Homemade Labneh Recipe (Video: How to Make Labneh) | The Mediterranean Dish (2024)

Homemade labneh Recipe--AKA tangy, thick, creamy yogurt cheese. Serve it Middle Eastern-style as a dip with lots of olive oil and a sprinkle of good Za'atar. Or simply use it in place of cream cheese.

Homemade Labneh Recipe (Video: How to Make Labneh) | The Mediterranean Dish (1)

If Greek Yiayias (grandmothers) perfected the making of yogurt, Middle Eastern Tatas can absolutely claim labneh expertise.

In Middle Eastern homes, and particularly those in the Levant, good labneh is as non-negotiable as good hummus.

What exactly is Labneh?

Tangy, thick, and creamy, labneh (also known as labnah or labne) is basically yogurt cheese. Just like Greek yogurt, it is made by straining yogurt until it loses most of its liquid. If you think of Greek yogurt as strained yogurt, labneh is extra strained yogurt.

Homemade Labneh Recipe (Video: How to Make Labneh) | The Mediterranean Dish (2)

Labneh making is simple. You need natural goat’s milk yogurt, or quality full-fat cow’s milk yogurt, and a little salt. Stir the salt into the yogurt, place it into a muslin or linen cloth and hang from the kitchen faucet. Let time do the hard work.

After several hours, the whey strains out, leaving you with a delightfully thick spreadable cheese.

Homemade Labneh Recipe (Video: How to Make Labneh) | The Mediterranean Dish (3)

How to serve homemade labneh?

This homemade labneh recipe is an alternative to cream cheese (a little lighter, perhaps). You can certainly spread it on sandwiches or use it as you would cream cheese. Do it the Middle Eastern way—spread in a bowl with a pool of excellent olive oil and topped with a generous sprinkle of Za'atar spice. I highly recommend this Early Harvest EVOOhere.

Homemade Labneh Recipe (Video: How to Make Labneh) | The Mediterranean Dish (4)

If you feel like jazzing things up more, use labneh as the centerpiece to a pretty veggie board like we have today. Or turn it into a luscious dip with cranberries and herbs like this recipe. Or serve it with Roasted Beets or as part of a mezze platter.

Even dessert! Whip the plain labne into a sweet and tangy whipped cream, like the one in our strawberry shortcake recipe. Once you make labneh at home, I'm confident you'll find many ways to enjoy it!

Storage

Store homemade labneh in the fridge in a tightly-closed container for up to 2 weeks. To better preserve your labneh, you can form it into balls that are about 1 tablespoon each in size. Place the balls in a large sterilized, airtight jar and pour extra virgin olive oil to cover. Cover the jar tightly and leave at room temperature or in the fridge, if you live in a warm area.

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Homemade Labneh Recipe (Video: How to Make Labneh) | The Mediterranean Dish (5)

Homemade Labneh Recipe (How to Make Labneh)

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  • Author: The Mediterranean Dish
  • Total Time: 24 hours
  • Yield: Serves 8

Description

Easy Homemade Labneh Recipe. Labneh is Middle Eastern yogurt cheese. A little tangy and super creamy. Takes only a couple steps to make with this easy recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 32 oz whole milk yogurt
  • ¾ tsp salt

To Serve

  • Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Za'atar spice or chopped fresh herbs
  • Warm pita bread
  • Sliced vegetables of choice

Instructions

  1. Pour the yogurt into a large bowl. Stir in salt.
  2. Line another large bowl with a linen or muslin towel (or several layers of cheesecloth.) Pour the yogurt mixture into the towel. Pick up the edges of the towel and tie at the top. Hang from a kitchen sink faucet to drain for 24 to 48 hours. (Alternatively, set a large sieve, lined with linen towel over a deep bowl. Add the yogurt mixture. Cover gently with the overhang of the linen towel, or another linen towel. Set aside on the counter, or in the fridge, to drain for 24-48 hours)
  3. To serve, spread labnehin a bowl and top with extra virgin olive oil, za'atar spice (or chopped fresh herbs like mint or parsley). Add warm pita and fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Store labneh in a tight-lid container in the fridge and use as a spread, like any cream cheese. Labneh will keep this way up to 2 weeks. Or, preserve in olive oil for longer. This more labor intensive option works only if the yogurt has been strained for 48 hours forming thicker labneh. At this point, roll the labneh into small ¾-inch balls. Place on a large tray lined with paper towel, cover with another paper towel and refrigerate overnight. When ready, place the labneh balls in a clean jar and pour excellent quality olive oil, making sure the labneh balls are completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate until needed; it'll be good for months this way. Or leave the jar at room temperature for some weeks (2-4 weeks is safe).
  • Recommended for this Recipe:Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil;All-Natural Za'atar Spice.
  • SAVE!Try our Ultimate Mediterranean Spice Bundle! Or create your own 3-pack or 6-pack of premium all-natural and organic spices!
  • Prep Time: 24 hours
  • Method: Straining
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Homemade Labneh Recipe (Video: How to Make Labneh) | The Mediterranean Dish (6)

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I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you're here...
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Homemade Labneh Recipe (Video: How to Make Labneh) | The Mediterranean Dish (2024)

FAQs

Homemade Labneh Recipe (Video: How to Make Labneh) | The Mediterranean Dish? ›

Karoun Mediterranean Style Labne is a centuries old Mediterranean style spreadable kefir cheese. It has a distinctive tangy flavor and is smoother and thicker than yogurt. Serve it as a refreshing dip for pita bread and vegetables and its superb in sandwiches.

