Frederic Melton
Boursin cheese is a French cheese created by Francois Boursin in 1957. It is a soft, spreadable cheese with a creamy and light texture, similar to cream cheese. The original variety is garlic and herb-flavoured, but it also comes in other flavours such as basil and chive, caramelized onion and herbs, and fig and balsamic. Boursin is a popular addition to cheeseboards and can be used in cooking, melted into mashed potatoes, or spread on crackers or bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy, light, crumbly, spreadable |
| Taste | Milky, sweet, mild |
| Flavours | Original garlic and fine herbs, cracked black pepper, shallot and chive, basil and chive, caramelized onion and herbs, fig and balsamic, black truffle and sea salt |
| Melting | Melts well but has a higher water content than hard cheeses |
| Freezing | Technically freezable but not recommended due to changes in taste and consistency |
| Use cases | Can be used as a spread on bread, crackers, sandwiches, canapes, cheeseboards, or as a filling in stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, lasagna, and more |
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What You'll Learn
- Boursin cheese is a French cream cheese with a soft, spreadable consistency
- It is made with cow's milk and comes in a variety of flavours, including garlic and herbs, fig and balsamic, and black truffle and sea salt
- It is a versatile cheese that can be used in cooking, as a spread, or as part of a cheeseboard
- Boursin is not a gourmet cheese in France, but it is popular worldwide and is known for its catchy slogan, Du pain, du vin, du Boursin (Bread, Wine, and Boursin)
- The cheese was created by Frenchman Francois Boursin, who marketed it as the first-ever cheese advertised on French television in 1968
Boursin cheese is a French cream cheese with a soft, spreadable consistency
Boursin cheese is defined by its add-ins, with the base cheese being milky, sweet, and very light. This makes it a versatile cheese that can be paired with various ingredients, from savory herbs to sweet fruits to spicy peppers. The original version of Boursin cheese is garlic and fine herbs, but it has expanded to include other flavors such as basil and chive, caramelized onion and herbs, and fig and balsamic. It is also available in limited-edition flavors like black truffle and sea salt.
Boursin cheese is a popular brand manufactured by Bel Brands USA Inc., a subsidiary of Bel Groupe, a family-owned cheese maker headquartered near Paris, France. The company produces over 30 local and international cheese brands sold in more than 130 countries. Boursin cheese is considered a staple at social occasions and friendly gatherings, often served as part of a cheese platter or cheeseboard.
Boursin cheese is also known for its unique texture, which is described as creamy and light, almost like a bar of cream cheese or soft-serve ice cream. It has a whipped butterfat consistency, making it airy and dense at the same time. The cheese is also meltable, but due to its high water content, it can become runny, which should be considered when using it in dishes like sandwiches.
Overall, Boursin cheese is a versatile, creamy, and light French cream cheese with a soft, spreadable consistency. It is a popular choice for entertaining and can be used in various dishes, from appetizers to main courses.
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It is made with cow's milk and comes in a variety of flavours, including garlic and herbs, fig and balsamic, and black truffle and sea salt
Boursin cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy and light texture, similar to cream cheese but slightly harder. The base cheese has a mild, milky, and sweet flavour, making it a versatile choice for adding various ingredients.
The original Boursin flavour is garlic and herbs, but the brand has since expanded its offerings to include a variety of flavours. These flavours include cracked black pepper, shallot and chive, basil and chive, and caramelised onion and herbs. Boursin also offers limited-edition flavours, such as black truffle and sea salt, and unique varieties like fig and balsamic.
The garlic and herbs variety is the result of François Boursin's efforts to create a commercial version of a traditional French party snack: fresh cheese with garlic and herbs. This variety, with its creamy texture and whipped butterfat content, has been described as having a unique balance of airy and dense characteristics.
The versatility of Boursin cheese extends to its use in various dishes. It can be spread on bread or crackers, mixed into mashed potatoes, stuffed into chicken breast, or added to pasta for a creamy dish. Its meltability makes it a good choice for lasagna, but its high water content can make it runny, so caution is advised when using it in sandwiches.
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It is a versatile cheese that can be used in cooking, as a spread, or as part of a cheeseboard
Boursin is a versatile cheese with a soft, creamy, and light texture, making it perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. It is a popular choice for a cheeseboard and can also be used in cooking, adding a creamy texture to dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffed chicken breast, or lasagna.
