Creamy Herb-Infused Cheese Spread
This luscious, homemade creamy herb-infused cheese spread is a delightful twist on the classic Boursin cheese. Crafted with a perfect blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and rich cheeses, this spread is not only economical but also bursts with flavor that store-bought varieties simply can't match. Perfect for entertaining, it can elevate any cheese platter or serve as a savory dip for your favorite crackers and vegetables. Enjoy the freshness and quality of homemade ingredients that will leave your guests asking for the recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Butter
8 ounces (at room temperature)
Cream cheese
16 ounces (at room temperature)
Grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (freshly grated)
Fresh dill
1 tablespoon (minced or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed, crumbled)
Dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon (crumbled)
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Chives
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (crumbled)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
Instructions
1
1. Ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
2
2. Peel and crush the garlic cloves until finely minced, releasing their wonderful aroma.
3
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, butter, and crushed garlic. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, blend until smooth and creamy.
4
4. Gradually incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until evenly distributed.
5
5. Add the fresh dill (or dried dill), marjoram, basil, chives, black pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the herbs are well integrated into the cheese mixture.
6
6. Transfer the mixture into a container just large enough to hold it, smoothing the top with a spatula if desired.
7
7. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up.
8
8. Before serving, take the cheese spread out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
9
9. Serve with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or toasted baguette slices.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Herb-Infused Cheese Spread?
It is a luscious, homemade spread made with cream cheese, butter, garlic, and a blend of fresh and dried herbs, similar to Boursin cheese.
How do I make homemade Boursin cheese?
You can make it by blending room-temperature cream cheese and butter with minced garlic, Parmesan, and a variety of herbs like dill, basil, and parsley.
What ingredients are needed for this cheese spread?
The main ingredients include garlic, butter, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, dill, marjoram, basil, chives, black pepper, thyme, and parsley.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, though you may want to taste the mixture before adding any additional salt.
Why do the cream cheese and butter need to be at room temperature?
Softened ingredients blend much more easily, ensuring the final spread has a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
How long should I refrigerate the spread before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up properly.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe allows for dried alternatives; for instance, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh dill.
What is the best way to prepare the garlic?
Peel and crush the garlic cloves before finely mincing them to release their maximum aroma and flavor.
Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, using a hand mixer is an efficient way to blend the cream cheese, butter, and garlic until smooth.
What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and consistent distribution throughout the spread.
How should I store the leftover cheese spread?
Store the mixture in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
How long will the cheese spread stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, the spread generally remains fresh and flavorful for about 1 to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze this cheese spread?
Freezing is not recommended as it can cause the cream cheese and butter to separate or become crumbly once thawed.
Why should I bring it to room temperature before serving?
Allowing it to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature makes the spread softer and much easier to serve with crackers.
What are the best items to serve with this spread?
It pairs beautifully with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices.
Is this herb-infused cheese spread vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as long as the Parmesan cheese used is made with vegetarian-friendly rennet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The cheese spread itself is naturally gluten-free; just ensure you serve it with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.
Is this cheese spread keto-friendly?
Yes, it is high in healthy fats and very low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for a ketogenic diet.
Can I use light or low-fat cream cheese?
You can use light cream cheese, but the texture will be less rich and it may not firm up as well as the full-fat version.
What is a good substitute for dried marjoram?
Dried oregano is a common substitute, though it is slightly more pungent, so you may want to use a little less.
Can I add more garlic if I prefer?
Absolutely, you can adjust the number of garlic cloves to suit your personal taste preferences.
Can I use a food processor instead of mixing by hand?
Yes, a food processor can be used to quickly pulse the ingredients together into a very uniform consistency.
What other herbs can I experiment with?
You can try adding rosemary, tarragon, or even a hint of red pepper flakes for a different flavor profile.
Is this spread more economical than store-bought Boursin?
Yes, making a large batch at home is typically much cheaper than purchasing small containers of gourmet brand-name spreads.
How do I prevent the spread from being too hard to dip?
The key is to take it out of the fridge 30 minutes early so the butter and cream cheese soften slightly.
Can I use this spread as a dip for vegetables?
Yes, it serves as a savory and decadent dip for carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
How many different herbs are in this recipe?
This recipe uses seven different herbs and seasonings: dill, marjoram, basil, chives, black pepper, thyme, and parsley.
Can I make this spread a day in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time is actually better as it gives the herbs more time to infuse into the cheese.
What makes this homemade version better than store-bought?
Homemade spread uses fresh ingredients, no preservatives, and allows you to customize the herb levels to your liking.
Can I use this cheese spread in other cooking?
Yes, it can be melted into pasta, stuffed into chicken breasts, or used as a creamy topping for baked potatoes.