📝 About This Recipe
Inspired by the classic Gournay cheese from Normandy, this homemade version elevates the iconic spread with a velvety texture and a vibrant bouquet of fresh aromatics. By blending high-quality cream cheese with cultured butter and a precise ratio of garlic and herbs, you achieve a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply cannot match. It is the ultimate sophisticated starter, offering a creamy, tangy, and herbaceous profile that melts luxuriously on the palate.
🥗 Ingredients
The Cheese Base
- 16 ounces Full-fat cream cheese (high-quality, softened to room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted European-style butter (softened, minimum 82% butterfat)
Aromatics and Seasoning
- 2 cloves Fresh garlic (pressed or grated into a fine paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly cracked black pepper (fine grind)
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried oregano (crushed between palms to release oils)
The Fresh Herb Blend
- 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley (finely minced)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh chives (thinly sliced into tiny rounds)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill (finely chopped, stems removed)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme (leaves only, minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh marjoram (optional, for floral depth)
For Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil (for a finishing sheen)
- 1 pinch Edible flower petals (optional, such as chive blossoms)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Ensure the cream cheese and butter are completely softened at room temperature for at least 1 hour; this is crucial for a lump-free, aerated texture.
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2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using a rubber spatula or a hand mixer on low speed, blend until the mixture is uniform and silky.
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3
Prepare the garlic by grating it with a microplane or pressing it into a paste. Do not chop it, as you want the flavor to permeate without biting into raw chunks.
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4
Add the garlic paste, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to the cheese base and fold thoroughly.
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5
Finely mince the parsley, chives, dill, and thyme. Ensure the herbs are very dry before chopping to prevent the cheese from turning green.
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6
Gently fold the fresh herbs into the cheese mixture using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout.
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7
Taste the mixture and adjust the salt or pepper if necessary. Remember that flavors will intensify as the cheese chills.
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8
Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spoon the cheese mixture into the center and gather the edges to form a rustic disk or log shape.
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9
Twist the ends of the plastic wrap tightly to compress the cheese and smooth out the surface.
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10
Refrigerate the cheese for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This 'curing' time allows the garlic and herbs to infuse the fat of the cheese.
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11
Thirty minutes before serving, remove the cheese from the refrigerator to take the chill off, making it easier to spread.
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12
Unwrap the cheese and place it on a serving platter. For a professional touch, lightly run a knife over the top to create a textured finish.
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13
Garnish with a tiny drizzle of olive oil and a few extra sprigs of fresh herbs before presenting to your guests.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use fresh herbs rather than dried for the primary bulk of the recipe; the moisture and oils in fresh herbs provide the signature 'bright' taste. If you find the garlic flavor too sharp, sauté the garlic paste in a teaspoon of butter for 30 seconds before adding it to the cheese. To achieve the classic crumbly-yet-creamy Boursin texture, do not over-whip the cheese; hand-folding is preferred over high-speed blenders. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days; the flavors will continue to develop over time. You can substitute the dill with tarragon for a more French, anise-forward flavor profile.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a stack of artisanal sea salt crackers or a sliced, toasted sourdough baguette. Pair with a crisp, high-acidity white wine such as a Sancerre or a dry Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness. Include the spread on a charcuterie board with cornichons, radishes, and honey-glazed walnuts. Use any leftover cheese as a decadent stuffing for chicken breasts or melted into a creamy pasta sauce. Accompany with fresh, crunchy vegetables like heirloom carrots, celery hearts, and sliced cucumbers.