Homemade yogurt is easy to make, budget-friendly, and healthier than most store-bought options. With just milk and a small amount of yogurt as a starter, you can create fresh, creamy yogurt at home—and customize it with sweet or savory flavors.
🥣 Homemade Yogurt (Basic Recipe)
Ingredients
4 cups (1 liter) milk (whole or 2%)
2 tbsp plain yogurt with live cultures (starter)
Instructions
Heat milk: Warm milk to 180°F (82°C) until steaming (do not boil).
Cool: Allow to cool to 110°F (43°C).
Add starter: Whisk in 2 tbsp yogurt.
Set: Pour into jars and keep warm for 6–10 hours (oven light on, towel wrap, or yogurt maker).
Chill: Refrigerate for 4 hours to firm up.
Tip: A longer fermentation time makes thicker, tangier yogurt.
🥛 Thick Greek-Style Yogurt
After chilling, strain yogurt through cheesecloth for 2–4 hours for a creamy Greek texture.
⭐ Yogurt Variations
1. Vanilla Yogurt
Mix in after setting:
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
2. Fruit Yogurt
Stir in:
½ cup mashed berries or chopped fruit
1–2 tbsp sweetener (optional)
3. Honey & Nut Yogurt
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts
4. Probiotic-Boosted Yogurt
Use 2 probiotic capsules instead of yogurt starter.
5. Low-Fat or Skim Yogurt
Use skim milk + 2 tbsp milk powder while heating for thickness.
