Lebanese Laban Yogurt Recipe

Discover the creamy magic of homemade Lebanese Labneh yogurt! This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a tangy, thick, and incredibly delicious yogurt perfect for dipping, spreading, or as a base for your favorite dishes. Made with just milk and yogurt, this traditional method yields a luxuriously textured labneh in just a few hours. Get ready to impress!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 165.5 kcal
Protein 17g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Lebanese Laban Yogurt 25

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Lebanese Laban Yogurt

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt (preferably a live and active culture yogurt)

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Lebanese Laban Yogurt? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Lebanese Laban Yogurt

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the milk with the yogurt until smooth and slightly liquid. This creates a starter culture.
  2. Pour the remaining milk into a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges). Do not boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the milk to cool until it reaches lukewarm (around 110-115°F or 43-46°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  4. Gently whisk in the yogurt starter mixture into the lukewarm milk, ensuring it's well combined.
  5. Pour the mixture into a clean, heat-safe jar or container.
  6. Cover the jar with a lid, then wrap it in a thick layer of a warm blanket or towel to maintain a consistent temperature. Alternatively, you can place it in a yogurt maker.
  7. Place the covered jar in a warm place (ideally 75-85°F or 24-29°C) for 6-8 hours, or until the yogurt has thickened considerably. Avoid any drafts or temperature fluctuations.
  8. Once thickened, refrigerate the labneh for at least 3 hours to halt the culturing process and to further develop its tangy flavor. The longer it chills, the more flavorful it will become.
  9. Before serving, you may strain the labneh through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter for an even thicker consistency (optional).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

5 g

Sugar

2g

Fat

29g

Carbs

4g