Raw Milk Yogurt Cheese (Labneh Style)

Yogurt cheese, also called labneh, is a thick, creamy spread made by straining yogurt until it’s rich and tangy like cream cheese. With raw milk yogurt, it’s an easy way to turn a simple probiotic food into something special for spreading, dipping, or topping.

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Quick Facts

• Skill: Beginner
• Yield: ~2 cups labneh from 1 quart yogurt
• Active time: 10 minutes • Inactive time: 12–24 hours draining
• Shelf life: 1–2 weeks refrigerated

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Ingredients

• 1 quart raw milk yogurt (homemade or store-bought with live cultures)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: herbs (thyme, dill, garlic, chives), olive oil drizzle

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Equipment

• Cheesecloth or clean cotton towel
• Strainer/colander
• Bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Airtight container

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the strainer
   Line a colander with cheesecloth and set it over a bowl.
2. Add yogurt
   Pour yogurt into the lined colander. Sprinkle with salt.
3. Drain
   Gather up the cloth and tie or fold it over. Place in refrigerator for 12–24 hours. The longer it drains, the thicker the labneh.
4. Store & serve
   Transfer thickened yogurt cheese to a container. Stir in herbs or spices if desired.

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Flavor & Use Ideas

• Spread on bread or bagels instead of cream cheese.
• Mix with garlic and herbs for a veggie dip.
• Drizzle with olive oil and serve with pita bread.
• Roll into small balls and store in olive oil with herbs.

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Troubleshooting (Quick Fixes)

• Too thin: Drain longer, up to 48 hours.
• Too tangy: Use fresher yogurt or drain for less time.
• Too dry: Shorten drain time or stir in a splash of cream.

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FAQ

Can I use goat or sheep yogurt?
Yes! Both work beautifully and give unique flavors.

Does this have probiotics?
Yes — straining doesn’t remove the live cultures, just the whey.

Can I freeze labneh?
Not recommended. It becomes grainy. Better to make fresh.

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🧊 Raw Milk Handling & Safety Guides

Proper handling makes all the difference in quality, flavor, and safety:

• How to Store Raw Milk for Freshness
• How to Tell If Raw Milk Has Spoiled

🧀 What to Make With Fresh Milk

Once you’ve got milk in the fridge, here’s what you can do with it:

• Homemade Feta Recipe

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