Difficulty: Medium | Serves: Makes 10–12 balls
Elevate your snacking and meal prep game with this Marinated Labneh Balls recipe, a creamy, tangy yogurt cheese rolled into bite-sized balls and preserved in fragrant olive oil. Infused with herbs, garlic, and spices, these spreadable delights are a staple of Levantine mezze tables and a luxurious addition to any pantry.
📜 The Art of Preserving Yogurt
“From humble yogurt to pantry treasure—labneh is transformation in a jar.”
Labneh is strained yogurt, thickened until it reaches a spreadable, cream cheese-like consistency. In the Eastern Mediterranean, it’s often shaped into balls and preserved in jars of olive oil flavored with local herbs like za’atar, thyme, rosemary, or sumac.
The oil not only preserves the labneh for weeks but infuses it with layers of flavor—making this both a traditional preservation technique and a gourmet pantry upgrade.
Ingredients for Marinated Labneh Balls
☑️ 2 cups plain full-fat yogurt (Greek or traditional)
☑️ ½ tsp salt
☑️ 1½ – 2 cups extra virgin olive oil (for storing)
For Flavoring the Oil:
☑️ 2–3 garlic cloves, smashed
☑️ 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
☑️ 1 tsp za’atar or sumac (optional)
☑️ ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
☑️ Fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaves (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Marinated Labneh Balls
🥣 Step 1: Strain the Yogurt
1️⃣ Mix yogurt with salt.
2️⃣ Place in a cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl.
3️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for 24–36 hours until thick and spreadable.
🧀 Step 2: Shape the Labneh
1️⃣ Roll the thickened labneh into small balls using clean hands.
2️⃣ Place them on a plate lined with parchment and chill for 30 minutes.
🫙 Step 3: Marinate in Olive Oil
1️⃣ Place the labneh balls in a sterilized jar, layering with garlic, herbs, and spices.
2️⃣ Pour olive oil over to fully submerge.
3️⃣ Seal and refrigerate. Flavors intensify after 1–2 days.
💡 Serving Suggestions
✅ Spread on sourdough or pita
✅ Add to grain bowls or salads
✅ Pair with roasted veggies or charcuterie
💖 Why You’ll Love Marinated Labneh Balls
☑️ Tangy, creamy, and endlessly versatile
☑️ Long-lasting and ready-to-eat anytime
☑️ An elevated, gourmet staple for snacking and gifting
☑️ Rooted in Mediterranean tradition, made for modern kitchens
“Labneh balls are the pantry’s answer to cheese—elegant, effortless, and infused with love.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Truffle Honey Glazed Duck Breast You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
