This creamy Boursin cheese appetizer is quick, rich, and full of herb-and-garlic flavor. It spreads smoothly, smells fresh from the chives and parsley, and feels silky on the tongue. Serve it chilled with crisp crackers or bright sliced vegetables for a simple starter that looks and tastes like you spent more time on it than you did. If you enjoy easy party dishes, pair it with a chilled pasta salad like this tuna pasta salad for a complete spread.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (chill time)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving; makes 8 servings)
- Calories per serving: 175 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.7 g
- Fat: 17.8 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 204 mg
Why Make This Creamy Boursin Cheese Appetizer
This appetizer is fast and impressive. The Boursin brings a savory, herby garlic flavor that pairs with the richness of cream cheese and heavy cream for a silky texture. It smells of fresh herbs and garlic, spreads easily, and holds up well on a party plate. It’s ideal for last-minute guests or as a take-along for potlucks.
How to Make Creamy Boursin Cheese Appetizer
You’ll mix soft cheeses with a touch of cream and fresh herbs, chill to let flavors meld, and serve with crunchy dippers. It’s a no-fuss recipe that rewards a little patience during chilling.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Boursin cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers or sliced vegetables for serving
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine the Boursin cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the heavy cream, minced garlic, chives, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Cooking
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Finishing
Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with crackers or sliced vegetables.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Cheese Appetizer
Serve chilled on a shallow bowl or cheese plate. Offer an assortment of dippers: water crackers, toasted baguette slices, cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips. Garnish with extra chopped chives or a drizzle of olive oil for shine. The creamy texture pairs well with crisp, fresh vegetables to balance richness.
How to Store Creamy Boursin Cheese Appetizer
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep in an airtight container or wrap the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap. Do not freeze; freezing changes the texture and makes the dip grainy. If the dip becomes slightly firm after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes and stir before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Boursin Cheese Appetizer
- Soften the cream cheese fully to avoid lumps; set it out for 30 minutes before mixing or microwave in 5-second bursts.
- Use a hand mixer for ultra-smooth texture, especially if you plan to serve it as a spread.
- Adjust the heavy cream to reach your preferred consistency: use a little less for a firmer spread, or a touch more for a looser dip.
- Taste before adding salt. Boursin can be salty; you may not need any extra.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of lemon zest for brightness if you find the mix too rich.
- For a showpiece, top with chopped herbs, a few whole chives, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
Delicious Variations
- Honey & Pistachio: Drizzle honey and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for sweet crunch.
- Roasted Garlic: Roast a head of garlic, squeeze the cloves into the mix, and omit raw garlic for a mellow, caramelized flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and extra basil for a Mediterranean twist.
- Smoked Salmon: Stir in small pieces of smoked salmon and a squeeze of lemon for a party-worthy spread.
- Lighter Version: Use light cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream for fewer calories (note: texture will be slightly less rich).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the dip up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. The flavors will deepen. Stir before serving and let it sit 10–15 minutes at room temperature for easier spreading.
Q: Can I bake this appetizer?
A: This recipe is meant to be served chilled. If you want a warm baked version, transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until warm and slightly golden. Note that baking will change the texture and mellow the fresh herbs.
Q: What can I use instead of Boursin?
A: Substitute an herbed soft goat cheese or another herb-seasoned spreadable cheese. If using plain cheeses, add extra garlic, chives, and parsley to mimic the Boursin flavor.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Freezing is not recommended. The dairy will separate and become grainy when thawed. It’s best to keep leftovers in the fridge and eat within 3–4 days.
Q: How do I fix a dip that’s too thick or too thin?
A: If too thick, whisk in a little extra heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired texture. If too thin, stir in a small amount of softened cream cheese or chill it longer to firm up.
Q: Is this safe for guests with food allergies?
A: This recipe contains dairy. For nut allergies, avoid nut toppings like pistachios. Always ask guests about specific allergies and label the dish as containing dairy and garlic.
Conclusion
This creamy Boursin cheese appetizer is a quick, flavorful crowd-pleaser that looks elegant with minimal effort. It offers a silky texture, bright herb notes, and a warm garlic aroma that fills the room. Try the honey-and-pistachio topping for a sweet-salty contrast by following this inspiring recipe: Boursin Appetizer with Pistachios and Honey Recipe – Pinch of Yum. Enjoy making it for family or friends — it’s one of those simple recipes that feels special.
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Creamy Boursin Cheese Appetizer
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and rich creamy Boursin cheese appetizer, infused with herb-and-garlic flavor, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Boursin cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers or sliced vegetables for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Boursin cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, minced garlic, chives, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with crackers or sliced vegetables.
Notes
For a showpiece, top with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Sodium: 204mg
- Fat: 17.8g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.7g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
