The Easiest, Most Delicious Boursin Cheese Spread You’ll Ever Make

I still remember the first time I tasted something resembling this spread. It was at a friend’s summer barbecue, and I almost skipped it, thinking it was just another boring cheese dip. But one bite of the creamy, herby, garlicky goodness on a crisp cracker, and I was hooked! I spent the rest of the evening trying to subtly pry the recipe from the host, who just smiled knowingly. This recipe gets me pretty darn close, and let me tell you, it disappears just as quickly at parties!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 40
• Yield: About 5 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be adapted to dairy-free with substitutions)

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweet butter, softened
• (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon marjoram
• ¼ teaspoon dill
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon basil
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of softened sweet butter and the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Make sure both are at room temperature for the best, creamiest results.

2. Using an electric mixer on medium speed (or a sturdy whisk and a lot of elbow grease), beat the butter and cream cheese together until they are light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

3. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of oregano, ¼ teaspoon of thyme, ¼ teaspoon of marjoram, ¼ teaspoon of dill, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, ¼ teaspoon of basil, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt to the bowl.

4. Mix all of the ingredients together on low speed until well combined. Again, make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure that the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cheese spread.

5. Transfer the Boursin cheese spread to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important! The flavors really develop as they sit together. It’s even better if you can chill it for a few hours, or overnight.

6. Serve with your favorite accompaniments.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Fresh Herbs Power-Up: If you’re using fresh herbs instead of dried, you’ll want to triple the amount called for in the recipe. Fresh herbs have a more subtle flavor than their dried counterparts.
• Parmesan Twist: For a slightly different flavor profile, try adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the mix. Start with about ¼ cup and adjust to your liking.
• Softening Secrets: If you forget to take the butter and cream cheese out of the fridge ahead of time, you can speed up the softening process by cutting them into small cubes and placing them in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water (bain-marie). Be careful not to melt them completely!
• Garlic Intensity: If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, start with one clove instead of two and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Roasting the garlic first will mellow the flavor and add a touch of sweetness.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Boursin cheese spread is incredibly versatile. Serve it with high-quality crackers, crisp toasts, fresh veggies like carrot sticks and cucumber slices, or a crusty bread. It’s also fantastic spread on sandwiches or bagels.

For storage, keep the Boursin cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 1 week. While it’s best enjoyed cold, if you need to soften it slightly for spreading, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	80.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	77 g	96%
Total Fat	8.6 g	13%
Saturated Fat	5.4 g	27%
Cholesterol	24.7 mg	8%
Sodium	41.5 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	0.4 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	0.9 g	1%

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. Look for brands that are specifically designed for baking, as they tend to have a texture that’s closer to the real thing.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Mediterranean Medley: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Seasonal Herbs: Experiment with different herbs depending on the season. In the spring, try chives and parsley. In the fall, rosemary and sage would be delicious.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s better if you do. The flavors meld together and become more pronounced the longer it sits in the refrigerator.

Q: How long will this last in the fridge?
A: This Boursin cheese spread will last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can! Just remember to use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe. Dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor than fresh herbs.

Q: What’s the best way to serve this?
A: Serve with crackers, toast, vegetables, or bread for a delicious and easy appetizer.

Q: Can I bake with this cheese spread?
A: Yes! You can stuff mushrooms and broil them, or bake the spread on top of chicken for a flavorful main course.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! This spread pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon. Happy cooking!