I've spent over 30 years believing cream cheese was the only way to make a great holiday appetizer, but this Boursin Dip is changing my mind! Somehow, with just 5 ingredients, you get a creamy Boursin cheese base (no mixer needed), layered with homemade maple pistachios, tangy pomegranate seeds, and a sweet drizzle of maple syrup. It's ridiculously easy to make and there is only one simple step to ensuring it comes out creamy instead of crumbly.
This appetizer is simple enough for fall potlucks and festive enough to add to your list of Thanksgiving Recipes!
We have literally made the same 3 Ingredient Cheese Ball for every holiday occasion for as long as I can remember because, well, it's delicious. But I've spent the last few years searching for new appetizer ideas without cream cheese, and this has totally won me over!
We fell in love with Boursin cheese for the first time when making this creamy Boursin Chicken Breast, and now we've discovered it makes an excellent base for a dip.
Recipe Notes from Danielle & Misty
Boursin cheese isn't necessarily an obvious choice for a dip base. It's crumbly when it's cold and it can completely melt when it's warm. But oh lucky me! I discovered that if you leave it on the counter and let it come to room temperature, it turns into the perfect creamy consistency for a dip.
That was my "ah ha!" moment with this recipe. I knew it would come together with some great contrasting textures. I started with the crunchy candied pistachios we make and love from this Strawberry Arugula Salad, then added pomegranate seeds for a little tartness to contrast with the sweet.
The result is a shockingly simple, perfectly festive appetizer that is completely make-ahead friendly. The best kind of recipe for the holiday season!
Ingredients for Boursin pistachio dip
You only need 5 simple ingredients for this recipe! To be the most successful, I have shared a few tips below about the cheese and syrup you should choose.
- Boursin cheese: I have made this dip with the Garlic and Herbs, the Shallot and Chives, and the Caramelized Onion and Herbs flavors. All three turned out excellent, but the caramelized onion packs in the most flavor. I have found that it is cheapest to buy the multi-pack from my Costco, although my Kroger stores run decent sales as well if I am willing to keep my eye open.
- Maple syrup: It is essential to use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The flavor is completely different and pancake syrup will not react the same when you cook the nuts in it. I get mine at Sam's Club or Costco and it lasts forever in the fridge.
*Butter was pictured above by mistake. You only need olive oil for this recipe.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make Boursin dip
This recipe is made in two stages: First the nuts are prepared, then the dip is assembled.
Preheat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the pistachios, maple syrup, oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and set a timer for 1 minute. Stir the pistachios, spread them into an even layer, and then set the timer again. Do this a total of 5 times.
After the 5th time, allow the nuts to finish cooling completely in the pan.
Once the nuts are cooled, you're ready to assemble! Start with one pack of Boursin cheese that is softened to room temperature (when you press it with your finger, it should indent easily but still feel cool to the touch).
Place it on a small serving platter and use the back of a spoon to smush it around until it's a very creamy texture. It will be a little crumbly at first - just keep smushing!
Once it's creamy, spread the cheese into an even layer on the platter. Then sprinkle the pistachios and pomegranate seeds evenly across the top.
The final touch is to drizzle the top with a little maple syrup right before serving. That's it!
Make ahead instructions
You can absolutely prep this dip ahead! The easiest portion to make ahead is the pistachios. They can be made, cooled, and then stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
You can also soften the cheese and spread it on the platter as directed, then cover it and store in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, it will need to come to room temperature again to be creamy, and may not be quite as creamy as when it is freshly smushed around.
What to serve with Boursin dip
This dip can be served with practically any of your favorite crackers, breads, or even fruit! Here are a few options that would make a good pairing.
- Classic Toasted Crackers
- Almond Flour Crackers
- Raisin Rosemary Crispy (I get these at Trader Joe's)
- French baguette slices (slice it into ½ inch slices, brush with olive oil, and toast in the oven at 400°F for 5-8 minutes, or until crispy on the edges).
- Apple slices (cosmic crisp, honeycrisp, or fuji apples are great options!)
Variations
You can jazz this up really easily with any of these ideas.
- Stir fresh chopped herbs into the cheese for an extra punch of herby flavor.
- Sprinkle some chopped bacon or candied bacon on top (to candy it, just bake bacon with brown sugar sprinkled on top).
- Drizzle it with homemade Hot Honey instead of maple syrup.
- Use pecans instead of pistachios.
Tips & Tricks
- If the cheese isn't getting creamy as you mix it, it's probably not quite soft enough. Allow it to soften a little longer at room temperature, then smush it around awhile longer.
- If the pomegranate seeds are dripping with juice, use a paper towel to dab them dry before sprinkling them on top of the dip.
- For the prettiest dip, wait to add the pomegranates and maple syrup until right before serving. That way none of the color bleeds into the white cheese.
More recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
- Christmas Charcuterie Board
- Hot Honey Simple Syrup (great for cocktails and mocktails)
- How to Make Quinoa in the Instant Pot or Stove
- Moist Pumpkin Cake Recipe
- Potato Leek Soup
This post was photographed by Rhadonda Sedgwick.
Recipe
Boursin Pistachio Dip with Pomegranates
Ingredients
Candied nuts
- ½ cup pistachios unsalted & shelled
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Dip
- 1 (5.4 oz) wheel Boursin Cheese softened to room temperature (see notes)
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- For serving: Crackers, toasted slices of baguette, or apple slices
Instructions
Candied nuts
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the pistachios, maple syrup, oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.½ cup pistachios, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Remove the pan from the heat and set a timer for 1 minute. Stir the pistachios, spread them into an even layer, and then set the timer again. Do this a total of 5 times. After the 5th time, allow the nuts to finish cooling completely in the pan.
Dip
- To make the dip, place the softened Boursin cheese on a small serving platter and use the back of a spoon to smush it around until the texture is smooth and creamy. It will be a little crumbly at first - just keep smushing!1 (5.4 oz) wheel Boursin Cheese
- Once the cheese is smooth, spread it into an even layer on the dish. Then sprinkle the candied pistachios and pomegranate seeds evenly across the top. Finish by drizzling the maple syrup over the top.3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds, 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- Serve with crackers, toasted slices of baguettes, or sliced apples.For serving: Crackers, toasted slices of baguette, or apple slices
Notes
- If the cheese isn't getting creamy as you mix it, it's probably not quite soft enough. Allow it to soften a little longer at room temperature, then smush it around awhile longer.
- If the pomegranate seeds are dripping with juice, use a paper towel to dab them dry before sprinkling them on top of the dip.
- For the prettiest dip, wait to add the pomegranates and maple syrup until right before serving. That way none of the color bleeds into the white cheese.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
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