How to Make Whole Milk Yogurt at Home
Making whole milk yogurt at home is not at all difficult and can give you a much fresher taste than yogurt purchased at a grocery store. Homemade yogurt is also more economical than buying store bought and can be flavored using fresh fruits or drained to make a soft yogurt cheese suitable for dips. After the initial batch of yogurt is made, you can use a few tablespoons of the fresh yogurt to start the next batch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 1 qt. whole milk
- Candy thermometer
- Saucepan
- Plain yogurt with live cultures or
- 1 package yogurt starter culture
- Wire whisk
- Yogurt maker
Instructions
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1
Pour 1 qt. of whole milk into a saucepan and place it on the stove.
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2
Bring the milk to 110 degrees over medium-low heat. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. If the milk gets too hot it will kill the cultures in the yogurt or yogurt culture package.
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3
Remove the milk from the stove and stir in 4 tbsp. of plain yogurt or one package of yogurt starter.
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4
Pour the milk and yogurt mixture into the cups or the heating container of your yogurt maker.
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5
Allow the yogurt to make for 7 to 8 hours or the amount of time recommended by the yogurt maker manufacturer.
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6
Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 to 6 hours before using. The chilling process helps to thicken the final product.
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Tips & Warnings
Homemade yogurt will keep for 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator. You can also make yogurt in a quart-sized thermos. Warm the thermos by filling it with boiling water and letting it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Replace the water with the yogurt milk, put the cap on the thermos and let sit overnight. Yogurt can also be made in a quart sized mason jar. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 175 degrees. Pour the yogurt milk into the Mason jar, wrap in a dish towel, and set on the oven rack overnight. Be sure to turn off the oven before placing the milk inside. Do not open the oven door for at least 7 to 8 hours. Thrift shops and garage sales are terrific places to purchase new, or nearly new, yogurt makers. Most often they can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of buying a new machine at a store.
