Yogurt Cheese Labneh
Transform your humble yogurt into rich and velvety **Yogurt Cheese Labneh**, a Middle Eastern-inspired delicacy that’s as versatile as it is easy to make. This no-cook recipe calls for just two main ingredients—whole-milk plain yogurt and a touch of salt—transforming overnight into a luscious, tangy spread with a creamy, cheesecake-like texture. Customize your labneh by adding olive oil, fresh herbs like thyme or dill, or even a hint of garlic for an irresistible flavor boost. Perfect served as a dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crunchy crackers, it also shines as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. Garnish with olive oil and za’atar for a show-stopping appetizer, or keep it simple for a wholesome, homemade treat. Ready in just 10 minutes of prep time and refrigerated to perfection, this labneh is a true kitchen staple you'll want on repeat.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Whole-milk plain yogurt (unsweetened)
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Optional: Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Optional: Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, mint, or dill), minced
- 1 clove Optional: Garlic, finely grated
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt and salt until fully combined and smooth.
Line a fine-mesh strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Place the strainer over a large bowl to catch the liquid (whey) that drains from the yogurt.
Pour the salted yogurt into the prepared strainer. Fold the cheesecloth or towel over the top to cover the yogurt.
Refrigerate the entire setup (strainer, bowl, and yogurt) for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. The longer it drains, the thicker the labneh will become.
After the draining period, remove the strainer from the bowl. Transfer the thickened labneh from the cheesecloth into a clean serving bowl.
Optional step: Stir in olive oil, fresh herbs, and grated garlic for additional flavor.
Serve as a dip with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers, or use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Labneh can also be drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with za'atar seasoning or chopped nuts for a decorative presentation.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
840 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.6 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.7 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1634 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.8 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.6 g | ||
| Protein | 34.3 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.8 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 1195 mg | 92% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 1539 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
