Frederic Melton
Yogurt cheese is a versatile and simple dish to make, requiring only one ingredient and a little bit of time. It is made by straining plain yogurt to remove the whey, resulting in a rich and spreadable mixture similar to soft goat cheese or cream cheese. The longer it is strained, the thicker it will be. It can be used as a spread on sourdough bread, bagels, crackers, or flatbreads, and can also be shaped into small balls and stored in olive oil with aromatics like lemon and herbs. It can be served as an appetizer, in salads, or as a protein-rich snack, and can also be used in place of fresh cheese in dips, smoothies, and pizzas. The possibilities are endless!
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What You'll Learn
As a spread on bagels, crackers, flatbreads, or sourdough bread
Yogurt cheese is a versatile and simple-to-make spread that can be used in a variety of ways. It has a thick, spreadable texture similar to soft goat cheese or cream cheese, with a rich and tangy flavor. Here are some ways to serve yogurt cheese as a spread on bagels, crackers, flatbreads, or sourdough bread:
Bagels
Yogurt cheese can be used as a spread on bagels, adding a creamy and tangy twist. It can be paired with various toppings such as chopped olives, fresh herbs, or sweet ingredients like honey or jam. For a more savory option, try mixing in garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
Crackers
The cheese is an excellent companion to crackers, providing a creamy base for a variety of toppings. For a simple yet elegant option, top the cheese with olive oil and fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding chopped olives and roasted red bell peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
Flatbreads
Yogurt cheese is a popular choice for flatbreads in the Middle East, India, and Europe. It can be spread on flatbreads and topped with fresh vegetables or fruit. For a more substantial meal, use it as a base and add proteins such as smoked salmon or cooked shrimp, along with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Sourdough Bread
The tanginess of yogurt cheese pairs exceptionally well with the slight sourness of sourdough bread. Spread it on toasted sourdough bread or use it as a base for an elevated sandwich. For a simple yet delicious option, top the cheese with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. For a sweeter treat, mix in honey or maple syrup and top with chopped nuts.
With its versatility and ease of preparation, yogurt cheese is a great way to add a creamy, tangy twist to your favorite breads and crackers. Experiment with different toppings and flavors to find your favorite combinations.
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As a dip with fresh vegetables or fruit
Yogurt cheese is a versatile and simple-to-make dip that can be served with fresh vegetables or fruit. The process of making yogurt cheese involves straining plain yogurt to create a rich and spreadable mixture, similar to cream cheese. This basic recipe requires just one ingredient—regular yogurt—making it an inexpensive and easy option for those new to cheesemaking.
When serving yogurt cheese with fresh vegetables or fruit, you can get creative with the combinations. For a refreshing and nutritious option, consider slicing up some cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. These vegetables are packed with vitamins and pair well with the creamy texture of the yogurt cheese. You can also include some leafy greens such as spinach or arugula for added nutritional value.
For a more indulgent approach, try pairing yogurt cheese with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. The slight char from roasting adds a depth of flavour that complements the tanginess of the cheese. You could also include some grilled mushrooms or artichokes for a more savoury note.
When it comes to fruit, yogurt cheese serves as an excellent companion. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provide a burst of sweetness and colour. For a more tropical twist, slice up some kiwis, mangoes, and pineapples for a unique flavour profile. Don't forget that dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, or cranberries can also be a delightful addition to your spread.
To elevate your yogurt cheese dip, consider adding some herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like basil, mint, or chives sprinkled on top add a burst of flavour. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper can also enhance the taste. For a sweeter approach, you could mix in some honey or maple syrup to the yogurt cheese before serving.
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In a salad or as a pizza topping
Yogurt cheese is a great ingredient to use in salads and as a pizza topping. It is usually made by straining plain yogurt to remove moisture, resulting in a rich and spreadable mixture similar to cream cheese. Here are some ways to use yogurt cheese in salads and as a pizza topping:
In a Salad
Yogurt cheese can be used as a base for a salad dressing. You can make a simple dressing by mixing yogurt cheese with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and olive oil. This dressing can be tossed with lettuce, crunchy vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and topped with crunchy seeds and salty feta cheese. You can also add other ingredients such as avocado, red onions, or nuts to your salad.
