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.
Frequently asked questions:
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
- ¼ cup extra virgin 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.
Nutrition
Want more delicious Lebanese recipes? Check out my Pinterest board!
Is the Za’tar available anywhere in stores or is online the best bet? I’d love to try this!
I find it in Middle Eastern and ethnic stores or International markets! Otherwise online is always a great option. :)
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…
I find it at Middle Eastern markets, Middle Eastern restaurants and international grocery stores. Do you have any near you?
I love Labneh! It’s been years since I’ve made it. Your photos are killer!
Thank you so much!! That means a lot!
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!
Let me know what you think!!
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.
No way!!! That’s so awesome – love the idea of pumpernickel!
This looks amazing! I think I could eat the whole bowl!
I think I did just that – woopsies!!
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!
Ha! I normally do the same!!
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!
Isn’t it addictive? I love that you’ve have it!!
I grew up watching my mom make this and love that my kids love eating it now. I’m so glad you posted it.
I love that, Ani!!
I WANT TO DIP MY FACE INTO THIS!!!! p.s. I miss your face.
Can we do a labneh facial together?!? PS: This would be so good as a tot dipper.
I could snack on this all day long!
It’s the best snack!! xo
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.
Aww thank you so much!! If you find it, grab it and try it!!!
So addicting and delicious.. I’d just keep on snacking!
That’s exactly what I did!!
Give me a creamy dip and I don’t care how you pronounce it. Dipping fantastic.
You would love this, Heidi!! Nice pun. ;-)
This looks great! Perfect for casual summer gatherings!
It is perfect for entertaining! It actually tastes better as it comes to room temp, similar to cheese. :)
I think I could eat the entire bowl all by myself :-) I love the flavors in this!
I’m pretty sure I ate this whole plate…. :)
I bet this is very addicting!
Extremely addicting….
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. :)
Let me know if you find it!!! You won’t regret it!
Drooling into my coffee this morning over this one!
You know what’s funny?? It’s customarily eaten at breakfast with eggs and coffee! :)
I love labneh! Give me a bowl of those pita chips and I could totally go to town with this.
I love that you know what it is!!