How to make homemade Greek yogurt cream cheese (Labneh)

Learn how to make homemade Greek yogurt cream cheese with this DIY recipe. Whip up a delightful Labneh using just 2 ingredients!

How to make homemade cream cheese from Greek yogurt? It’s a breeze! With just 2 simple ingredients, you can create your own velvety, smooth, and delightfully tangy Labneh dairy spread from scratch.

Ever heard of Labneh? This creamy dip goes by that name, and trust me, it’s nothing short of incredible.

Labneh, also known as labne or labna, is a soft cheese made from yogurt that’s really popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. To make it, yogurt is strained to remove some of the liquid, making it thicker, creamier, and tangier.

Imagine the magic of turning a plain tub of Greek yogurt into a creamy masterpiece that’s about to shine in your kitchen!

It’s our family’s go-to dairy dip along with a spicy ranch sauce, and I make it every week using my homemade yogurt. We usually enjoy it with whole wheat crackers for the perfect snack.

Below, I’ll share what I know about how to make homemade cream cheese. So get ready for a bunch of ideas and practical tips to personalize and make the most of this versatile ingredient across various recipes.

Just so you know, this homemade cream cheese has a texture and thickness similar to the ones you buy in stores. There’s a twist though – its taste and tanginess might be a bit different. However, it’s a healthier choice.

Is Greek yogurt cream cheese the same as regular one?

Greek yogurt cream cheese and regular one aren’t exactly the same, even though they’re pretty similar in texture and how we use them. They’re a bit like cousins, if you think about it, haha!

Here are the main differences between the two:

Ingredients: The big difference comes from what they’re made of. Traditional dairy spread is made by curdling milk with an acid or bacteria culture and then allowing the curds to form, while Greek yogurt cream cheese gets its start by straining Greek yogurt to remove excess whey and make it thicker, like regular dairy spread.

Talking nutrition: Labneh typically has less fat and more protein compared to the regular kind. So, if you’re aiming to reduce fat or increase your protein intake, it’s a smart choice!

Texture and Taste: While both have a creamy texture, Labneh might have a slightly tangier flavor. On the other hand, regular cream cheese has a milder and more neutral taste.

Consistency: Greek yogurt cream cheese is a bit softer and not as dense as the regular kind. The straining process also makes it pretty smooth.

Thinking About Health: Homemade Labneh might be a winner for your health due to the probiotics in the yogurt cultures.

Useful tips

Whipping up your own cream cheese at home is way easier than you might think. All you really have to do is strain yogurt to get rid of the extra liquid (whey), and voilà, you’ll have a creamy, thick texture just like regular cream cheese.

Sure, the straining part takes a little time, but overall, it’s a simple process – no need for any fancy techniques. Just follow the steps, be patient, and keep an eye on the details.

You may use Greek or regular plain yogurt in this recipe. The Greek variety is thicker, so your spread will be thicker too. Nevertheless, both yield great results.

And to make sure you get the best homemade Labneh, here are some handy tips:

• Start with high-quality, full-fat Greek yogurt as your base. Opt for full-fat since it adds extra creaminess and fantastic flavor to the cream cheese.
• The key to making homemade cream cheese is to strain the yogurt to remove excess whey. You can use cheesecloth, a fine strainer, or even a coffee filter on a sieve. Let the mixture strain for 8-12 hours, until it’s as thick as you want.
• Keep the yogurt straining in the fridge for a consistent temperature. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long to prevent bacteria from growing.
• Don’t discard the strained whey leftover. If you’ve added salt to the yogurt, you can use the whey to thin out soups, stews, and sauces. If your cream cheese is unsalted, think about adding the whey to bread, pancakes, or pastry dough for better flavor and texture. Also, you can use whey instead of milk in this Burger buns recipe.
• And lastly, but equally important, make sure all your utensils, containers, and surfaces are clean and sanitized before you start. This helps prevent any unwanted bacterial growth during the process.

Twists to the classic homemade Labneh recipe

You can make the usual Greek yogurt cream cheese more fun by trying different twists that create unique flavors and textures.

Here are a couple of ideas:

• Herb and Garlic: Mix chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, dill, or chives along with minced garlic into the dairy spread for a savory and aromatic twist.
• Sweet and Spicy: Mix in some honey and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a delightful combination of sweet and fiery flavors.
• Savory Veggie: Add finely chopped roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives to infuse your dairy dip with a Mediterranean twist.
• Sesame Seeded: Mix in toasted sesame seeds for a nutty and slightly crunchy texture.
• Lemon Zest and Dill: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and chopped dill for a bright and refreshing flavor combination.
• Spicy and Unique: Add pink pepper (also known as pink peppercorns) to introduce a burst of color and a subtle peppery flavor. You can choose to lightly crush them to enhance their taste or keep them whole for a more subdued effect.

And if you’ve chosen to create an unsalted dairy dip, here are some intriguing ideas:

• Fruit Infusion: Fold in finely chopped or pureed fresh fruits like berries, peaches, or mangoes to create a fruity and slightly tangy variation.
• Nutty Delight: Mix in crushed nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cranberry Orange: Fold in dried cranberries and orange zest for a sweet-tart and citrusy twist.

Feel free to experiment with these suggestions and adjust the quantities to match your taste preferences.

Now, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create the most delicious homemade Labneh.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (500g) Greek or regular plain yogurt (full-fat is preferred for a creamier texture).
• ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Additionally, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl
• Fine mesh strainer or a colander lined with a double layer of cheesecloth

How to make Greek yogurt cream cheese at home

1. Begin by putting yogurt in a bowl, adding ½ teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste), and mixing well. If you want unsalted cream cheese, skip this step. Line a colander with cheesecloth; if you have a fine mesh strainer or sieve, no cloth is needed. Place the strainer over a bowl to catch draining whey. Gently spoon plain or Greek yogurt into the strainer.

2. Place the strainer-bowl in the refrigerator and let the yogurt drain for 12 to 24 hours (I usually leave it overnight). The longer it drains, the thicker your cream cheese will be. After the suggested time, check the strained mixture’s thickness—it should be much like cream cheese. The whey will gather in the bowl.

3. Transfer the strained Labneh into a new container. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the perfect time to toss in some herbs, spices, or any other flavors you love to make it uniquely delicious! Store it in the fridge for about a week. Enjoy!

How to serve Greek yogurt cream cheese

This homemade Greek yogurt cream cheese can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Spread: It can be spread on bread, crackers, bagels, or pita, often drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs or spices. Try it with our tomato onion bread – it’s a match made in flavor heaven!
• Dip: It can be used as a dip for veggies, chips, roasted potatoes, corn fritters, bacon-wrapped prunes, or even as a replacement for sour cream or mayonnaise-based dips.
• Topping: Homemade Labneh can be used as a topping for salads, grilled meats, stuffed potato patties, savory waffles, and roasted vegetables.
• Sweet Variations: Sweet versions of labneh can be made by adding honey, maple syrup, fruits, or sweet spices, and used as a dessert or breakfast topping.

Whichever way you decide to enjoy homemade Labneh, you’re going to love it.

FAQ

See how easy it is to make homemade cream cheese from Greek yogurt? With little effort and time, you’ll have a versatile Labneh that adds creaminess to your cooking. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the joy of creating something tasty from scratch?

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