For those of you reading this list who have had the pleasure of trying labneh cheese, you’ll know that it’s one of the tastiest cream based cheeses out there.
It’s not only packed with tangy flavors, but it’s also super smooth and luxurious in terms of texture. Those who are fans of Middle Eastern cooking will probably already use this cheese in a number of different dishes.
It’s great for adding into dishes to provide more flavor, or just simply spreading on a piece of cracker bread.
Either way, sometimes this type of cheese can be difficult to locate in the supermarket, and not all of them actually stock it.
As well as this, labneh cheese can also be very expensive, and therefore, if you’re using it to create a larger dish, the expense really builds up.
As a result, you might be looking for some tasty alternatives to this type of cheese. If this is the case, then you’ve come to the right place.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe to be some of the very best substitutions for labneh cheese. We’ve tried to select ones which emulate its taste and texture.
To find out more, simply keep reading below, as we take a closer look.
What Exactly Is Labneh Cheese?
Now, before we jump straight in, first let’s take a closer look at what labneh cheese really is.
Labneh cheese, as we mentioned above, is popular within Middle Eastern countries. It’s been made from a thick yogurt that’s been strained in order to give it that creamy texture.
Sometimes, it’s used as a dip for bread, and a little bit of olive oil and herbs are sprinkled on top of the cheese for added flavor.
As well as this, some people even form it into dense balls, after which they skewer them before proceeding to grill the cheese.
It’s a super versatile cheese, and can be used for breakfast, lunch and dinner time meals.
As well as being incredibly tasty, labneh cheese also contains a number of different health benefits for the human body.
One of the most important being that it’s super rich in probiotics. Probiotics are important for regulating our digestive system, as well as boosting our immune system through the production of good bacteria.
It’s also very high in protein, which means that it will help to keep you going throughout the day, and leave you feeling fuller for longer.
Substitutions For Labneh Cheese
1. Cream Cheese
The first substitution that we’re going to be taking a closer look at is cream cheese. Cream cheese has a very similar texture to labneh cheese, and is therefore a good option if you want something to spread on your toast.
It can also help to give preexisting dishes an added creaminess, and overall, it’s far less expensive than labneh cheese.
It actually has a very similar making process to labneh cheese, and involves straining yogurt until you’re left with a super creamy texture.
It doesn’t have as much of a tang as labneh cheese, but it is lower in fat and calories. If you’re trying to shed a couple of extra pounds, perhaps swapping your regular labneh spread for cream cheese might be a good option.
Cream cheese also has a number of different health benefits, including being super rich in Vitamin A. Vitamin A is responsible for aiding vision, as well as helping to protect your body against disease.
In addition to this, cream cheese also contains a large number of antioxidants, which can help to heal damaged cells.
2. Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone cheese is one of the richest and most indulgent varieties of cheese on the market. It’s known for having a super thick, creamy texture, that’s great for using as spreads, or for placing on pizzas or flatbreads.
As well as this, because it has a very neutral flavor, it’s often used for desserts too, such as cheesecakes.
This cheese works well as a substitute for labneh cheese, as it does have a similar texture, although mascarpone is a bit on the thicker side.
The good thing about mascarpone cheese is that it’s widely available in supermarkets, so if you can’t find any labneh, you can easily pick this one up instead.
Bear in mind that mascarpone cheese contains a lot more fat than labneh cheese, as well as the others here on our list, so you won’t need to use as much of it in dishes, as it’s incredibly rich.
It does, however, contain a great deal of calcium, which is important for bone development.
3. Greek Yogurt
Some of you might be surprised to see this one on the list, as it’s not a cheese at all, but it actually has a similar taste to labneh, albeit a slightly more watery texture.
This is great if you want something to dip your flatbread in, or simply to make sauces within dishes creamier.
Greek yogurt is produced in a similar manner to labneh cheese, but it’s made with whole milk instead of cream.
This means that it’s still super thick and creamy, but just not quite as rich. It’s also a bit lower in calories, which is great if you’re trying to watch your weight.
As well as this, it has a far lower lactose content than labneh cheese, so if you’re sensitive to this particular ingredient, this one might be less heavy on your stomach.
Greek yogurt is also known to have a number of different health benefits, including having a lot of protein packed into each serving, serving gut health, and containing lots of iodine.
All of these things are good for the digestive system.
4. Sour Cream
If you’re looking for a replacement for Labneh cheese that has a little bit more flavor, then we’d recommend that you simply pick up some sour cream.
Sour cream is great if you’re planning on making some hot dishes, as it works as a great cooling agent. It’s super thick, creamy, and flavorful, all at the same time.
Sour cream is almost exactly like labneh cheese in terms of texture, both are super smooth, and velvety to taste.
In terms of flavor, there is a little bit of a discrepancy between these two. The key difference is that although sour cream does have a slightly tart taste, labneh cheese is far stronger.
Sour cream has a number of different health benefits for the human body, including being super rich in phosphorus, as well as being rich in calcium, which is important for healthy bones and teeth.
It’s also a great option for those who have a Vitamin B12 deficiency, as it’s rich in this particular nutrient source. Finally, it’s also naturally low in carbohydrates for those following a ketogenic or paleo diet.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, although nothing can quite emulate the unique flavor displayed by labneh cheese, there are a few alternatives out there that you can look toward.
Many of the ones on our list match the level of creaminess demonstrated by labneh cheese, which is an important part of the ingredient. We hope that this list has been helpful to you.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
