Creamy Boursin green beans are an easy side dish made with crisp-tender fresh green beans coated in a rich garlic and herb cheese sauce. They taste elegant enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner but only take about 25 minutes to prepare.
If you are looking for a simple way to make green beans feel a little more special, this is it. Boursin cheese melts into the sauce beautifully, giving the green beans plenty of creamy garlic and herb flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients.
This easy green bean recipe pairs well with roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, turkey, ham, or just about any holiday main course.
More Green Bean Recipes To Try
Why You’ll Love These Boursin Green Beans
- Ready in approximately 25 minutes
- Made in one skillet
- Rich, creamy, and full of garlic and herb flavor
- Easy enough for weeknight dinners
- Special enough for Thanksgiving and Christmas
- A delicious alternative to traditional green bean casserole
What Is Boursin Cheese?
Boursin is a soft, creamy cheese flavored with garlic, herbs, and seasonings. It has a texture similar to whipped cream cheese, so it melts easily into sauces.
Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin works especially well in this recipe because the herbs complement the fresh green beans without overpowering them.
Ingredients for Creamy Boursin Green Beans
- Fresh green beans: Trim the ends before cooking. Fresh green beans provide the best color and texture.
- Boursin cheese: Use one package of Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin.
- Butter: Helps soften the shallot and gives the sauce a richer flavor.
- Shallot: Adds a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the cheese sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds another layer of savory flavor.
- Heavy cream: Thins the Boursin into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce creamy without making it too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Black pepper: Balances the richness of the cheese.
- Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color before serving.
How to Make Creamy Boursin Green Beans
1. Blanch the green beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps the beans retain their bright color.
After a few minutes, drain the beans well and set them aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Make the Boursin cheese sauce
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Boursin cheese.
Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Parmesan cheese and black pepper, then continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Add the green beans
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and gently toss until they are evenly coated in the Boursin sauce.
Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the green beans are warmed through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
5. Garnish and serve
Taste the green beans before adding salt because Boursin and Parmesan are already salty. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional black pepper, then serve warm.
Tips for the Best Creamy Green Beans
Do not overcook the green beans. They should be tender but still have a slight snap. Overcooked green beans can become soft and lose their bright color.
Drain the beans thoroughly after blanching. Excess water can thin the cream sauce.
Keep the heat low after adding the Boursin. High heat can cause creamy cheese sauces to separate.
The sauce will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream.
Make It Your Own
This creamy Boursin green bean recipe is easy to customize with different flavors and toppings.
- Add crispy bacon or pancetta.
- Top the beans with toasted sliced almonds.
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions over the finished dish.
- Add sautéed mushrooms.
- Stir in a small amount of Dijon mustard.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Finish with fresh lemon zest to balance the creamy sauce.
- Substitute Shallot and Chive Boursin for a different flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used when fresh green beans are unavailable. Cook them according to the package directions, then drain them thoroughly before adding them to the sauce.
Frozen green beans will be slightly softer than fresh, but they will still taste delicious.
I do not recommend canned green beans for this particular recipe because they are much softer and may break apart while being tossed in the cheese sauce.
What to Serve with Boursin Green Beans
These creamy garlic and herb green beans pair well with both casual dinners and holiday meals. Serve them alongside:
Creamy Boursin Green Beans | Easy Side Dish
Fresh green beans are cooked until crisp-tender and tossed in a rich, creamy garlic and herb Boursin cheese sauce. Ready in about 25 minutes, these creamy Boursin green beans make an easy side dish for weeknight dinners, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 15 MINUTES
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American, Holiday Recipes
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium shallot, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 package (5.2 ounces) Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. While the water heats, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to the ice water. Let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour the heavy cream and broth into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Boursin cheese.
- Stir until the Boursin has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Gently toss until the beans are evenly coated in the creamy Boursin sauce.
- Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the green beans are warmed through and the sauce clings to them.
- Taste before adding salt because the Boursin and Parmesan are already salty. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional black pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook the green beans. They should remain bright green with a slight snap.
- Drain the blanched green beans thoroughly so excess water does not thin the sauce.
- Keep the heat at medium-low after adding the cheese. High heat may cause a creamy sauce to separate.
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in additional broth or cream one tablespoon at a time.
- Vegetable broth may be used to keep the recipe vegetarian.
- Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin provides the classic flavor, but Shallot and Chive Boursin can also be used.
- Add cooked bacon, toasted almonds, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy fried onions for a different variation.
Make Ahead Instructions
Blanch the green beans up to one day in advance. Drain and dry them thoroughly, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. Prepare the Boursin sauce just before serving and add the chilled green beans. Cook for an extra 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
Can You Make Boursin Green Beans Ahead of Time?
These green beans taste best when served immediately, but you can prepare some of the recipe ahead of time.
Blanch the green beans up to one day in advance. Drain them well, pat them dry, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When you are ready to serve, prepare the Boursin sauce and add the chilled green beans to the skillet. Allow an extra minute or two for them to heat through.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover creamy Boursin green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms.
The sauce may separate if overheated, so avoid reheating the green beans over high heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flavor of Boursin is best for green beans?
Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin is the best all-purpose option for this recipe. Shallot and Chive Boursin would also be delicious.
Do I have to blanch the green beans first?
Blanching gives the green beans the best crisp-tender texture and bright green color. However, you can sauté them directly in the skillet with a splash of broth and cover them until tender.
Why is my Boursin sauce too thick?
Boursin sauce naturally thickens as it cooks and cools. Add chicken broth or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Double all of the ingredients and use a large skillet or Dutch oven so there is enough room to toss the green beans evenly in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
These creamy Boursin green beans are proof that a simple vegetable side dish does not have to be boring. The crisp-tender green beans and rich garlic herb cheese sauce make every bite creamy, savory, and satisfying.
They are quick enough to prepare with a weeknight meal, but the Boursin sauce makes them feel special enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or Sunday dinner. If you need an easy holiday side dish that everyone will want seconds of, save this creamy Boursin green beans recipe.
