If you’re searching for a dairy-free or vegan alternative to Boursin cheese, there are plenty of delicious options available.
From creamy nut spreads to plant-based cheeses, you can find something that will substitute in any recipe.
We have gathered a list of the 18 best Boursin cheese substitutes so you can enjoy all your favorite dishes without missing out on flavor.
Whether you want something savory and spreadable or cheesy and meltable, these alternatives won’t disappoint!
In short, " What can I use instead of Boursin cheese?" Feta Cheese, Chevre Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, Neufchâtel Cheese, Goat Cream Cheese, Mascarpone Cheese, Cream Cheese Spreads & Blends, Labneh, Cashew Cream Cheese, Almond Ricotta and many more.
What is Boursin cheese, and what does Boursin cheese taste like?
Boursin cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that originated in France. It is made from cow’s milk and has a smooth and spreadable texture.
Boursin cheese is known for its rich and indulgent flavor profile, making it a popular choice for cheese lovers.
The taste of Boursin cheese can be described as creamy, tangy, and slightly herbaceous. It has a mild buttery taste with a subtle hint of garlic and herbs.
The specific blend of herbs and spices can vary depending on the variety of Boursin cheese, but common additions include garlic, chives, parsley, and black pepper.
Boursin cheese has a versatile taste that pairs well with various ingredients and dishes.
The creamy texture and well-balanced flavors of Boursin cheese make it a versatile and delicious addition to any cheese board or culinary creation.
Uses of Boursin cheese
Boursin cheese can add a unique flavor to salads, appetizers and entrees. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for mixing into sauces or spreading on crackers and bread.
Adding Boursin cheese to mashed potatoes gives them a richer flavor and a luxurious texture.
For those who don’t eat dairy products, there are vegan versions of Boursin cheese available that use coconut cream instead of cow’s milk.
The herbal ingredients give Boursin cheese a distinctive taste that can elevate any dish to something special.
Because the flavors are so delicate, it is important to store the cheese properly to prevent it from going bad or losing its distinctive aroma.
Boursin should be stored in an airtight container at 40°F and used within three weeks of opening the package.
Where to buy Boursin cheese?
If you are looking for Boursin cheese where to buy, there are a few other places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of Boursin cheese.
Boursin cheese Substitute
1. Feta Cheese – good Boursin cheese Substitute
Feta cheese is a salty, crumbly cheese that originated in Greece.
It is usually made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a mild, tart flavor and can be used in salads, pasta, pizzas, and other dishes.
Ratio or measurement: When substituting Feta cheese for Boursin cheese, use an even ratio.
2. Chevre Cheese – similar to boursin cheese
Chevre cheese is a type of fresh goat cheese with a mild, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
As with Feta cheese, it can be used in salads, pasta, pizzas and other dishes for a delicious flavor boost.
Ratio or measurement: When substituting Chevre for Boursin cheese, use an equal ratio to keep the same flavor balance in the dish.
3. Try Ricotta Cheese to replace Boursin cheese
Ricotta cheese is a mild Italian whey cheese with a slightly sweet taste and creamy texture when combined with other ingredients such as milk or cream.
This makes ricotta the perfect substitute for Boursin when preparing baked dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells since it will add creaminess without overpowering the dish with flavor.
Ratio or measurement: Substitute ricotta at an even ratio to Boursin when using it in recipes for optimal results.
4. Neufchâtel Cheese – similar like boursin cheese
Neufchâtel is a type of French soft-ripened white cow’s milk cheese that has been traditionally made for centuries in Normandy and Picardy regions of France.
It has a light, firm texture and subtle tangy taste that makes it great for using as an alternative to Boursin in recipes where you want the flavor to remain balanced but still have some depth of flavor when cooked or melted onto dishes like omelets or gratins.
Ratio or measurement: Use an equal ratio when substituting Neufchâtel for Boursin since this will help keep all of the flavors in balance while still providing some added layer of complexity to your dish.
5. Goat Cream Cheese – a great boursin cheese alternative
Goat cream cheese is made from goat’s milk and has a stronger tang than traditional cow’s milk cream cheeses like Philadelphia brand cream cheeses which makes it perfect for adding bold flavor to recipes.
While still being somewhat neutralized by the cooking process when baked into dishes like quiche or strata casseroles without overpowering them with too much strong goat dairy flavors.
Ratio or measurement: Substitute goat cream cheese at an even ratio to Boursin.
It ensures that your recipe maintains its intended flavors as well as provides some added complexity through the subtle notes of rich goat dairy flavors present in this unique product.
6. Mascarpone Cheese – similar like boursin cheese
Mascarpone is a rich Italian double-cream cow’s milk cheese.
It is made from heated cream blended with citric acid or lemon juice resulting in a thick luscious texture with subtly sweet notes, which can use as a substitute for Boursin, depending on what kind of dish you are creating.
For instance, if you are making savory appetizers like crostini, then use mascarpone at half the amount compared to Boursin so that its subtler sweetness doesn’t overpower other seasonings.