The cheese is defined by its add-ins, with the original version featuring garlic and fine herbs. However, Boursin now comes in a variety of flavours, including cracked black pepper, shallot and chive, basil and chive, and caramelized onion and herbs. Its versatility extends to sweet combinations, with some enjoying the now-discontinued fig, raisin, and nut variety.
Boursin is a great option for those looking to add a creamy element to their cooking, as it melts very well. However, it is worth noting that it has a higher water content than other cheeses, so it may become runny when melted and could cause structural issues in a sandwich.
The cheese is commercially available in boxes containing silver-wrapped portions. While it is freezable, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the taste and consistency. Boursin is best enjoyed fresh and is a popular choice for social occasions and gatherings.
Boursin is a well-known brand of Gournay cheese, created by Frenchman Francois Boursin in the 1950s and 60s. It is a cow's milk cheese that bears a resemblance to soft goat cheese in appearance.
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Boursin is not a gourmet cheese in France, but it is popular worldwide and is known for its catchy slogan, Du pain, du vin, du Boursin (Bread, Wine, and Boursin)
Boursin cheese is a far cry from being considered gourmet in France. However, it is widely consumed and known for its catchy slogan, "Du pain, du vin, du Boursin" (which translates to "Bread, Wine, and Boursin"). The cheese's popularity can be attributed to its accessibility, versatility, and marketing.
Boursin cheese is a commercial version of a traditional French party snack, fromage frais, which blends garlic, fresh cream, soft cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper. It is produced by Bel Brands USA Inc., a subsidiary of the family-owned French company Bel Groupe, and sold in over 130 countries.
The cheese's mass appeal can be attributed to its accessibility and versatility. Boursin is widely available in supermarkets, and its soft, spreadable consistency and mild flavour make it a versatile ingredient. It can be used as a spread, dip, or filling and is a popular addition to mashed potatoes, sandwiches, lasagna, and cheeseboards. The cheese also comes in a variety of flavours, including garlic and herbs, cracked black pepper, basil and chive, and fig and balsamic, among others.
The popularity of Boursin can also be linked to its marketing. Francois Boursin, the creator of the cheese, was a marketing genius. In 1968, Boursin became the first cheese to be advertised on French television, and in 1972, the brand launched its famous slogan, "Du pain, du vin, du Boursin." This slogan is considered a stroke of genius, resonating with multiple generations and contributing to the cheese's widespread recognition.
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The cheese was created by Frenchman Francois Boursin, who marketed it as the first-ever cheese advertised on French television in 1968
Boursin cheese was created by Frenchman Francois Boursin, a cheese maker and marketing genius from Normandy, France. Boursin is essentially a commercial version of a simple French dish, fresh cheese with herbs. Francois Boursin's genius was in recognising that this popular party snack could be packaged and sold as a fast-casual food item.
In 1961, a French newspaper mistakenly reported the launch of Boursin infused with garlic, and the public loved the idea. Francois Boursin quickly got to work to meet the public's demand. For two years, he worked on his own original recipe inspired by fromage frais, a traditional party dish that blends garlic, fresh cream, soft cheese, herbs, salt and pepper. Finally, in 1963, he introduced Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese to the world.
To market his new product, Francois Boursin made history by being the first-ever cheese to be advertised on French television in 1968. The first commercial featured famous French comedian Jacques Duby as an insomniac who was tormented by an irresistible craving for Boursin. This first "Boursinophile" spawned many imitators and helped Boursin cheese quickly become a household name.
Today, Boursin cheese is widely available in supermarkets and is known for its soft, spreadable consistency and variety of flavours. It is often used as a spread on crackers or bread, as a filling for sandwiches or stuffed chicken breast, or as an ingredient in recipes such as lasagna or mashed potatoes.
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Frequently asked questions
Boursin is a French cheese created by Francois Boursin in 1957. It is a soft, creamy, crumbly, and spreadable cheese with a mild flavour.
Boursin is a sweet, light, and milky cheese. The original variety is infused with garlic and fine herbs, but it also comes in flavours like basil and chive, caramelized onion and herbs, fig and balsamic, and black truffle and sea salt.
Boursin is similar to cream cheese, but with a slightly harder consistency. It is also comparable to goat cheese in appearance.
Boursin is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be spread on bread, crackers, or sandwiches, mixed into mashed potatoes, or used as a filling for chicken breast or small ham rolls. It can also be used as a dip or melted into pasta or lasagna.
While Boursin is considered a "fancy cheese" in some countries, it is not viewed as gourmet in its home country of France. There, it is simply a brand of industrial cheese that can be purchased at supermarkets.
