How to Make Yogurt at Home From Scratch

Making homemade yogurt is easier than you think! With just two simple ingredients, you can create rich, creamy yogurt free of preservatives and additives. Follow this step-by-step guide to make delicious, probiotic-rich yogurt right in your kitchen!

🥛 What You’ll Need

🛒 Ingredients:

✅ 1 quart (4 cups) whole milk (or raw milk for a more natural taste)
✅ 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (with live active cultures – this acts as your starter!)

💡 Want to make more? Simply scale up the milk and starter using the same ratio.

🔧 Equipment:

✔️ Heavy-bottomed saucepan
✔️ Thermometer (optional, but recommended)
✔️ Whisk or spoon
✔️ Clean glass jars or containers
✔️ Towel or blanket (for incubation)
✔️ Cooler, oven, or yogurt maker (to keep warm)

🏡 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Yogurt

🔥 Step 1: Heat the Milk

1️⃣ Pour 4 cups of milk into a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
2️⃣ Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
3️⃣ Heat until it reaches 180°F (82°C) – this helps break down proteins for a smooth texture.
4️⃣ Remove from heat and let it cool to 110°F (43°C) (warm but not too hot).

🦠 Step 2: Add the Yogurt Starter

✅ Take 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt and mix it with a little warm milk to thin it out.
✅ Stir this mixture back into the rest of the warm milk.
✅ Mix well to distribute the live cultures.

🌡️ Step 3: Incubate the Yogurt

🛑 This step is key! The yogurt needs to stay warm (about 110°F / 43°C) for 6-12 hours to develop its tangy flavor. Here are a few easy ways to do this:

🔹 Oven Method: Turn the oven light on (without heat) and place jars inside.
🔹 Cooler Method: Place jars inside a cooler with warm water.
🔹 Yogurt Maker: Set to the proper incubation temperature.

⏳ Let the yogurt sit undisturbed for at least 6 hours (for mild flavor) or up to 12 hours (for tangier yogurt).

❄️ Step 4: Cool & Store

✅ Check the yogurt – it should be thickened! If it’s a little runny, don’t worry – chilling helps.
✅ Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before eating.
✅ Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

💡 Tip: Save 2 tablespoons from this batch as a starter for your next homemade yogurt!

🍯 Optional: Customize Your Yogurt

🌿 Flavor Ideas: Add honey, vanilla, or fruit puree after refrigeration.
🥛 Thicker Yogurt: Strain through cheesecloth for Greek-style yogurt.
🥄 Sweeter Yogurt: Stir in maple syrup, jam, or a drizzle of chocolate.