Za'atar Labneh with Crispy Garlic

Here's what we've got going on here:

• A bowl of rich and creamy, tart and tangy Labneh (super creamy middle-eastern soft, fresh cheese)
• Za'atar and garlic that's been simmered in olive oil until the garlic is crispy and the za'atar is intensely fragrant and flavorful
• A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a stack of warm, buttered naan

This recipe for za'atar labneh is technically intended to be served as an appetizer, shared amongst several people. Or, and hear me out on this, you and your significant other can hungrily devour it for dinner along with warm buttered naan and a plate of crispy carrot fries and then sigh into a happy, contented kind of satisfaction because the world suddenly feels all warm and cozy.

Yes, please.

What is Labneh?

Labneh is a tart and tangy fresh cheese that's basically a super creamy strained yogurt. Think of it as a middle-eastern equivalent of sour cream or low-fat cream cheese. Except, honestly, it's better than both of those things.

Labneh is generally used in savory dishes, but it lends itself to an inexhaustible number of creative uses in the kitchen. It's also delicious enough to eat by the spoonful, straight from the container.

My goal with this recipe was not to cover up the incredibly delicious flavor of labneh, but to pair it with ingredients that would compliment it's tangy flavor and creamy consistency.

I like to serve za'atar labneh with warm, buttered naan and crispy carrot fries. But, you can serve it with any kind of crusty bread, toast or crackers, warm pita, or any kind of vegetables, raw or cooked.

Ingredients Needed to Prepare this Recipe

You only need 6 ingredients to make za'atar labneh.

1. Fresh garlic
2. A carton of labneh - Or make a super easy batch of homemade labneh!
3. Kosher salt
4. Extra Virgin Olive oil
5. Za'atar
6. Fresh parsley

*See recipe card below for precise quantities.

How to Make Za'atar Labneh

Making za'atar labneh is a super easy 2-step process.

Add some olive oil, za'atar, salt, and minced garlic to a skillet and let it simmer for just a couple of minutes, until the garlic is golden brown and the za'atar is fragrant. Let it cool.

Scoop some labneh into a bowl and pour the crispy garlic and za'atar oil over the top. Sprinkle with a bit of fresh parsley and serve.

How to Serve Za'atar Labneh

My favorite way to eat za'atar labneh is with a stack of warm naan that's been brushed with melted butter and a plate full of freshly baked crispy carrot fries.

But, honestly, the ways to eat and serve this simple dish are endless. Here's some other ideas:

• Serve it with warm pita, crackers, crusty bread, toast, or even warm homemade flour tortillas
• Serve it with an assortment of raw vegetables
• Serve it with any kind of quickly sautéed vegetables
• It might sound strange, but crisp slices of apple are absolutely delicious dipped in za'atar labneh
• Spoon it over roasted cabbage
• Spoon it over a bowl of Indian Rice or dollop it on top of warm bowls of Indian Butter Chicken
• Serve it with any kind of grilled or roast meat, like this recipe for Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken