Can You Freeze Boursin Cheese?

Boursin cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a creamy texture and a tangy, herbaceous flavor. This French cheese is popular for spreading on crackers and using as a topping for cooked vegetables or pasta dishes.

With its creamy texture, Boursin doesn’t freeze quite as well as hard cheeses. However, freezing can extend the shelf life of an opened package of Boursin by a few months. Here’s what you need to know about freezing Boursin cheese:

Should You Freeze Boursin Cheese?

Freezing soft cheeses like Boursin can cause some changes in texture and flavor. The high moisture content in soft spreadable cheeses makes them more prone to developing ice crystals during freezing.

These ice crystals can damage the texture of the cheese, making it grainy or crumbly after thawing.

However, for an opened package of Boursin with limited shelf life left, freezing can be a good option for extending its usability. Properly frozen bourbon can keep for 2–3 months in the freezer.

Thawed Boursin is still usable for cooking, spreading, and topping dishes. The texture may not be ideal for a cheese board, but it works well in most applications.

So while you may lose a bit of the original creamy texture, freezing Boursin can save the cheese from going to waste. For best results, use frozen Boursin within 2–3 months and be sure to seal it properly for freezing.

How to Prepare Boursin for Freezing

Follow these simple steps to freeze Boursin cheese:

• Make sure the Boursin is fresh. Only freeze unopened or recently opened packages. Older Boursin is more likely to become grainy or separate when thawed.
• Portion the cheese. Cut foil or wax paper into squares. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of cheese onto each square and smooth into disks or logs. Wrapping in portions makes it easy to thaw just what you need.
• Wrap tightly. Wrap each Boursin portion very tightly in plastic wrap, pressing out all air pockets. Then wrap it again in foil or wax paper. The airtight seal prevents freezer burn.
• Label the packages with the type of cheese and the date. Use a permanent marker so the label won’t rub off.
• Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Place wrapped Boursin pieces in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container to prevent odor transfer.

Does Boursin Cheese Need to Be Thawed Before use?

Boursin can be used while still frozen, but it may be crumbly. For the best texture, thaw frozen Boursin in the refrigerator overnight. Let it thaw completely, keeping it sealed until ready to use.

If you need to use frozen Boursin right away, try letting the package sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. This helps soften it enough for spreading or incorporating into cooked dishes.

Microwaving frozen Boursin can lead to spots that are melted while the rest remains frozen. It’s best to avoid the microwave and allow the cheese to thaw gradually.

Once thawed, use Boursin within a week for the freshest flavor and texture. Avoid refreezing any thawed cheese.

Does Freezing Change the Texture of Boursin?

Freezing soft, spreadable cheeses like Boursin tends to affect their texture the most. The high moisture content and creamy texture of fresh Boursin can be compromised during the freezing process.

Here are some texture changes you may notice after freezing Boursin cheese:

• Increased firmness and density: The cheese loses its initial soft, creamy texture and sets up firmer.
• Graininess or dry crumbles: Ice crystals form during freezing, damaging the smooth texture.
• Watery separation: Some liquid fat may separate and leak out as it thaws.
• Muted flavor: Freezing dulls some of the fresh, tangy flavor notes.

The texture changes depend on how long the Boursin is frozen. Shorter freezing times, around 2–3 months, limit damage to the texture. Older frozen Boursin is more likely to have pronounced texture changes when thawed.

While not ideal for spreading onto a cracker, frozen Boursin still works great for mixing into warm pasta, mashing into potatoes, or stirring into sauces where a perfect creamy texture isn’t necessary.

What’s the Best Way to Store Thawed Boursin Cheese?

To maximize the usability of thawed Boursin cheese, follow these storage tips:

• Keep it refrigerated: Only thaw what you plan to use within a week and keep the thawed Boursin refrigerated. The cooler temperature helps prevent further moisture loss.
• Seal it in an airtight container: Push out excess air and seal the Boursin in a plastic container or rewrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Limit exposure to air: Try to minimize repeatedly opening the container, which introduces drying air. Take out only what you need each time.
• Use a clean utensil. Don’t spread thawed Boursin with the same knife used before freezing. Use a fresh, clean spreader or utensil to prevent contamination.
• Check for off-colors or odors: Discard if the thawed cheese has any discoloration, dry edges, or a sour smell. A well-wrapped Boursin lasts about one week once thawed.

Proper storage helps maximize the shelf life and usability of previously frozen Boursin cheese. Keeping it sealed in the fridge stops any further moisture loss.

What Dishes Work Well with Thawed Boursin Cheese?

While the texture may not be ideal for a cheese plate after freezing, thawed Boursin still works deliciously in:

• Warm pasta dishes: Toss with hot pasta for an instant cream sauce. The heat helps smooth out any graininess.
• Mashed potatoes: Mix in for extra tang and creaminess. Frozen Boursin blends smoothly into mashed potatoes.
• Dips and spreads: Swirl into spinach or artichoke dip, sandwich spreads, or crudités. Other stronger flavors disguise imperfections.
• Quiches or frittatas: Dot dollops into egg dishes before baking for added richness.
• Sauces and gravies: Whisk into pan sauces, cheese sauces, or gravies as a flavor boost.
• Casseroles or gratins: Mix chunks into cheesy bakes as a savory addition.
• Crostini or flatbreads: Top toasted bread with thawed Boursin for simple appetizers.

The key is using thawed Boursin in ways that either re-emulsify it into a sauce or disguise the texture changes within other ingredients. Avoid spreading on crackers or delicate dishes.

Boursin Cheese Freezing FAQs

How long does Boursin last in the freezer?

Properly frozen, Boursin will maintain its best quality for 2–3 months. It remains safe beyond that, but the texture and flavor quality decrease over time. For optimal freshness and texture, use frozen Boursin within 3 months.

Can you refreeze Boursin after thawing?

It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed Boursin cheese. The cheese goes through textural changes during the first freeze-thaw cycle, so refreezing will compound the quality loss. Refreezing also increases the risk of bacterial growth.

What kind of freezer bag is best for Boursin?

Choose a durable freezer bag designed to prevent freezer burn, moisture loss, and odor transfer. Look for thick, freezer-grade bags or those with double zip seals. Remove excess air and seal the frozen Boursin bags completely.

Why does my frozen Boursin have dry spots or ice crystals?

This happens if the bouillon wasn’t sealed airtight prior to freezing. Any exposure to air can cause freezer burn or moisture loss. Use airtight plastic wrap and foil when wrapping, pressing out all air pockets.

Can I shred frozen Boursin cheese?

It’s not recommended. The frozen state of the cheese will likely cause it to crumble or crack rather than shred smoothly like thawed Boursin would. Allow the cheese to thaw completely before attempting to shred it.

Is it better to freeze Boursin in wax paper or plastic wrap?

Plastic wrap makes the best airtight barrier to prevent freezer burn or ice crystals. Wrap first in plastic wrap, then foil or wax paper for extra protection. The plastic wrap directly contacting the cheese ensures no air touches the surface.

The Bottom Line

Boursin’s soft texture does change after freezing, becoming more dense and crumbly. However, thawed Boursin still adds delicious flavor to cooked foods like pastas, sauces, soups, and casseroles.

To freeze, portion Boursin into airtight packages and use within 2–3 months for best quality. With proper freezing and storage, you can safely extend the shelf life of Boursin.