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:
Labneh (Middle Eastern strained yogurt) is similar to Greek yogurt but thicker in consistency and richer in flavor.
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.
Nutrition
Want more delicious Lebanese recipes? Check out my Pinterest board!
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!!