Boursin.” Today, Boursin remains a beloved cheese worldwide, known for its creamy texture and herbaceous flavor, all thanks to a man who combined tradition, creativity, and innovation to create a timeless French classic.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers of your homemade Boursin cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze this cheese for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge. It may become softer or separate slightly. Use a spatula, spoon, or hand mixer to gently blend the spread and restore its creamy texture.
Serving suggestions
Serve homemade Boursin cheese alongside anything you can spread it on. A loaf of Boule Bread is quintessentially French. For a saltier, chewier bite that’s ready a bit faster, try this Pretzel Bread. Olive Bread brings in Mediterranean vibes, and Simple Challah Bread takes a slightly sweeter approach. If you’re in a hurry and want individual loaves, these soft Breadsticks are the way to go. Or use it in place of provolone to add zest to a French Dip Sandwich.
Homemade Boursin Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 4 tablespoons butter softened to room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan grated
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Using a spatula or handheld mixer, blend together until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add the garlic powder, Parmesan, marjoram, thyme, and parsley to the bowl. Stir thoroughly until the herbs and cheese are evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix to combine.
- Transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
So easy and gourmet!
Love it.
Thank you for posting
Great to hear, happy you enjoyed it so much!