This Garlic Labneh comes together in about 15 minutes with no-bake magic for a quick and easy appetizer or spread that your family will love! Switch up the toppings, add some herbs, or keep it simple, the best part is you can easily use what you have on hand. Perfect for that “clean out the fridge” vibe, and honestly, can be a lifesaver on those busy weeknights!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Greek Yogurt – 500 g
- Flaky Salt – 1 tsp
- Garlic – 1 clove
- Lemon Juice – 1/2 lemon
- Olive Oil – 2 tbsp
- Toasted Pine Nuts
- Chopped Parsley
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling)
- Sumac (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Prep the Labneh (10-15 minutes) Grab your favorite fine-mesh sieve and line it with cheesecloth, if you don’t have that, thick paper towels will work (just make sure they are strong enough to hold the yogurt). Set the sieve over a bowl and pour in the yogurt, along with a generous pinch of flaky salt. Gently press the yogurt down with a spoon to help it release water. It’s like giving the yogurt a little massage! Let it drain for around 10-15 minutes until it’s thickened to your liking.
Mix It Up (2-3 minutes) Once your yogurt is thick and luscious, scoop it into a mixing bowl. Finely grate the garlic right in there (ah, the smell!). Add that irresistible lemon juice and olive oil. Give it all a good stir, taste, and season with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper (you’re looking for balance, folks!).
Serve It Right (1-2 minutes) Spread the labneh onto a serving plate, just a light, even layer. Now comes the fun part! Top it with your toasted pine nuts, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and drizzle with more olive oil. If you’re feeling fancy, hit it with some sumac. Woah, it’s gorgeous!
Serve and Devour! You can serve this with pita bread, veggies, or even spread it on sandwiches. Trust me, your family will be coming back for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Garlic Labneh is my go-to recipe whenever I need a quick appetizer or a snack that feels special! It’s comforting in that creamy, Mediterranean way and always impresses my guests, it’s become a family favorite for sure. I’ll whip it up while I listen to my favorite tunes, and the way the flavors meld together? Absolute magic. The best part is that you can really play around with the toppings or even dip into the flavor profile depending on what you have at home.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my homemade Lebanese Knafeh, my Zaatar Manakeesh Mediterranean flatbread, or my Lebanese Rice!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Garlic Labneh comes together in under 15 minutes, making it the perfect snack or appetizer when time is tight. You can prep everything while you wait for your yogurt, it’s a no-fuss kind of deal!
Customizable
Feeling adventurous? You can switch up the toppings, add different herbs, or even throw in some spices. The flavor of the labneh is a blank canvas that you can enjoy in many ways.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Labneh can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge! Just keep it covered, and voila, instant deliciousness at your fingertips. It’s perfect for entertaining when you need to prep ahead, who doesn’t love that?
Crowd-Pleaser
This recipe is a guaranteed winner; the whole family will love it! Kids and adults alike will go crazy for the creamy texture and delightful garlic flavor. Plus, it’s a hit at parties or gatherings, it’s practically a showstopper!
Budget-Friendly
Easily whip this up with affordable, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s a gourmet-quality dish without breaking the bank!
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
You can spread Garlic Labneh on flatbreads or serve it with veggies. It’s divine with pita chips or as a dip for fresh vegetables. I’ve even used it as a spread on sandwiches, seriously, it elevates everything!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Store any leftover labneh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a stir before serving again!
Reheating Instructions
No need to heat this one up, just enjoy it straight from the fridge. If for some reason you want to use it warm, a microwave on low power for just a few seconds will do the trick, but I recommend serving it chilled.
Freezer Friendly
I wouldn’t recommend freezing labneh, as the texture can change after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
And there you have it! This Garlic Labneh, with its creamy goodness and delightful flavors, is such a gem of a recipe. Perfect for busy lifestyles, family gatherings, or just a snack for yourself while binging your favorite show. Happy cooking, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Garlic Labneh
Ingredients
Method
- Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth (thick paper towels can work). Set over a bowl and pour in the yogurt with a pinch of flaky salt. Press gently to help it release water. Let it drain for 10-15 minutes.
- Once thick, scoop yogurt into a mixing bowl. Finely grate garlic into it, add lemon juice and olive oil, then stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spread labneh on a serving plate. Top with toasted pine nuts, sprinkle with parsley, and drizzle with olive oil. Optionally, add sumac before serving.