Homemade Labneh
A creamy Middle Eastern cheese spread made from strained yogurt, topped with fresh pomegranate, pistachios, and herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or part of a mezze platter.
Lonneke Heijnen / July 6, 2025
Appetizer
- Middle Eastern
- Cheese
- Make Ahead
- Vegetarian
- Mezze
Prep time
15 min
Cooking time
0 min
Total time
15 min
Servings
6
Ingredients
For the labneh base:
- 500g Greek yogurt (10% fat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Clean cheesecloth or kitchen towel
For the toppings:
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Seeds from 1/2 pomegranate
- 3 tablespoons pistachios, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, torn
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
For serving:
- Pita bread, warmed
- Flatbread or crackers
- Fresh vegetables for dipping
Instructions
Day before serving:
-
In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with salt and pepper until well combined.
-
Line a colander or sieve with a clean cheesecloth or kitchen towel. Place the colander over a bowl to catch the liquid.
-
Pour the yogurt mixture into the lined colander. Gather the edges of the cloth and loosely tie them together.
-
Place in the refrigerator and let drain overnight (at least 8-12 hours). The longer it drains, the thicker your labneh will be.
Day of serving:
-
Remove the strained labneh from the cloth and transfer to a serving dish. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls and indentations on the surface.
-
Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
-
Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and torn mint leaves.
-
If using, add the orange zest for a citrusy aroma.
-
Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
-
Serve immediately with warm pita bread, flatbread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips
- For a thicker labneh, strain for up to 24 hours.
- You can add minced garlic to the yogurt mixture for a more savory version.
- Store any leftover labneh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Try different toppings like roasted cherry tomatoes, za'atar spice mix, or honey for variety.