This creamy Boursin Cheese Ball is the perfect appetizer for any occasion! Made with just 2 simple ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes, it's ideal for those of us who are short on time - but still want to bring a homemade treat.
Serve it with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh sliced veggies.
This easy recipe for a Boursin Cheese Ball is one of my favorite easy appetizers, and is it any wonder? You can barely call it a recipe!
In place of the traditional softened cream cheese, we use naturally soft Gournay cheese (AKA Boursin) to form the base of our cheese ball, then roll it in chopped pecans. And just like that - you have an easy and festive appetizer that's sure to be a hit at your next holiday party.
If you're anything like me you love an easy AND delicious appetizers, and you're always looking for new recipes. I just know you'll love this one as much as we do!
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make. With just 2 ingredients, this has to be the easiest recipe ever!
- Perfect for entertaining. Want to impress your guests but short on time? Make a Boursin cheese ball!
- Crowd pleaser. Everyone loves Boursin, and everyone loves a good cheese ball. Put the two together and you get the best of both worlds.
You Will Need:
- Boursin: For the best results, I recommend using the Cranberry and Pepper flavor (or another sweet and savory flavor). You will need 2 packages (150 grams each) for a full size cheese ball, or 1 for a small one.
- Pecans (or other chopped nuts): This is for rolling the cheese ball in. It adds a delicious crunchiness and earthiness - not to mention how beautiful it looks! I recommend pecans, but walnuts or pistachios could work in a pinch.
Optional Additions
- When using a sweet and savory flavor I was shocked to find that no additional ingredients were needed to give a "complete" flavor. When I tested the recipe with the most popular flavor (Garlic and Fine Herbs) I found a bit of hot sauce and parmesan cheese helped to round out the flavor a bit.
How to Make a Cheese Ball with Boursin
- Add 2 packages of Boursin cheese (I recommend their Cranberry and Black pepper flavor, or another sweet and savory combo) to a large mixing bowl. Add fresh cracked pepper to taste.
- Use a fork to blend the cheese into a smooth consistency.
Since Gournay cheese is naturally very soft, it does not need to be softened at room temperature first.
- Using clean hands (or gloved hands), shape the soft cheese mixture into a round ball.
- Wrap the ball tightly with a large piece of plastic wrap (AKA Saran wrap).
- Chill in the refrigerator for 40 minutes, or in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Rolling in Pecans
- Once the cheese has chilled for 20-40 minutes, it should be firm enough to hold its shape. It does not need to be hard - just handle it gently as you roll.
- Spread the chopped pecans into a shallow bowl or a small rimmed baking sheet.
- Roll the cheese in the chopped nuts, pressing any stragglers in with your hands if needed.
- Place the finished Boursin cheese ball in the center of a serving tray (or platter).
- Arrange your favorite crackers around the edges of the platter, and serve with an appetizer knife (if available).
What to Serve with a Cheese Ball
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Pretzels
- Bagel chips
- Pita chips
- Fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, bell pepper, etc)
- Pear and apple slices
- Rye chips
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container (or wrap very tightly) and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The nuts will lose some of their crunch once chilled, but the Gournay cheese maintains its texture and flavor very well.
Can I make it ahead for a party?
If you want to make your cheese ball ahead of time, you can prepare the center only and roll it in nuts just before serving.
If you want everything ready to go, you can go ahead and roll it in the chopped pecans and wrap it very tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before your party, then unwrap, plate, and serve it with your favorite crackers.
Make a Festive Christmas Cheeseball
If you want to make this extra festive, use an oversized cookie cutter (or small cake mold) to form the shape of a Christmas tree with the soft cheese.
Once chilled, press the pecans into the surface, and garnish with festive additions like fresh rosemary, citrus, and sage.
Top tip: Try making a series of small themed cheese shapes using a star cookie cutter, bells, presents, etc.
Expert Tips
- Use the right flavor. I tested this recipe with the most popular flavor of Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs), and while it was okay, it really came to life when I used a sweet AND savory flavor. I used Cranberry and Black Pepper, which is seasonally available during the holiday season, but there are plenty of other flavors that could work well. Balsamic and Fig, Apple and Maple, and so many others.
- Add a little oomph if going the savory route. If you're using a strictly savory flavor, add a little hot sauce, parmesan cheese, or seasonings of your choice to give it a boost.
- Chill before rolling. While you could carefully roll your newly formed cheese ball, it works so much better if you chill it before rolling it in the chopped nuts. I recommend 20 minutes in the freezer or 40 minutes in the refrigerator.
More Boursin Recipes:
- Baked Boursin Pasta
- Boursin Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Boursin Pasta - The Dizzy Cook
- Homemade Boursin Cheese - The Cookie Rookie
More Party Food:
If you loved this Boursin Cheese Ball recipe, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Boursin Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 packages (150g each) Boursin cheese Cranberry and Black Pepper, or another sweet and savory flavor (Fig and Balsamic, Apple and Maple, etc)
- Black pepper freshly cracked (to taste)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Unwrap the cheese and place both rounds in a medium bowl.
- Use a fork to blend the cheese into a smooth consistency. Add fresh cracked pepper to taste.
- Form the softened cheese into a smooth, round ball.
- Tightly wrap the ball with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 40 minutes, or in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- Spread the chopped pecans in a shallow bowl or on a plate.
- Carefully unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the chopped pecans, using your hands to help the nuts adhere to the cheese if needed. Wrap and chill until needed, or serve immediately.
- Place the rolled Boursin cheese ball in the center of a serving platter, arranging a variety of your favorite crackers around the edges for serving. Add an appetizer knife to make spreading the cheese easier for your guests.
Notes
Nutrition
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