Description
This Herbed Boursin Cheese Spread is creamy, garlicky, and full of fresh herbs. It’s a homemade version of the classic French cheese spread — perfect for crackers, baguette slices, or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches and charcuterie boards.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz mascarpone, softened (or use 2 oz unsalted butter + 2 oz mascarpone)
- 2–3 tbsp very finely minced mixed herbs (try equal parts chives, parsley, dill)
- 1 small garlic clove, microplaned (or ½–1 tsp roasted garlic paste)
- ¼ tsp white pepper (or cracked black pepper to taste)
- ½–¾ tsp fine sea salt, to taste
- ½–1 tsp lemon zest
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream (lightness)
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan (umami)
- Optional: tiny pinch of MSG or ¼ tsp white miso
Instructions
- Cream the base: Add softened cream cheese and mascarpone (or butter + mascarpone) to a bowl. Beat on medium until fluffy, glossy, and unified.
- Season early: Mix in salt, pepper, and lemon zest. A smooth base makes it easier to gauge flavor.
- Fold aromatics: Add microplaned garlic (or roasted garlic paste) and any powdered aromatics. Beat briefly to combine—don’t overwhip.
- Herbs last: Fold in finely minced herbs with a spatula to preserve color and prevent bruising.
- Adjust texture: If it’s a touch dense, fold in a spoon or two of crème fraîche. For more depth, add Parmesan sparingly.
- Taste & refine: Need brightness? Add a whisper more zest. Need savor? A pinch more salt or the tiniest sprinkle of MSG does wonders.
- Chill to set: Transfer to a ramekin, smooth the top, and chill 30–60 minutes. For molded shapes (logs, pucks), chill longer.
- Serve: Let sit at room temp ~10 minutes before serving for peak spreadability.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90kcal
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg