Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- What Makes This Version Better?
- Recipe Card
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Method
- Why This Recipe Works
- Health Benefits
- Tips for Success
- Serving Ideas
- FAQs
- Smart Takeaway
Introduction
If you've ever visited a Middle Eastern restaurant, chances are you've come across Labneh a creamy, tangy spread made by straining yogurt until it becomes thick and rich.
Labneh has been enjoyed for centuries across countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and other parts of the Middle East. Traditionally, it's served with olive oil, fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as part of a mezze platter. Think of it as the yogurt version of cream cheese except it's often lighter, fresher, and naturally rich in nutrients.
Today, Labneh is becoming popular worldwide because it's simple to make, versatile, and fits perfectly into modern healthy lifestyles.
And honestly, it solves a problem many women face every morning.
You're looking for something quick, filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare ahead of time. But most convenience breakfast options are either low in protein or leave you hungry again within a couple of hours.
That's why we created this High-Protein Labneh Ball recipe.
By combining traditional Labneh with Prolicious UP IT, we give this classic Middle Eastern favorite a protein and fiber upgrade. The result is a creamy, gut-friendly breakfast spread or snack that can be prepared once and enjoyed throughout the week.
Spread it on toast, pair it with nachos, add it to wraps, or enjoy it straight from the fridge it's one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
What is Labneh?
Labneh is a traditional Middle Eastern strained yogurt cheese made by removing excess whey from yogurt over several hours or days. This process creates a thick, creamy texture that sits somewhere between Greek yogurt and cream cheese.
Traditionally, Labneh is enjoyed as a breakfast spread, dip, or mezze dish and is often topped with olive oil, herbs, and spices.
Because it's made from yogurt, Labneh naturally contains protein and beneficial bacteria that support gut health. In this recipe, we've taken the traditional version one step further by adding UP IT for an extra protein and fiber boost.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- High in protein
- Gut-friendly and nourishing
- Easy meal-prep option
- No complicated cooking required
- Stays fresh for up to 7 days
- Great for breakfast, snacks, and entertaining
- Creamy, tangy, and customizable
- Perfect for busy women looking for healthier convenience foods
What Makes This Version Better?
Traditional cheese spreads can often be high in fat and low in protein.
This upgraded version focuses on better nutrition without compromising taste.
More Protein
UP IT helps increase the protein content, making it more filling.
Better Satiety
Protein and fiber work together to help reduce unnecessary snacking.
Gut-Friendly
The fermented nature of yogurt supports digestive health.
Meal Prep Friendly
Prepare once and enjoy throughout the week.
Versatile
Works as a spread, dip, snack, or breakfast addition.
Why This Recipe is High Protein
The protein boost comes from two ingredients:
Hung Curd
Straining yogurt concentrates its protein while creating the rich texture that makes labneh so popular.
Prolicious UP IT
UP IT adds additional protein and fiber, turning a simple dairy spread into a more balanced option that supports fullness and daily protein intake.
Recipe Card
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prep Time: 10 minutes (active)
Resting Time: 3 days
Total Time: 3 days + 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 8–10 Labneh Balls
Nutrition Profile –
|
NUTRIENT |
UP IT LABNEH BALLS |
|
PROTEIN |
14.7 |
|
FIBER |
2.7 |
|
CARBOHYDRATE |
10.3 |
|
FAT |
7.8 |
|
ENERGY |
177 |
Ingredients
- 100 g thick yogurt (curd)
- Salt to taste
- 1 scoop Prolicious UP IT
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tsp pizza seasoning
Optional:
- Mixed herbs
- Crushed pepper
- Garlic powder
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Yogurt
Add salt to the yogurt and mix well.
Place it in a muslin cloth or clean cotton cloth and hang it for about 10 minutes to remove excess water.
Transfer the hung yogurt to the refrigerator and allow it to continue draining for about 3 days.
This slow process creates a thick, rich, cream cheese-like texture.
Step 3: Add UP IT
Once the labneh is thick and creamy, transfer it to a bowl.
Add 1 scoop of UP IT and mix thoroughly until smooth.
Step 4: Shape the Balls
Take small portions and gently roll them into bite-sized balls.
Step 5: Coat with Seasoning
Roll the balls in chilli flakes, pizza seasoning, or your favourite herb blend.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They stay fresh for up to 7 days.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is simple, but every step serves a purpose.
Slow Straining Creates Creaminess
Removing excess whey naturally thickens the yogurt without needing cream or cheese.
UP IT Improves Nutrition
Adding protein and fiber makes the recipe more satisfying and balanced.
Flavorful Coating
The seasoning adds flavour without requiring heavy sauces or excess calories.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One batch can provide quick breakfasts and snacks throughout the week.
Health Benefits
Supports Women's Daily Protein Needs
Many women struggle to meet their daily protein requirements, especially at breakfast.
Adding protein earlier in the day may help improve fullness and support muscle maintenance.
Gut-Friendly Goodness
Because labneh is made from yogurt, it contains beneficial cultures that support digestive health and overall gut function.
Helps You Stay Full Longer
The combination of protein and fiber can help promote satiety and reduce frequent cravings between meals.
Supports Active Lifestyles
Whether you're managing work, workouts, parenting, or all three, having protein-rich foods readily available can make healthy eating more convenient.
Better Than Many Packaged Spreads
You know exactly what's going into this recipe, with no unnecessary additives or preservatives.
Tips for Success
- Use thick curd for best results.
- Refrigerate while draining for food safety.
- Mix UP IT thoroughly for a smooth texture.
- Keep the balls chilled until serving.
- Store in an airtight container.
Serving Ideas
Breakfast Toast
Spread on sourdough, multigrain bread, or protein toast.
Healthy Nacho Dip
Serve alongside baked nachos or vegetable sticks.
Wrap Filling
Add to veggie wraps and sandwiches.
Protein Snack Board
Pair with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, and crackers.
Salad Topper
Add a few labneh balls to salads for extra creaminess and protein.
FAQs
Can I make this without UP IT?
Yes, but UP IT adds additional protein and fiber, making the recipe more filling and nutritionally balanced.
How long do labneh balls last?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days when kept in an airtight container.
Can I use different seasonings?
Absolutely. Mixed herbs, za'atar, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika all work well.
Is this suitable for breakfast?
Yes. It's a convenient make-ahead breakfast option that pairs well with toast, wraps, and vegetables.
Can children eat this?
Yes. Simply reduce the chilli flakes if preparing it for children.
Smart Takeaway
Healthy eating doesn't always need complicated recipes.
These High-Protein Labneh Balls combine the goodness of hung curd, the protein power of \ and the convenience every busy woman appreciates. They're creamy, satisfying, gut-friendly, and versatile enough to fit into almost any meal.
Make a batch once, store it for the week, and enjoy a ready-to-eat option that supports your protein intake while making mornings a little easier.