Making Yogurt

Making homemade yogurt is a great way to save money and cut out preservatives from your diet.

There are several ways to make yogurt and while i have tried a few, this way just works best for me. I can link the sites I drew my inspiration from.

You will need the following:

1 half gallon milk
1 cup yogurt starter - I use unflavored greek yogurt at room temperature.

Large stock pot with lid

Thermometer 

Towel
Cheese cloth or paper towel

Colander 

Start by filling the stock pot with the milk and heat at medium to low heat stirring frequently to prevent burning.  Heat until the temperature reaches 180℉ then remove from heat and allow the milk to cool until it reaches around 110℉. 

In a separate bowl mix the yogurt starter with some of the hot milk and mix to disolve.  Once this is disolved add it to the stock pot with the rest of the milk and stir to combine.  

This is important.  In my attempts to just get things done I have skipped this step and the yogurt had failed.  The starter did not get adequately distributed and the result was chunks of yogurt at the bottom and liquidy yogurt soup on top.  Not the goal, so do yourself a favor and don't skip this step!

Once combined I put the stock pot on a thick hot pad on my counter and wrap with at towel and let it process for at least 10 hours.  Typically I make yogurt at night and allow it to process overnight.

In the morning the yogurt is ready to be separated. 

Line a colander with cheese cloth or paper towel and fill with the yogurt.  

The more you strain the thicker the yogurt.  

Don't throw the liquid away!  The liquid from the yogurt is whey which is loaded with protein.  I like to add whey to my soups and broths - anywhere I can get an extra shot of protein!


I understand there are various ways of making yogurt, how do you make your yogurt?