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.
Baker Street says
What a delicious post. I love happy hour anywhere as long as you have good booze and great company. 🙂
spabettie says
indeed!
Cara says
Something tells me that you make one mean cocktail...this, I would like to experience in person!
spabettie says
my standard is pretty simple, but I DO like to get into interesting mixes sometimes! we WILL do this. 😉
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
Whee, the chili drinks look awesome! And I always love your citrus ice bottle coolers. 😀
I AM SO HAPPY YOUR DAD IS SMILING AGAIN!!!!!!
spabettie says
thank you, dear friend <3
Tommy says
stunning pictures as always. I hope to be invited to one of your happy hours one day, in that new house! 😉
spabettie says
thanks, T. a happy hour with you? SO fun.
jobo says
This post made me smile! I LOVE happy hour at home! We do that too but I love the name, and may need to adopt it 😉 And I can't wait for some good news. Please do share, I'll pour myself some wine!
spabettie says
oh, I definitely will, and I know (and love!) that you will cheers with wine! XO
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
You know we do our happy hour here! There is always a reason to have a little party even if it's just the family. I love those relaxing nights of eats and drinks. The kids request those types of nights all the time. Good times!
spabettie says
I know, I LOVE that you do this often! so fun for the kids, too - those are things they will remember always. <3
Jenna says
dear Kris! you deserve the happiest of times right now, happy hour happy day happy week! happy YEAR.
I am so thrilled for your upcoming goodness - both things (that I know of!) are so very well deserved!
...and now I want a margarita. 😉
spabettie says
thank you, dear Jenna!
thank you for being a supportive ear recently - I appreciate it more than you could know!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Congrats on your almost-news items. Can't wait to hear 🙂
And a "just because" drinks or Happy Hour, or meal, the meal I posted yesterday was that. Just because it was...Monday. Sometimes you just gotta be a little fancy!
spabettie says
exactly - celebrate the little things, like a Monday 😉
Christina says
I always have an excuse for happy hour! Is it 5pm where you're at? Because it's got to be 5pm somewhere right now 😉
spabettie says
indeed - and if it's not 5pm? it's noon somewhere 😉
Christina says
Words of wisdom 😉
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Love happy hour at home actually. So much more relaxed (and cheaper). So many good things to be thankful for. I love that and cannot wait to hear the good news. Perhaps a new house??
spabettie says
perhaps... 😉 I will talk about it SOON. 😀 happy hour at home is one of my favorites...