Difference Between Boursin Cheese and Cream Cheese

Introduction

When selecting a spreadable cheese, two popular options often come to mind: Boursin and cream cheese. Both are known for their creamy textures and versatility in the kitchen, but they differ significantly in flavor, texture, and culinary applications. Understanding these differences will help you make the best choice for your recipes.

What Makes Boursin Unique?

This French cheese, created by François Boursin in 1957, quickly gained popularity for its rich, creamy texture and bold, herb-infused flavor. Often categorized as a soft, spreadable cheese, it’s sometimes referred to as Gournay cheese, after the town where it originated.

The combination of herbs, garlic, and spices gives it a distinct savory taste, making it a favorite for enhancing various dishes. It’s ideal for spreading, adding to sauces, or using as a filling for stuffed meats and vegetables. Its slightly grainy and crumbly texture sets it apart from smoother cheeses, adding a unique character to every bite.

In the kitchen, this cheese is highly versatile, enhancing a variety of recipes. Whether you’re spreading it on crackers or using it in dishes like this creamy pasta dish, its rich, herb-infused flavor can elevate your culinary creations.

The Versatility of Cream Cheese

A staple in American kitchens since the 19th century, cream cheese is celebrated for its smooth texture and mild flavor. This neutrality makes it versatile for both savory and sweet dishes.

To produce it, milk and cream are acidified, thickening the mixture and giving it a smooth texture. This cheese does not undergo aging, which helps it retain its mild flavor. This simplicity makes it suitable for a variety of applications, from spreading on bagels to creating the perfect base for frostings and dips.

Philadelphia is the most recognized brand of this cheese and is synonymous with this type of spread. Whether used as a topping or in a recipe, it offers a smooth, creamy base that complements various ingredients. For a detailed comparison with other cheeses, check out this guide on cream cheese alternatives.

Comparing Nutritional Profiles

Both cheeses have different nutritional profiles, which may influence your choice depending on your dietary needs.

• Fat Content: The French option typically contains 41% fat, compared to 33% in the American version, giving it a richer flavor but higher calorie content.
• Calories: Due to its higher fat content, the French cheese contains more calories per serving. This is an important factor if you’re monitoring calorie intake.
• Protein and Carbohydrates: Both are low in protein and carbohydrates. However, the French variety contains slightly more protein, attributed to the herbs and garlic.

From a nutritional standpoint, both options offer unique benefits. The French spread provides a richer flavor, while the American one may be a lighter option.

Flavor Profile and Ingredients: How They Differ

The distinct flavors of these spreads can significantly impact your dishes.

• Bold Flavors of the French Spread: Known for its strong, herb-infused taste, it combines fresh cream with garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like chives, parsley, and thyme. This makes it ideal for recipes where you want the cheese to stand out.
• Mildness of the American Spread: In contrast, this option is mild and neutral, made from milk, cream, and a bit of salt. Its versatility allows it to blend well in both sweet and savory dishes.

Consider using the French variety when you want the cheese to be the star of your dish, and choose the American spread when you need a versatile base that complements other ingredients.

Texture and Consistency: A Key Difference

The texture of these cheeses plays a crucial role in how they’re used in recipes.

• Texture of the French Spread: With a slightly grainy and crumbly texture, it adds character to dishes. It’s great for spreading on crackers or incorporating into savory meals where a more robust texture is desired.
• Smoothness of the American Version: Known for its smooth and spreadable consistency, this cheese is perfect for applications like cheesecakes or dips where a creamy texture is key.

When choosing between these options, consider the texture needed for your recipe. Use the French cheese for a more textured experience, and the American one for a silky smooth base.

Production Processes: What Sets Them Apart

The way these cheeses are made highlights their differences in flavor and texture.

• Making the French Spread: It’s produced by blending fresh cream with herbs, garlic, and spices, then allowing it to mature briefly. This process gives it its distinctive taste and slightly grainy texture.
• Crafting the American Version: In contrast, the American cheese is made by acidifying milk and cream, which thickens the mixture and creates a smooth, creamy texture. It does not undergo aging, helping it maintain a mild flavor.