What is Mediterranean style labne? ›

Karoun Mediterranean Style Labne is a centuries old Mediterranean style spreadable kefir cheese. It has a distinctive tangy flavor and is smoother and thicker than yogurt. Serve it as a refreshing dip for pita bread and vegetables and its superb in sandwiches.

What is Lebanese labneh made of? ›

Just like Greek yogurt, it is made by straining yogurt until it loses most of its liquid. If you think of Greek yogurt as strained yogurt, labneh is extra strained yogurt. Labneh making is simple. You need natural goat's milk yogurt, or quality full-fat cow's milk yogurt, and a little salt.

What is labneh called in English? ›

Strained yogurt is known as labneh (labna, labni, labne, lebni, or labani; Arabic: لبنة) in the Levant, Israel, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula.

How long does labneh last in the refrigerator? ›

How Long Does Labneh Last. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The balls in oil will keep for up to 6 months in a dark place – though they can last even longer.

What's the difference between Greek and Mediterranean yogurt? ›

Greek-style or Greek yogurt: A thick, creamy tasting plain or flavoured yogurt. It is also known as Mediterranean or Mediterranean-style yogurt. It is thickened by: straining milk's whey (the liquid portion)

What is the difference between labne and labneh? ›

Labneh, also called Labne or yogurt cheese, is a classic Levantine breakfast. Despite its similarity to cream cheese in texture, labneh is not cheese. You get this thick, creamy dip by straining yogurt overnight to allow the whey to drain out. Labneh is tart and refreshing like yogurt!

What do you eat with labneh? ›

A Middle Eastern staple, labaneh is a savory dairy product that's typically served at breakfast and enjoyed with pita bread; it's sometimes rolled into balls, marinated in oil and herbs, and served as a snack.

What is the closest cheese to labneh? ›

If you're not familiar with labneh, it's a soft cheese made by straining yogurt to remove the whey. It has a thick, spreadable texture similar to soft goat cheese or cream cheese, and thanks to its yogurt base, its flavor is rich and tangy.

Is labneh good for gut health? ›

Contains Beneficial Bacteria to Strengthen Your Gut Health

Labneh cheese is a good source of probiotics, which are a type of beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Probiotics are linked to a multitude of benefits.

Can you buy labneh at a grocery store? ›

Many grocery stores now carry labneh in the dairy section, but it's simple to make at home. You only need whole-milk yogurt (cow's milk is more traditional, but goat's milk is another option) and a little salt. No need to use Greek yogurt here; plain, unsweetened whole-milk yogurt will do the trick.

What is the closest to labneh? ›

You can use yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, or mascarpone in place of labneh for many uses, but the flavor and texture won't be quite the same. Once you familiarize yourself with the flavor and versatility of labneh, you're more likely going to want to swap it for the others whenever you get the chance.

Why is Greek yogurt good for females? ›

The Bottom Line. Greek yogurt contains more protein compared to regular yogurt. It's also a good source of calcium and provides probiotics that are good for your gut health. Choose plain Greek yogurt when you can and add yummy toppings on your own, such as nuts and seeds, fruit or even a few chocolate chips.

How to know if labneh is bad? ›

Smell. Unless it's flavored, fresh yogurt should have a neutral scent. If you note any rancid, sour or off odors, it is time to toss it out.

Is labneh healthier than cream cheese? ›

In addition to its delicious taste, labneh is considered a healthy food. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which benefit gut health. Labneh is also lower in fat and sodium compared to cheese or packaged dips, and it adds a lot of calcium to the diet.

What country is labneh from? ›

History of Labneh

While no one knows exactly where it originated, what we do know is that cheeses made from strained yoghurt have been eaten in the Levant (modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Israel) for thousands of years.

What is the difference between sour cream and labne? ›

Labneh is thicker and less tangy than sour cream.

Is Greek yogurt the same as labne? ›

Are Greek yogurt and labneh the same? Labneh is what you get when you strain an already-strained yogurt to remove more of the liquid whey. Greek yogurt is strained yogurt, but labneh is doubly strained.

What is labne similar to? ›

Labneh is versatile and replaced with many things, such as yogurt, cream cheese, and sour cream. Moreover, the texture of the labneh will not be different, which is good for those looking to substitute it.

What is labne in turkey? ›

It's made by straining cow's milk yogurt to remove the whey, and the result is a thick, tangy creamy yogurt cheese that is similar in texture to traditional cream cheese. Labneh is a fantastic addition to a Mezze platter topped with olive oil and spices and then scooped up with pita, or veggies.

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