Yogurt cheese can also be used as a substitute for fresh cheese in salads. For example, you can make fried goat cheese rounds or crumble goat cheese over greens. You can even roll the yogurt cheese into balls or logs and serve it as an appetizer with fresh bread, similar to how you would serve goat cheese.
As a Pizza Topping
Yogurt cheese can be used as a substitute for fresh cheese on pizzas. Simply spread it over your pizza base and add your favourite toppings. It can also be used as a base for pizza sauces or dips to accompany your pizza.
Yogurt cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be easily incorporated into salads and used as a tasty alternative to traditional cheese on pizzas.
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As a side to savoury and spicy foods
Yogurt cheese, also known as labneh, is a versatile side dish that can complement savoury and spicy foods. It is a simple and inexpensive dish to make, requiring only one ingredient—yogurt—and some time. The process involves straining plain yogurt to remove moisture, yielding a rich and creamy spreadable mixture. Here are some ways to serve yogurt cheese as a side to savoury and spicy dishes:
As a Spread
Yogurt cheese can be spread on a variety of breads, such as sourdough, pita, or sandwich rolls. It can add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to sandwiches, especially those with savoury fillings like turkey or ham.
As a Dip
Yogurt cheese makes an excellent dip for fresh vegetables, crackers, or pita bread. It can be flavoured with herbs, spices, or other ingredients to create a savoury or spicy dip. For example, adding garlic and onion powder with green onions can create a savoury dip, while chopped olives and roasted red bell peppers can give it a Mediterranean twist.
In Salads
Yogurt cheese can be incorporated into salads in various ways. It can be rolled into small balls and marinated in olive oil with herbs, lemon zest, or aromatics, providing a protein-rich addition to any salad. It can also be blended with other ingredients, such as cream cheese, dill, and green onions, to create a creamy dressing or topping for salads.
With Spicy Foods
Yogurt cheese can help balance the flavours of spicy dishes. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour can provide a refreshing contrast to spicy curries, chilli dishes, or pepper-based meals. It can be served as a side dip or spread to soothe the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.
As a Savoury Snack
Yogurt cheese balls marinated in olive oil and herbs make a delicious savoury snack. They can be stored in olive oil to keep them soft and fresh for up to a week. The cheese balls can be enjoyed as a quick bite or served as an appetizer, providing a protein-rich and exotic Mediterranean-style snack option.
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As a dessert with fresh fruit or preserves
Yogurt cheese is a versatile and simple-to-make treat, requiring only one ingredient and a little bit of time. It is a great dessert option, especially when served with fresh fruit or preserves.
To make yogurt cheese, you will need a funnel or strainer, cheesecloth or coffee filters, and a cup or bowl to catch the liquid. Line a strainer or funnel with a double layer of cheesecloth or a single coffee filter, and place it over a bowl. Then, spoon the yogurt into the filter or cheesecloth. Cover the top with plastic wrap and transfer everything to the refrigerator. Allow it to drain for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours. The longer it drains, the thicker and less moist the cheese will be.
Now, for serving ideas:
- As a sweet dessert, mix 3 to 4 tablespoons of honey, agave, or maple syrup into the yogurt cheese. Allow it to strain for an additional 8 hours. Once thickened, spoon the mixture into small bowls and add fresh fruit, lemon zest, and a teaspoon of your preferred sweetener. Top with chopped walnuts or almonds and serve.
- For a simple dessert, serve the yogurt cheese with fresh strawberries, fruit preserves, or homemade strawberry jam. Sweeten it with a dash of maple syrup.
- You can also roll the yogurt cheese into small balls and serve them alongside fresh fruit or preserves. Marinate the cheese balls in olive oil and fresh herbs, and enjoy them as a sweet treat.
Yogurt cheese has a thick, spreadable texture similar to soft goat cheese or cream cheese, with a tangy flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. It is a nutritious option, retaining many of the probiotics from yogurt and offering a good source of protein and healthy fats.
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Frequently asked questions
Yogurt cheese is a creamy, spreadable cheese that is versatile and simple to make. It is made by straining plain yogurt to remove the whey and yield a rich, spreadable mixture. It can be made with plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt.
Yogurt cheese can be served with pita bread, crackers, bagels, flatbreads, or fresh fruit and vegetables. It can also be used in salads, dips, smoothies, and pizzas.
Yogurt cheese can be flavoured with olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, honey, maple syrup, or jam.
