vegan Boursin style cheese is here! this garlic herb vegan cheese spread is a dairy free version of the classic French Gournay cheese.
recipe originally published March 28, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Classic appetizer recipe
Who grew up with foil wrapped discs of Boursin cheese and tubs of Alouette in their fridge?
Around the holidays, “the fancy cheeses” appeared, and among them, Boursin cheese. Eight year old me considered them fancy.
When Uncle Dudley was in town, fancy cheeses and wine. Holidays when grandparents were visiting? Fancy cheeses. Mom’s regular bunco nights often included the fancy cheeses. Those parties especially included a ‘hands off’ warning from mom. This was for the party!
Now I can have that nostalgic taste any time I want, with this vegan Boursin cheese recipe.
How to make this recipe
I have fond memories of all of it – and the flavor of that garlic herb cheese has not escaped me.
For a recent happy hour with friends before we all went to a rock show, I threw some (quickly boiled) cashews in the Vitamix to make a quick cheese spread. I added a bunch of herbs from the spice rack, and hmm… it had the hints of that old favorite, Boursin cheese.
A few trials later, we have vegan Boursin! Some of those trials used fresh herbs and fresh garlic. For this recipe? I usually use dried because it is quick and easy, and I feel like the flavors are closer to what I remember.
Fresh herbs and garlic work great with this recipe - the cheese tastes great. See our guide on how to roast garlic if using fresh.
This recipe uses just a couple pantry staples and a bunch of herbs. Aside from my signature "funky cheese" ingredient - sauerkraut - you probably have everything right now!
- cashews
- sauerkraut brine
- herbs herbs herbs
This recipe makes a more spreadable cheese. If you want your Vegan Boursin to be spreadable but slightly crumbly, wrap the mixture in cheesecloth and place in a colander or strainer and squeeze to remove excess liquid. Keep the Boursin wrapped in cheesecloth and refrigerate several hours to overnight.
How to serve
- Serve vegan Boursin in bowls with the standard dippers - veggies and crackers.
- Stuff into small peppers: Vegan Garlic Herb Cheese Peppadew Appetizer
- use leftovers as a sandwich spread, or thin for a salad dressing.
Storage suggestion - how long does this last?
I like to finish this cheese within a week, for best flavor and freshness.
Refrigerate your vegan cheese in a container with an airtight lid.
More dairy free cheese recipes
- Vegan Goat Cheese
- Vegan Cream Cheese
- Vegan Brie
- Pumpkin Basil Cheese Ball
- Spicy Chorizo Queso
- Melty Pizza Cheese Dip
More vegan appetizer recipes
- Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip : another classic – one of my most requested dips to bring to a party. everyone loves it and few even know it’s dairy free…
- Spinach Dip: a classic we crave all year long! this tasty recipe is based off the legendary dip package recipe, and is just as easy!
- Pineapple Jalapeño Poppers – another often requested party favorite! sweet and salty, with a buttery crunch topping.
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: a tangy bite size essential at most any gathering! a flavorful party classic that everyone loves.
- Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip : this super flavorful dip gets a lot of love around game day and holidays. another "can't believe it's vegan" favorite.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip: the sweet option for the appetizer spread! a quick and easy recipe that you'll want all holiday season!
- Enchilada Dip : our unique appetizer has been the star at many a party. so simple to make, and oh so delicious - a reader favorite!
- Mango Habanero Guacamole: a quick and easy, last minute party must. your mileage may vary on the spicy pepper – feel free to use a less spicy pepper, or less of this one!
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Vegan Boursin Herb Cheese
this Garlic Herb Vegan Cheese Spread recipe is a plant based version of the popular classic French Gournay cheese - Boursin and Alouette style!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw cashew pieces, boiled or soaked several hours
- ¼ - ⅓ cup sauerkraut brine
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried onion
- ¼ teaspoon dried chives
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- In a blender, combine cashews with sauerkraut brine. Blend at highest speed until completely smooth. (You may need to stir / use the blender tamper. You can add more brine, but adding more than a tablespoon or so will make a sauce.)
- Add all herbs and spices, stir by hand to combine.
- Transfer to a covered dish. Refrigerate for one to two hours before serving, if possible. Store in refrigerator, covered, for up to one week.
Notes
dairy, egg, soy, oil, and gluten free, vegan
This recipe makes a more spreadable cheese. If you want your Vegan Boursin to be spreadable but slightly crumbly, wrap the mixture in cheesecloth and place in a colander or strainer and squeeze to remove excess liquid. Keep the Boursin wrapped in cheesecloth and refrigerate several hours to overnight.
Enjoy within one week. Refrigerate in a container with an airtight lid.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1 ounceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 106Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 148mgCarbohydrates: 6gNet Carbohydrates: 5gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g
nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Kris @Krazy_Kris says
happy happy HAPPY hour!
Beeb Ashcroft says
I'll drink to that! 🙂
spabettie says
cheers! 😀
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit says
bahaha... "or a Tuesday"... awesome. Can't wait for the good news! Seems we're all holding on to something super exciting!!
spabettie says
right? A Tuesday is a good enough reason to celebrate! yes - exciting things for YOU (can't wait to hear more...) and me (can't wait to TELL more!) are happening this year...
Natasha says
Great Post Girl...I couldn't agree more..hmmmmmmmm - the new house?????yes??? - 🙂
This past week has been a bit crazzzzzzy! I hope your taking much time to rest, and enjoy that radiant smile on your Daddys face.
🙂
spabettie says
yeeee! I will send you an email... I know this week must be crazy for you, because I am MISSING YOU! 🙂 update / chat when you can... hope all is fabulous XXO