Ratio or measurement: While also providing enough richness but if you are looking for something dessert-like, then substitute mascarpone at equal ratios so that its sweetness adds depth without making the dish overly sugary.
7. Cream Cheese Spreads & Blends – similar to Boursin cheese
Cream Cheese spreads often come flavored either naturally (with herbs) or artificially (with food coloring).
Making them ideal substitutes for boursin because they usually already contain herbs and spices, which give them more complex flavor profiles compared to plain cream cheeses.
These include products such as herb ‘n garlic spreadable cream cheeses, onion & chive spreads, sundried tomato blends etc.
Which make great substitutes, especially if you want to add additional flavors to the dish but also keep ratios the same as Boursin.
8. Labneh – a decent Boursin cheese replacement
Labneh is a type of strained yogurt cheese that has been popular in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries.
It is made by straining fresh cow’s milk or goat’s milk yogurt until its consistency resembles thick cream and then adding salt, herbs and spices to it so that it can be preserved for longer periods.
This makes Labneh an excellent substitution for Boursin cheese since it will impart the same creamy texture with added savory flavor while still being relatively mild in taste.
Ratio or measurement: Use an even ratio when substituting labneh for Boursin to ensure that your dish maintains its intended balance of flavors.
Vegan substitute for Boursin cheese
1. Cashew Cream Cheese
This cashew-based cheese alternative has a mild, creamy flavor. It is excellent for spreading on crackers or adding to sandwiches.
It also works well as a vegetable dip or spread, so it’s a great substitute for Boursin cheese in many recipes.
2. Almond Ricotta
Almond ricotta is a vegan cheese alternative made from almonds and tapioca starch.
It has a slightly sweet flavor, and creamy texture, making it the perfect replacement for Boursin in lasagnas, pasta dishes, quiches, and more!
3. Coconut Yogurt
For an ultra-creamy dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt instead of Boursin cheese. It has a mild, milky flavor and can be used in dips or as a spread on toast or crackers.
4. Hummus
A classic Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, hummus makes an excellent substitute for Boursin. Try adding some garlic and herbs to give it more flavor.
5. Avocado Spread
For a tasty vegan alternative to Boursin cheese, try making your own avocado spread using mashed avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s perfect as a dip or spread!
6. Tofu Ricotta
This vegan version of ricotta is made with tofu instead of dairy products and has a creamy texture that makes it an awesome substitute for Boursin cheese.
7. Miso Spread
Miso is a traditional Japanese condiment made from fermented soybeans, and it makes an excellent replacement for Boursin in many recipes!
Try making your own miso spread with miso paste, tahini, butter or vegan margarine, nutritional yeast, and other seasonings.
8. Almond Feta Cheese
This plant-based alternative to feta cheese is made from almonds and has a crumbly texture and sharp flavor that make it the perfect substitute for Boursin in salads or as a topping on pizzas.
9. Creamy Nut Butter
Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, and other creamy nut butter make a great alternative to Boursin cheese. They can be spread on crackers or used in dips and sauces.
10. Daiya Cheese
This vegan cheese substitute has become popular in recent years for its melty, cheesy flavor and texture, which makes it an excellent replacement for Boursin cheese in many recipes.
Try using it as the main ingredient in your next quesadilla!
boursin cheese substitute in pasta
For a delicious and creamy pasta dish, three excellent substitutes for Boursin cheese are feta cheese, goat cheese, and cream cheese.
Feta cheese is produced from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a tangy and salty flavor with a crumbly texture that pairs well with tomato sauces.
Adding crumbled feta to a pasta dish will bring creamy richness, and the slight saltiness of the cheese will give an extra depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Goat cheese is another excellent option when looking for an alternative to Boursin in a pasta dish.
This type of cheese has a milder flavor than feta but still provides plenty of creaminess when melted into your sauce.
It has a rich, creamy texture that adds complexity to any sauce or pasta dish. Finally, cream cheese can be used as an alternative to Boursin in some pasta dishes as well.
Cream cheese is produced from cow’s milk. It has a soft and creamy consistency, making it excellent for melting into your favorite sauces or stirring into pasta dishes for an extra boost of richness.
Because it has less tang than goat or feta cheeses, you can add more creaminess without sacrificing flavor when using cream cheese in place of Boursin.
boursin cheese substitute in baking
Boursin cheese is an incredibly versatile type of cheese that can be used in baking to add flavor and texture to recipes.
However, if it isn’t available or you want something else, there are several great substitutes that offer similar results in baking.
1. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a very close substitute for Boursin cheese when baking because of its smooth and creamy texture.
Its mild taste makes it a good alternative for baked goods like quiche and muffins.
You can also combine cream cheese with herbs like chives, parsley or dill to create a more flavorful variation.
2. Mascarpone
Mascarpone has a slightly sweet taste with a creamy texture that works well in both savory and sweet dishes when baking.
Use it as a replacement for Boursin cheese when making lasagna or cheesecakes for an added layer of flavor.
3. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is another excellent option for replacing Boursin cheese in baking recipes.
It has a little salty taste with a creamy texture ideal for lasagna, ravioli, cannelloni and other Italian-style dishes.
The subtle flavor of ricotta pairs particularly well with tomatoes, spinach and herbs like oregano or basil.
4. Roquefort
Roquefort is a French blue cheese with strong flavors that work well in savory recipes when baking.
Its sharp taste pairs especially well with vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms and cauliflower, as well as eggs and potatoes, making it ideal for quiches, tarts or frittatas when using it as a substitute for Boursin cheese.
5. Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is another type of Italian blue cheese that is perfect for adding bold flavors to your recipes when substituted for Boursin cheese while baking.
Its pungent yet sweet flavor complements ingredients such as walnuts, apples or pears, making it the perfect choice if you’re looking to jazz up your desserts or appetizers.
Home recipe for Boursin cheese- DIY Boursin cheese
Boursin cheese is a creamy, soft cheese that was first created in France in 1957. It has a mild and tangy flavor made from cow’s milk with the addition of garlic, herbs, and spices.
Boursin cheese is popularly spread on crackers or used as a dip for vegetables and crusty bread.
Making your own version of this cheese at home is easy — all you require is some cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, dried herbs, and salt.
Start by combining equal parts of cream cheese and heavy cream in a food processor.
Pulse the ingredients together until they are combined but still thick. Then add a teaspoon each of garlic powder, dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano), and salt to taste.
Mixing these ingredients together creates an easy-to-spread homemade Boursin cheese with just the right balance of flavors – a garlicky aroma with a hint of herbs and salt.
Scoop out the mixture into little ramekins or small jars to create individual servings for entertaining guests, or take them along when you are attending potluck parties!
Serve with crackers or French baguettes for an elegant appetizer that will please everyone’s palate!
FAQs on boursin cheese substitute
Q1. What is similar to Boursin cheese?
Similar to Boursin cheese are other soft, creamy cheeses like cream cheese, mascarpone, goat cheese and ricotta. These types of cheese have a mild flavor that pairs nicely with crackers, fruits or vegetables.
Other varieties include boursault, petit suisse and saint-nectaire. If you’re looking for a stronger flavor profile, try blue cheeses such as gorgonzola or Roquefort.
Q2. What cheese is closest to Boursin cheese?
Boursin cheese is a creamy, rich, and savory cheese that typically has a garlic and herbs flavor. It is similar to cream cheese in texture but has a stronger flavor.
A good substitute for Boursin cheese would be Gouda or Fontina, which are both semi-soft cow’s milk cheeses with mild yet complex flavors.
Gouda has a nutty sweetness, while Fontina offers buttery and mushroom notes. Both of these will give you the creamy texture you desire while still providing an interesting flavor profile.
Q3. Can I substitute Boursin cheese for cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Boursin cheese for cream cheese in some recipes. Boursin is a creamy, soft, spreadable French cheese that is very similar to cream cheese in taste and texture.
It has a delicate garlic-herb flavor which makes it great for sauces, dips, spreads and other dishes where you would normally use cream cheese.
However, because it is softer than cream cheese, it may not work as nicely in recipes that call for cream cheese to be cut into cubes or crumbled.
Q4. Is Boursin cheese the same as soft cheese?
No, Boursin cheese is not the same as soft cheese. Boursin cheese is a brand of flavored cheese spread developed in France in the 1960s.
It is a soft, creamy cheese created with cow’s milk and cream, combined with herbs, spices, or other flavorings like garlic or chives. Soft cheeses are those that are unripened, such as ricotta and cottage cheese.
They normally have a mild flavor and are easier to spread but lack some of the complexity found in aged cheeses.
Q5. Can I substitute Boursin cheese for goat cheese
Yes, you can substitute Boursin cheese for goat cheese in many recipes. Boursin cheese is a soft, creamy French cheese made with cow’s milk and flavored with herbs and spices.
It has a mild savor that pairs well with many dishes, and it adds a creamy texture to both savory and sweet recipes.
Boursin is usually more affordable than goat cheese and easier to locate in most grocery stores.
However, if you’re looking for the distinct tangy flavor that goat cheese provides, you may want to consider using a combination of both cheeses instead.
Q6. Which cheese is used for cheesecake?
Cheesecake is a famous dessert that can be made with several types of cheese, such as cream cheese, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, goat cheese and mascarpone.
Cream cheese is the most common type used in cheesecakes due to its soft and creamy texture.
Cream cheese also has a high-fat content which makes it ideal for creating an indulgent yet light cheesecake.
Ricotta cheese is often also used because it adds a softer texture to the filling while providing a subtle cheesy flavor.
Cottage cheese may be added for its tart flavor and fine texture. The goat cheese gives the cheesecake a tangy flavor and airy consistency.
Mascarpone, an Italian cream cheese, is commonly found in Italian-style cheesecakes and adds richness to the filling.
