Boursin Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

Boursin Cheese is a soft and creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Boursin Cheese?

Boursin is a French brand of soft, fresh Gournay-style cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk and cream with herbs mixed in. It spreads easily, crumbles a little, and is best known for its original garlic and fine herbs flavour.

What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

What's the Difference Between Boursin Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

• Milk type: Boursin Cheese (Cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat)
• Milk treatment: Boursin Cheese (Pasteurized), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Boursin Cheese (Soft and creamy), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft)
• Rind: Boursin Cheese (None), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
• Aging: Boursin Cheese (Fresh (not aged)), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long)
• Taste: Boursin Cheese (Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Boursin Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, Boursin Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty. More specifically, Boursin Cheese shows fresh, with added flavors like garlic, herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Boursin Cheese at fresh (not aged) develops a different profile than Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long.

Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Boursin Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat Cheese) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft and creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Boursin Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft and creamy cheese, go with Boursin Cheese. For a soft profile, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese suits recipes that want garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursin Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat. Aging also differs: Boursin Cheese is typically aged fresh (not aged), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) not aged for long.

Is Boursin Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Boursin Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Boursin Cheese leans mild, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.

What is Boursin Cheese made of?

Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh (not aged). It originates in France.

What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Boursin Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursin Cheese is soft and creamy, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.