Boursin Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese

Boursin Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.

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 Naboulsi Cheese?

Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.

What's the Difference Between Boursin Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?

• Origin: Boursin Cheese (France), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
• Milk type: Boursin Cheese (Cow's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (Sheep's or goat's milk)
• Texture: Boursin Cheese (Soft, creamy), Naboulsi Cheese (Semi-hard, brined)
• Rind: Boursin Cheese (None), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Boursin Cheese (Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Boursin Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character. On the nose, Boursin Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Naboulsi Cheese's fresh.

Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Boursin Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursin Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursin Cheese originates in France, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.

Is Boursin Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Does Boursin Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty. Aromas also diverge. Boursin Cheese leans mild, and Naboulsi Cheese is closer to fresh.

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 Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

Which should I choose, Boursin Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursin Cheese is soft, creamy, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.