Olive Boursin Spread: A Deliciously Simple Recipe for Any Occasion

Olive Boursin spread is a delightful and versatile appetizer that elevates any gathering. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. This recipe combines the richness of Boursin cheese with the briny goodness of olives, creating a spread that’s perfect for crackers, bread, vegetables, or even as a topping for grilled meats. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or simply want to add a touch of elegance to your meal, this Olive Boursin spread is sure to impress.

## Why You’ll Love This Olive Boursin Spread

* **Effortless Elegance:** This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, yet it delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that will wow your guests.
* **Versatile Application:** Enjoy it with crackers, bread, vegetables, or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches and wraps.
* **Customizable:** Adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of olives, adding herbs, or adjusting the seasoning.
* **Quick Preparation:** Ready in just minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a quick snack.
* ** crowd-pleaser:** The combination of creamy Boursin cheese and briny olives is a flavor sensation that appeals to a wide range of palates.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Boursin Cheese:** The star of the show! Boursin’s creamy texture and garlic-herb flavor provide the perfect base for the spread. One package (typically 5.2 ounces) is usually sufficient.
* **Olives:** Use a mix of your favorite olives for a complex flavor. Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and green olives are all excellent choices. Pitted olives are a must for ease of preparation. You’ll need about 1 cup of chopped olives.
* **Olive Oil:** A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and helps to bind the ingredients together. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the cheese.
* **Garlic (Optional):** For an extra garlicky kick, add a clove of minced garlic. However, keep in mind that Boursin cheese already contains garlic, so use it sparingly.
* **Fresh Herbs (Optional):** Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can add a burst of freshness and enhance the flavor. A tablespoon of chopped herbs is usually enough.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season to taste. Remember that olives are already salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is so easy, you’ll be enjoying your Olive Boursin spread in no time!

**Step 1: Prepare the Olives**

If your olives aren’t already pitted, remove the pits. Then, coarsely chop the olives. A food processor can be used for this, but be careful not to over-process them into a paste. You want to maintain some texture.

**Step 2: Combine Ingredients**

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Boursin cheese, chopped olives, olive oil, and lemon juice. If using, add the minced garlic, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes.

**Step 3: Mix Well**

Using a fork or spoon, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable.

**Step 4: Season to Taste**

Taste the spread and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Remember to be mindful of the saltiness of the olives.

**Step 5: Chill (Optional)**

While you can serve the Olive Boursin spread immediately, chilling it for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

Transfer the spread to a serving bowl. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a few whole olives. Serve with your favorite crackers, baguette slices, pita bread, or raw vegetables. It’s also delicious as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

## Tips and Variations

* **Type of Olives:** Experiment with different types of olives to find your favorite combination. Kalamata olives offer a rich, briny flavor, while Castelvetrano olives are mild and buttery. Green olives add a bright, tangy note.
* **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist.
* **Incorporate Artichoke Hearts:** Chopped artichoke hearts add a unique texture and flavor dimension to the spread.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use a vegan cream cheese alternative in place of Boursin cheese. There are several delicious vegan cream cheese options available on the market.
* **Use Roasted Garlic:** Replace fresh garlic with roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
* **Add Feta Cheese:** Crumble a small amount of feta cheese into the spread for a salty and tangy flavor boost.
* **Make it a Dip:** For a smoother consistency, blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Add a little milk or cream to thin it out if needed.
* **Infuse the Olive Oil:** Infuse the olive oil with herbs or garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Simply heat the olive oil with your desired herbs or garlic in a saucepan over low heat for a few minutes. Let it cool completely before using.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Serve Olive Boursin spread as an appetizer with crackers, baguette slices, pita bread, or raw vegetables.
* **Sandwich Spread:** Use it as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps.
* **Burger Topping:** Add a dollop to your favorite burger for a gourmet touch.
* **Grilled Meat Topping:** Top grilled chicken, fish, or steak with Olive Boursin spread for added flavor and moisture.
* **Pasta Sauce:** Toss cooked pasta with Olive Boursin spread for a simple and delicious sauce. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
* **Baked Potato Topping:** Use it as a topping for baked potatoes instead of sour cream or butter.
* **Charcuterie Board:** Add it to your charcuterie board for a creamy and flavorful addition.
* **Deviled Eggs:** Incorporate it into your deviled egg filling for a unique and flavorful twist.
* **Stuffing for Chicken or Pork:** Use it as a stuffing for chicken breasts or pork tenderloin.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Olive Boursin spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor may intensify over time.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Can I use a different type of cheese?**

While Boursin cheese is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, or ricotta cheese. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be different.

**Can I make this ahead of time?**

Yes, you can make Olive Boursin spread ahead of time. In fact, chilling it for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Can I freeze Olive Boursin spread?**

Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the cheese and make the spread watery.

**How can I prevent the spread from drying out?**

To prevent the spread from drying out, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to the top before storing.

**Is this recipe gluten-free?**

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if necessary.

**Is this recipe vegetarian?**

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.

## Olive Boursin Spread Recipe

**Yields:** Approximately 1 1/2 cups
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes (optional)

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (5.2 ounce) package Boursin cheese, softened
* 1 cup pitted olives, coarsely chopped (Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and green olives recommended)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
* 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, chives, or thyme recommended) (optional)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Equipment:**

* Medium-sized bowl
* Fork or spoon
* Plastic wrap (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Olives:** If your olives aren’t already pitted, remove the pits. Then, coarsely chop the olives.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Boursin cheese, chopped olives, olive oil, and lemon juice. If using, add the minced garlic, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes.
3. **Mix Well:** Using a fork or spoon, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable.
4. **Season to Taste:** Taste the spread and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Remember to be mindful of the saltiness of the olives.
5. **Chill (Optional):** While you can serve the Olive Boursin spread immediately, chilling it for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
6. **Serve and Enjoy!** Transfer the spread to a serving bowl. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a few whole olives. Serve with your favorite crackers, baguette slices, pita bread, or raw vegetables.

Enjoy this easy and delicious Olive Boursin Spread recipe! It’s perfect for any occasion.

## Enjoy!
This Olive Boursin spread is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Its creamy texture and delightful combination of flavors will make it a favorite at your next gathering. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up this delicious appetizer today!