These production processes give each cheese its unique qualities. The French option offers a bold, herb-infused flavor, while the American one provides a smooth, neutral base.

Culinary Applications: When to Use Each

Both cheeses are versatile, but their distinct flavors and textures make them suitable for different dishes.

• Using the French Variety: This cheese is excellent for spreading on bread or crackers, incorporating into sauces for added flavor, filling stuffed meats or vegetables, and mixing into mashed potatoes or pasta dishes for extra richness.
• Cooking with the American Version: Essential in cheesecakes, this cheese is also great as a base for frostings, spreading on bagels or toast, and blending into dips like spinach and artichoke dip.

Choose the French option for a strong, savory flavor, and use the American spread for a creamy base that won’t overpower other ingredients. For example, the French variety can create a richer sauce in pasta dishes compared to the American one. Discover more about using these cheeses in different recipes, such as pasta dishes.

Substituting One Cheese for the Other

In some recipes, these cheeses can be substituted, but consider how the switch will affect the dish.

• Replacing the American Spread with the French Cheese: Use the French variety to add a complex, herb-infused flavor. Adjust other seasonings to prevent overpowering the dish.
• Using the American Cheese Instead of the French One: The American spread works well where a smooth texture is needed, but the flavor will be milder. You may need to add extra seasonings.

Substitutions can work, but they may change the flavor and texture of your dish. Consider the role of the cheese before making the switch.

Cost Considerations

The French spread generally costs more than the American one, and here’s why:

• Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices in the French cheese add to the production cost.
• Gourmet Branding: Marketed as a premium product, the French variety is often seen as a gourmet cheese, which influences its price.
• Production Complexity: The more intricate production process of the French cheese also adds to its cost.

In contrast, the American version is produced in larger quantities with simpler ingredients, making it a more affordable option. If budget is a concern, the American cheese may be the better choice.

Market Availability and Packaging Differences

Both cheeses are widely available but differ in how they’re packaged and sold.

• Packaging for the French Cheese: Found in specialty sections, this cheese typically comes in small rounds or tubs, with packaging designed to preserve its freshness and flavor.
• Availability of the American Cheese: Available in almost every grocery store, the American spread is usually sold in blocks or tubs, with packaging that maintains its smooth texture.

Both cheeses should be refrigerated and used by the expiration date to ensure freshness.

Health Factors to Consider

Your health goals may influence your choice between these two cheeses:

• Fat and Calories: The French option is higher in fat and calories, offering a richer flavor, but may require careful portion control.
• Lighter Options: The American spread is lower in fat and calories, and reduced-fat versions are available for those on low-fat diets.

Understanding the nutritional content of each cheese can help you make informed dietary choices.

FAQs

• Is the French Cheese healthier than the American Spread?
  The French option has more fat and calories but also a stronger flavor, so you might use less. The American version might be healthier if you’re watching your fat intake.
• Can I use the French Spread instead of the American Cheese in cheesecake?
  The French variety isn’t recommended for cheesecake due to its strong flavor. The American spread is better for a neutral base.
• What are good alternatives to the French Cheese?
  Mix herbs and garlic into the American spread or use herbed goat cheese as a substitute.
• Why is the French Cheese more expensive than the American Spread?
  Fresh herbs, gourmet branding, and a more complex production process make the French option pricier.
• Can the French Spread be frozen like the American Cheese?
  Freezing may alter the texture of both cheeses, so consider using them in cooked dishes after thawing.

Conclusion

While these two cheeses are both spreadable, they differ in flavor, texture, and culinary applications. The French variety offers a rich, herb-infused experience, perfect for savory dishes, while the American spread provides a smooth, mild base suitable for both sweet and savory recipes. Whether you choose one or the other depends on your recipe, taste preferences, and dietary needs. Each cheese brings something unique to the table, helping you create delicious dishes.