Sour, creamy and buttery, you will love this easy appetizer of labneh drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with za’atar.
Za’atar is one of those ingredients that I always have on hand. I grew up eating it and as an adult, I continue to use it to season meals in one form or another almost daily. Today’s recipe is one of my favorite snacks and also makes a great appetizer for dinner parties or casual entertaining.
How is labneh different than yogurt?
Labneh (Middle Eastern strained yogurt) is similar to Greek yogurt but thicker in consistency and richer in flavor.
Where can I buy labneh?
Labneh can be made at home or you can find in most Middle Eastern or international grocery stores.
Creamy labneh is a Middle Eastern staple often eaten at breakfast. It is similar in consistency to crème fraîche, sour cream or Greek yogurt. It is nice and tangy which is why it compliments so well with silky olive oil, earthy za’atar and a good pinch of salt.
I urge you to serve it with my easy-as-can-be Baked Pita Chips with Za’atar but it is also delicious with sesame crackers, lavash bread or fresh veggies.
No fork required.
Labneh with Olive Oil and Za'atar
Ingredients:
- 2 cups labneh
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons za'atar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Baked Pita Chips with Za'atar fresh pita bread or veggies for serving
Instructions:
- Spread labneh out in a thin layer on a medium serving platter or large plate. It's important to spread out in a thin layer as opposed to serving in a bowl so that every bite gets a bit of the spices and olive oil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with za'atar and salt.
- Serve with pita chips, veggies or fresh pita bread.
Chef's Notes:
Nutrition Facts:
Similar Recipes:
Want more delicious Lebanese recipes? Check out my Pinterest board!
Kenya
THELEMONBOWL IS LITERALLY THE BEST blog. Love hearing about all of their new recipes this one looks delicious, I also came across this other website with a KETO diet plan that sold me !!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh my goodness thank you so much!!
Heather @ Dredge & Drizzle
My mouth is watering and these are ingredients I haven’t even tasted before! Guess it means I need to try this one!
Liz DellaCroce
It’s so so good!!!!!
Lloyd Evans
Liz,
I also wanted to share with you that Amazon sells a device made by Cuispro, called a “Yogurt Cheee maker” that makes producing Lebnah a lot easier the same idea as the cheesecloth, but using a vey fine screen , which makes it much easier to clean. because one does not use cheesecloth. I like mine a lot.
Ll,oyd
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Lloyd – that’s great to know!!
Lloyd Evans
Liz,
It had not occured to me to look on your site for a Labneh recipe, DUH!!!!, I have been whining since I moved to Ft. Lauderdale about the scarcity, when I lived in Lansing I had it for bkfst. every morning, either homemade from Woody’s Oasis o commerccial, uusally on toast with red chili pepper flakes on it.
Thank you,
Lloyd
Liz DellaCroce
Oh my gosh that sounds so good!
Anita at Hungry Couple
Just made it with my new purchases today. Big yum!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Woot!! So good and simple yet it’s a snack I crave again and again. We grew up eating it with scrambled eggs for breakfast. :)
Annie @Maebells
I love any kind of dip! This looks so good, and different, can’t wait to try it!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you like it!
Shareen
You can even serve it on toast or warmed pita with some fresh tomatoes and kalamata olives. We love it with mint tea!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes!! I want that right now!
Natasha of Natashaskitchen.com
Is the Za’tar available anywhere in stores or is online the best bet? I’d love to try this!
Liz DellaCroce
I find it in Middle Eastern and ethnic stores or International markets! Otherwise online is always a great option. :)
Ale
Hi! I was wondering if you know where to buy labneh. I have had it in my home country but I have not found it in the US…
Liz DellaCroce
I find it at Middle Eastern markets, Middle Eastern restaurants and international grocery stores. Do you have any near you?
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
I love Labneh! It’s been years since I’ve made it. Your photos are killer!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!! That means a lot!
ATasteOfMadness
Holy moly this looks good! I have never had labneh (never heard of it either!) but I am definitely putting this on my to-do list!
Liz DellaCroce
Let me know what you think!!
Sara
No way! I just had labneh with zaatar and olive oil few minutes before seeing your post on my email inbox! :D
I used goat labneh and brown toasted pumpernickle bread.
Liz DellaCroce
No way!!! That’s so awesome – love the idea of pumpernickel!
Tieghan
This looks amazing! I think I could eat the whole bowl!
Liz DellaCroce
I think I did just that – woopsies!!
Joanne
I love labneh! Generally, I just eat it straight up, but I love the idea of adding a bit of spice and some chips for dunking!
Liz DellaCroce
Ha! I normally do the same!!
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
I first had labneh about 2 years ago….I was hooked after one bite!!! For the life of me, I have no idea why I’ve never made my own. This looks amazing, Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
Isn’t it addictive? I love that you’ve have it!!
Ani B
I grew up watching my mom make this and love that my kids love eating it now. I’m so glad you posted it.
Liz DellaCroce
I love that, Ani!!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
I WANT TO DIP MY FACE INTO THIS!!!! p.s. I miss your face.
Liz DellaCroce
Can we do a labneh facial together?!? PS: This would be so good as a tot dipper.
Gaby
I could snack on this all day long!
Liz DellaCroce
It’s the best snack!! xo
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
I love coming here because I’m always being introduced to new foods. Never heard of labneh and not sure how to pronounce it but I can tell I already love it.
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you so much!! If you find it, grab it and try it!!!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl
So addicting and delicious.. I’d just keep on snacking!
Liz DellaCroce
That’s exactly what I did!!
Heidi @foodiecrush
Give me a creamy dip and I don’t care how you pronounce it. Dipping fantastic.
Liz DellaCroce
You would love this, Heidi!! Nice pun. ;-)
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch
This looks great! Perfect for casual summer gatherings!
Liz DellaCroce
It is perfect for entertaining! It actually tastes better as it comes to room temp, similar to cheese. :)
eat good 4 life
I think I could eat the entire bowl all by myself :-) I love the flavors in this!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m pretty sure I ate this whole plate…. :)
Christine from Cook the Story
I bet this is very addicting!
Liz DellaCroce
Extremely addicting….
Baby June
I’ve never tried that kind of yogurt, but it sounds amazing. I’ll have to look for it! And this recipe–mmm, all those luscious, exotic flavors. :)
Liz DellaCroce
Let me know if you find it!!! You won’t regret it!
Cassie
Drooling into my coffee this morning over this one!
Liz DellaCroce
You know what’s funny?? It’s customarily eaten at breakfast with eggs and coffee! :)
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
I love labneh! Give me a bowl of those pita chips and I could totally go to town with this.
Liz DellaCroce
I love that you know what it is!!