What’s the story behind Boursin cheese? (2024)

A reader wants to know what Boursin Cheese is and which flavor to buy for her pasta recipe.

Q. I recently saw a recipe that called for boursin cheese. What is that? And since the recipe didn’t specify a flavor, which one should I get?

A. Boursin is a brand name for a creamy spread that’s a little like crumbly cream cheese. It was created in 1963 by a Frenchman named Francois Boursin and it used to only be made in France. These days, it’s made in America by Unilever.

It comes in a number of flavors, including garlic and herb (the most common), pepper, shallot and chive and roasted red pepper. Since your recipe is for a pasta dish, any of the flavors would be fine, particularly the garlic and herb.

You can make a homemade version of Boursin by beating 16 ounces of cream cheese and 8 ounces of butter with 1 to 2 teaspoons of mixed, dried herbs and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. It will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

Kathleen Purvis

What’s the story behind Boursin cheese? (2024)

FAQs

What’s the story behind Boursin cheese? ›

The story of the now famous Boursin Cheese started with one man, François Boursin. In 1957, this young Normandy cheesemaker opened a cheese factory in Croisy-sur-Eure, a small community nestled in northern France. François worked quietly for years trying to perfect his signature cheese.

Why is Boursin Cheese so popular? ›

Boursin is really defined by its add-ins, but the base cheese is milky, sweet, and very light. This makes it a perfect vehicle for all sorts of ingredients, anything from savory herbs to sweet fruits to spicy peppers. And they have really tried a lot of different combinations.

Is Boursin Cheese actual cheese? ›

So, what actually is Boursin cheese? Boursin is the brand name of a soft, creamy-style French cheese (called Gournay) that is flavored with various things. The variety many of us are familiar with is garlic & fine herbs, which costs around $7 for two ounces in my area. And it is delicious — truly.

What does du pain du vin du Boursin mean? ›

In 1972 their iconic advertising slogan: "Du pain, du vin, du Boursin" (English: "Some bread, some wine, some Boursin") was launched. This slogan was later modified to "Du pain, du Boursin, on est bien" ("Some bread, some Boursin, we are good.")

What does Boursin mean in English? ›

Definition of 'Boursin'

a spread of creamy, unripened white French cheese flavored with garlic and herbs, black pepper, etc. noun.

What is a fun fact about Boursin Cheese? ›

Boursin cheese, a true testament to French gastronomy, was born in the picturesque region of Normandy, France, in the 1950s. It was the brainchild of François Boursin, a visionary cheesemaker who crafted the recipe and technique for this creamy and flavorful cheese.

Do the French eat Boursin? ›

Finally, in 1963, François was satisfied with his authentic Gournay cheese and garlic creation, and he introduced it to the world. Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese was served at celebrations and gatherings throughout France, and it quickly became a household name.

What animal cheese is Boursin? ›

Boursin is the brand name a soft, spreadable cow's milk cheese originally from Normandy France.

Why is Boursin called Boursin? ›

Boursin is a brand name for a creamy spread that's a little like crumbly cream cheese. It was created in 1963 by a Frenchman named Francois Boursin and it used to only be made in France. These days, it's made in America by Unilever.

What does Boursin mean in French? ›

(French bursɛ̃ ) noun trademark. a brand of soft white creamy cheese, often flavoured with garlic.

Can you eat Boursin Cheese by itself? ›

You can also enjoy our creamy herb cheese on its own on a cracker, artisan bread, or bagel. Our delicate cheese spread pairs wonderfully with most wines and complements any dinner party or event.

Is Brie and Boursin the same? ›

Brie is a classic soft cheese with a rich, creamy texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Boursin is a French cheese with a similar texture to Brie, but with added herbs and spices for a more complex flavor profile.

Is Boursin a healthy cheese? ›

Finally, Boursin contains very high levels of cholesterol. As such, people who have high cholesterol and are on a restricted diet should avoid this French fresh cheese.

Is Boursin Cheese healthy? ›

Due to its high fat and low carbohydrate contents, Boursin is a great cheese for people following a ketogenic diet. Moreover, Boursin is made with pasteurised cow's milk. This fact, combined with its lack of rind, make Boursin safe to eat during pregnancy.

What is the difference between Brie and Boursin? ›

Brie is made from cow's milk; it has a runny and buttery texture, and the flavor can vary based on what's added to the cheese while making it. Boursin is made from pasteurized cow's milk; while it is both cream and crumbly in texture, it is also spreadable.

What cheese is closest to Boursin? ›

One of the easiest substitutes for Boursin cheese is a mixture of cream cheese and herbs. Simply blend softened cream cheese with your choice of herbs and seasonings such as garlic, chives, and parsley. This combination creates a creamy, spreadable cheese that can be used in the same way as Boursin.

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