If you are a cheese lover looking for a delightful way to serve a warm, savory appetizer, the Crispy Baked Boursin with Panko and Herbs Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This dish takes the creamy, garlicky richness of Boursin cheese and adds an irresistibly crunchy golden crust with panko breadcrumbs and fresh herbs. It’s so simple, yet so impressive when it comes out of the oven bubbling and golden, making every bite a perfect combination of creamy and crispy that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together to create an amazing balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the creamy garlic and herb Boursin forming the base, the panko breadcrumbs delivering that crave-worthy crunch, or the fresh parsley adding a nice vibrant touch.
- 8 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor): The creamy, flavorful star of the dish that melts beautifully under the crust.
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds a light, crisp crust that perfectly contrasts the softness of the cheese.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Ensures the breadcrumbs brown nicely and gives a rich taste.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and color to brighten up the crispy topping.
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated (optional): Enhances the savory depth with a touch of nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional): Adds a subtle, refreshing zing to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling): Helps the top get extra golden and adds a nice fruity note.
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for serving: Perfect dippers to scoop up that melty, crispy cheese.
How to Make Crispy Baked Boursin with Panko and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, place the entire 8 oz Boursin cheese ball into a small ovenproof dish. This keeps it intact during baking and allows the cheese to melt perfectly from the center outwards.
Step 2: Mix the Crispy Topping
In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, chopped fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese if using, and lemon zest for that bright hint of citrus. This mixture will create the golden, flavorful crust you want to perfectly complement the cheese.
Step 3: Top and Drizzle
Generously sprinkle the breadcrumb and herb mixture over the top of the Boursin cheese ball, pressing down lightly to help it adhere. Then, drizzle the olive oil evenly over the topping. This encourages the crispiness and adds rich flavor as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and soft inside. Keep an eye on it to ensure the breadcrumbs don’t burn, as ovens can vary.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, serve the Crispy Baked Boursin with Panko and Herbs Recipe immediately. The cheese inside is deliciously gooey, and that crunchy top makes this an unforgettable appetizer every time.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Boursin with Panko and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra parsley or finely chopped chives make excellent garnishes that add a pop of color and freshness. A light sprinkle of additional lemon zest right before serving can also brighten the dish and elevate the aromas.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy crackers, crusty baguette slices, or a colorful vegetable platter featuring crunchy cucumber sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips for dipping. It’s also lovely alongside a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, you can bake the Boursin in individual ramekins or mini cocottes to serve guests their own personal cheesy delight. Another fun idea is to turn this into a party dip station with assorted dippers arranged beautifully around the warm baked cheese centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled baked Boursin to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the topping may lose its crunch but the creamy cheese inside will still taste delicious.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Crispy Baked Boursin with Panko and Herbs Recipe, since the texture of both the cheese and crunchy topping may degrade after thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, place the cheese back into a small ovenproof dish and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. This helps restore some of the crispiness and brings the gooey cheese back to life.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Boursin’s creamy, herby flavor is pretty unique, but you could try other soft cheeses like goat cheese or a cream cheese blend. Just note the flavor and texture will differ from the original Crispy Baked Boursin with Panko and Herbs Recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh parsley really adds essential flavor and color to the topping. You might also try fresh basil or thyme for a different herbal twist.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this dish, substitute the Boursin for a vegan soft cheese and use vegan butter with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast. The crisp topping concept works well with these alternatives though the exact flavors will change.
Can I prepare the cheese ahead of time before baking?
You can prepare the breadcrumb mixture and even place it over the Boursin an hour ahead, covering and refrigerating until ready to bake. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking for best results.
How do I prevent the topping from burning?
Keep an eye on the cheese during the last few minutes of baking and if the breadcrumbs brown too fast, loosely cover with foil to protect them while the cheese finishes melting.
Final Thoughts
The Crispy Baked Boursin with Panko and Herbs Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s effortlessly elegant, insanely tasty, and the perfect way to impress friends or treat yourself to an indulgent snack. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite appetizer!
Print
Crispy Baked Boursin with Panko and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Crispy Baked Boursin recipe transforms creamy garlic and herb Boursin cheese into a golden, crunchy appetizer perfect for entertaining. Coated with buttery panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of fresh herbs and Parmesan, this baked cheese is delightfully crispy on the outside while remaining rich and creamy within. Serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables for an irresistible starter or snack.
Ingredients
Cheese and Coating
- 8 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a fresh touch)
Finishing and Serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the cheese, which will help achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest if using. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients and create a flavorful coating for the cheese.
- Coat the Boursin cheese: Place the Boursin cheese ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking dish. Gently press the breadcrumb mixture over the entire surface of the cheese, ensuring it is fully coated for maximum crispiness.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle the coated cheese with olive oil to encourage browning and add richness during baking.
- Bake the cheese: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the Boursin cheese for about 15-20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy, while the cheese inside is warm and soft.
- Serve immediately: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley for a bright flavor contrast.
- Adding Parmesan and lemon zest enhances the breadcrumb topping but is optional.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey for the best experience.
- To make prep easier, melt the butter in advance and mix with the breadcrumbs thoroughly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
