Boursin garlic and herb cheese is a popular French cheese spread made from a blend of garlic, herbs, and cream cheese. With its distinctively smooth, creamy texture and tangy, herbal flavor, Boursin adds a flavor punch to crackers, baked potatoes, cooked vegetables, sandwiches, and more. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Boursin so unique and delicious.
The History of Boursin Cheese
Boursin cheese was originally created in 1957 by French dairy company Bel Group. It was named after the chateau of Boursin located in Normandy, France. The brand was acquired in 2007 by multinational food corporation Unilever, which continues to produce a variety of Boursin products today.
Boursin was invented by François Boursin as a way to update traditional French cream cheese spreads. Rather than using just cream cheese, Boursin blended cream cheese with garlic, herbs, and spices for a more complex, robust flavor. It became popular across Europe and North America throughout the 1960s and 1970s as an easy way to add gourmet flair to appetizers and recipes.
Ingredients in Boursin Cheese
Today’s Boursin is still made using a simple, short ingredient list:
- Cream cheese – The base of Boursin is fresh, soft cream cheese which gives it a rich, creamy texture.
- Garlic – Boursin gets its distinctive zing from garlic, which is often the most pronounced flavor.
- Herbs – Traditional Boursin incorporates fines herbes, which is a blend of parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil. The herbs provide fresh, aromatic notes.
- Salt – A touch of salt brings out the flavors and balances the garlic.
- White pepper – White pepper adds a hint of spice without visually speckling the cheese.
By using just a handful of quality ingredients, Boursin achieves its signature creamy, herby taste. Brands sometimes release unique flavors, like cranberry, for the holiday season.
How Boursin Cheese Is Made
Making Boursin is a relatively simple process:
- Cream cheese is whipped to create a light, airy, and smooth texture.
- Garlic and herbs are hand-mixed in to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Salt and white pepper are added to taste.
- The cheese mixture is rolled into balls and packaged.
From beginning to end, traditional production of Boursin takes just a few days. Keeping the ingredient list short and preparation uncomplicated is key to retaining its fresh, creamy appeal.
Nutrition Information for Boursin Cheese
Here is the nutrition information for a 1.5 ounce (42 gram) serving of Boursin garlic and herbs cheese:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 240mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 4g |
As a soft cheese made from cream and milk, Boursin is high in fat and cholesterol. However, it is low in carbohydrates and contains no sugars. The creamy texture comes from its full fat dairy base. Boursin can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet and in moderation.
How to Select and Store Boursin Cheese
When shopping for Boursin cheese, check for the following signs of freshness and quality:
- Soft, smooth texture – Boursin should feel creamy and spreadable, not crumbly or hard.
- Bright, herby aroma – You should be able to smell the scent of garlic, parsley, and other herbs.
- March expiration date – For peak flavor, use Boursin within a month or two of production.
- Proper refrigeration – The cheese should be kept refrigerated at the store.
- No mold – There should be no visible mold or dark spots on the cheese.
Once purchased, store Boursin in the refrigerator. Keep it tightly wrapped as exposure to air can cause it to dry out. Properly stored Boursin will keep for 2-3 weeks past its printed expiration date. Discard if there are any signs of mold or spoilage.
How to Use Boursin Cheese
Boursin really shines when used as a flavor-packed spread. Here are some popular ways to enjoy Boursin cheese:
- On crackers – Spread on crackers for an easy cheese board addition or snack.
- In dips – Mix with mayo or sour cream as a base for creamy dips and spreads.
- On sandwiches – Use as a spread on paninis, croissants, and toasted sandwiches.
- In omelets – Add dollops of Boursin into omelets and frittatas before folding.
- With bread – Slather onto slices of crusty bread for a simple appetizer.
- With vegetables – Smear onto cooked veggies like potatoes, green beans, and asparagus.
- In pasta – Toss with hot pasta for an easy weeknight dinner.
Boursin also works nicely when used:
- As a spread on hamburgers or sandwiches in lieu of ketchup and mustard.
- Swirled into hot soups as a garnish.
- Baked into appetizers like mushrooms caps or puff pastry.
- As a topping on pizza in place of red sauce.
Pair Boursin with crisp crackers, crusty breads, and fresh vegetables. The possibilities are nearly endless!
Boursin Cheese Recipes
Here are some delicious ways to use Boursin cheese:
Boursin and Bacon Potato Bites
These cheesy, bacon-filled appetizers are always a hit! Mix Boursin with mashed potatoes, fill potato skins, and top with crispy bacon.
Boursin Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Stir Boursin into chicken salad for a sandwich filling that’s creamy with a kick of garlic. Serve on croissants or bread.
Boursin Alfredo Sauce
For a rich alfredo sauce, blend Boursin with Parmesan, garlic, cream, and spices. Toss with hot pasta and veggies.
Boursin Cheese Ball
For entertaining, shape Boursin into a ball, coat in fresh herbs and nuts, and serve with crackers for spreading.
Garlic Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Whip Boursin into hot mashed potatoes for a loaded side dish that tastes like luxury. The garlic is divine with a steak.
How Boursin Cheese Is Served Around the World
Boursin is popular worldwide thanks to its versatility. Here are some ways it’s enjoyed globally:
- In France, it’s served with bread and fruit.
- In Britain, it’s used to stuff mushrooms or mix into dips.
- Canadians bake it into tarts or add it to poutine.
- Australians spread it onto burgers or mix it into mashed potatoes.
- Americans include it on cheese trays or make dips for chips and veggies.
- In India, it goes into naan bread or creamy curry sauces.
No matter where you are, Boursin is the perfect addition to an appetizer spread or cheese board. Its popularity has exploded outside of Europe ever since it came onto the global market in the 1960s.
Key Takeaways About Boursin Cheese
Here’s a quick recap of what makes Boursin cheese special:
- It was invented in France in 1957, inspired by traditional cream cheese spreads.
- The main ingredients are cream cheese, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Boursin has a smooth, creamy texture thanks to its soft cheese base.
- It’s high in fat from the dairy, but low in carbs and sugars.
- Boursin is best used as a spread on bread and crackers or mixed into recipes.
- When shopping, look for a fresh, soft texture and bright herbal aromas.
- Refrigerate and consume within 2-3 weeks of purchase for optimal flavor.
- Boursin can be used in both savory dishes and sweets like tarts globally.
Conclusion
With its tangy garlic and herb flavor, Boursin cheese takes basic recipes from ordinary to extraordinary. Slather it onto everything from baked potatoes to sandwiches for an instant flavor upgrade. Made from a handful of simple ingredients, Boursin achieves its signature smooth and creamy texture that spreads like a dream. Keep a package on hand to elevate snacks, appetizers, and meals any time.