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How to make labneh

June 21, 2017 by Caroline's Cooking 21 Comments

If you’ve tried labneh cheese/spread in a mezze meal, you might be surprised to know it’s really easy to make yourself at home. And delicious!

How to make labneh

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A few years ago, one of my friends moved to Jordan for work and it didn’t take long for me to try to figure out a way of visiting. Our trip wasn’t all that long, but between being a relatively small country and the help we had in sorting out details, we got to see and do as much as possible.

There were so many great things about the trip but the food was definitely up there. I was already familiar with many of the foods of the region like humous and tabbouleh, but labneh was one I was less familiar with. When I tried it, I instantly loved it.

If you've tried labneh as part of a mezze meal, you might be surprised to know it's really easy to make yourself at home. Just 3 ingredients & a few min to prep to make this tasty, cream cheese popular in Israel/Jordan and the area.

What is labneh?

Labneh is kind of like a soft, cream cheese made from Greek yogurt and as such, it’s a lot lighter in calories. The idea of making your own cheese might seem a bit scary but believe me, this is really easy.

You can see just how easy it is in this video:

When would you eat it?

Labneh is something you would tend to get as part of a selection of mezze. Mezze are often split into cold and hot dishes, where you tend to start with the cold and move on to the hot. These can be either the appetizer before a main, or eat enough to be a meal in itself.

There’s one time in particular that I remember sharing labneh, humous, falafel, flatbread and fries with my friends in a small alleyway in Amman. It was basically a collection of stalls with lots of plastic tables out front. Waiters would go to the various stalls for you to get your order, each one specializing in different parts of the meal. It was all so good and really cheap as well.

If you've tried labneh as part of a mezze meal, you might be surprised to know it's really easy to make yourself at home. Just 3 ingredients & a few min to prep to make this tasty, cream cheese popular in Israel/Jordan and the area.

At home, you can eat labneh in a variety of ways. You can make your own mezze with any of your choice of some hummus, flatbread, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel or any other favorites. Or, keep it more simple and use it spread on some toast. Why not try it topped with a few walnuts and some honey, or drizzled with olive oil and za’atar as I have topped it here.

Labneh is so easy to make and deliciously creamy. Add your own flavors and dip in or spread it, and be sure to enjoy.

How to make labneh

Looking for other dips/spreads (that would also be perfect for a mezze meal?) Try these!

  • Baba ghanoush (eggplant dip/spread)
  • Muhammara (Red pepper and walnut dip/spread)
  • You could also use Israeli salad to go alongside/on top since it is diced small. 
  • Get more ideas to complete your meal in the Israeli and Middle Eastern recipes archives. 
How to make labneh
Print Recipe
4.5 from 2 votes

How to make labneh

Labneh is a creamy Middle Eastern cheese/spread, and so easy to make at home!
Prep Time2 mins
Total Time2 mins
Course: Appetizer/Starter
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: homemade labneh, middle eastern cheese dip
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 58kcal
Author: Caroline's Cooking

Ingredients

  • 7 oz Greek yogurt 200g/1 small tub
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/4 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  • Mix together the yogurt, salt and lemon juice. Tip the mixture into a doubled-over cheesecloth sat in a sieve or small colander. Place over a bowl, fold the cheesecloth over the yogurt mixture and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. The longer you leave it, the firmer it will become.
  • When ready, gently squeeze any excess liquid and transfer to a small dish/plate. I'd suggest serving as I have here topped with zaatar and olive oil, but you can also sweeten it up topped with a little honey and nuts.

Video

Notes

(see video above)

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline’s Cooking Amazon store. 

Welcome to our week long celebration of June being #DairyMonth – see the other recipes:

A Visit to Ol’ McGrandpa’s Farm by Cooking With Carlee
Alfredo Sauce with Cream Cheese from Feeding Big
Chili Cheese Corn Salad by Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
Chipotle Cheddar Patty Melt by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Breakfast Egg Bites by Family Around the Table
Gluten Free Rotini with Cabot Cheddar, Chorizo and Saffron by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream by A Day in the Life on the Farm
How to Make Labneh from Caroline’s Cooking (you’re here!)
Skillet Jalapeno Popper Dip from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Southern Style Pimento with Bacon Mac and Cheese by Tip Garden
Zucchini Tots with Jalapeno, Cheddar and Bacon by Palatable Pastime

Remember to pin for later!

If you've tried labneh as part of a mezze meal, you might be surprised to know it's really easy to make yourself at home. Just 3 ingredients & a few min to prep to make this tasty, cream cheese popular in Israel/Jordan and the area.

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Filed Under: Appetizer/Starter, Side dishes Tagged With: labneh, yogurt

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Comments

  1. Cynthia says

    June 25, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    I have to admit, that I have never heard of this before! Hmmm…now that I have, I think it would be great.

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 26, 2017 at 8:17 pm

      Thanks Cynthia, it’s not so widely known I know, but it’s definitely worth a try!

      Reply
  2. Carlee says

    June 24, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    I had no idea that I could actually make labneh. I can’t wait to give it a try!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 26, 2017 at 8:18 pm

      Yes, indeed – do give it a try!

      Reply
  3. Michele @BaconFatte says

    June 23, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    I’ve been wanting to try labneh, and I’m so excited to see how easy it is to make… I just might need to try it this weekend! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 24, 2017 at 6:09 am

      Thanks I hope you do and enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Wendy Klik says

    June 22, 2017 at 8:01 am

    Who knew that making Labneh was so easy.? Thanks Caroline!

    Reply
  5. Ellen says

    June 21, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    It looks so easy and I love the flavors.

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 22, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      It really is easy, and the flavors with the zaatar are great.

      Reply
  6. Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says

    June 21, 2017 at 3:48 pm

    So neat! I think I might just have to try this to say that I can do it.

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 22, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      Absolutely, do give it a try!

      Reply
  7. Hadia says

    June 21, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    5 stars
    Labneh is a staple at our house, love the video and love too the Middle Eastern feast in your photo! Gorgeous!!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 22, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      Thanks Hadia, I can understand why it’s a staple!

      Reply
  8. Christine @ Christine's Pantry says

    June 21, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    Simple but good. 🙂

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 22, 2017 at 2:20 pm

      Absolutely!

      Reply
  9. Ann -- The Fountain Avenue Kitchen says

    June 21, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    I love labneh…especially topped with zaatar. Beautiful!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 22, 2017 at 2:20 pm

      Thanks Ann, I agree it’s a great way to enjoy it.

      Reply
  10. ally says

    June 21, 2017 at 11:19 am

    4 stars
    So so simple. And, amazingly deeeelish!!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 22, 2017 at 2:19 pm

      Thanks Ally, I agree!

      Reply
  11. Camilla @ Culinary Adventures says

    June 21, 2017 at 7:54 am

    We LOVE labneh. Haven’t made it in years…thanks for the reminder.

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      June 22, 2017 at 2:19 pm

      You’re welcome Camilla, definitely one to make again soon!

      Reply

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Caroline's Cooking

Welcome! I'm Caroline and this is where I share recipes inspired by travels, places I want to go, or just ideas from feeding the family. Most recipes are easy to make and healthier, but there are treats too! Read More…

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