Easy, Cheap Homemade Yogurt

Image via WikipediaWe eat a lot of yogurt in our house.  Organic yogurt is the base of breakfast every morning, a main ingredient in our daily smoothies, a substitute for mayonnaise in dressings, and a go-to, easy, healthy snack for the kids.

Organic yogurt can be expensive if store bought, especially at the rate that we eat yogurt.  A few years ago, after spending $160 in one month on yogurt, I knew I had to find a new way.  After a little research and a little experimenting for the past 2 years, I'd like to share with you the methods I've used and the experiences surrounding each method.

After making my own yogurt, we now only spend on average $20-$30 a month on yogurt, while increasing our yogurt consumption! 

There are only two ingredients needed to make yogurt:  milk and a starter.  A starter can either be plain yogurt itself, or a yogurt starter (easily purchased through Amazon). Euro Cuisine Yogurt Starter Packs 2-packs

Method 1:  You will need a yogurt maker:  Euro Cuisine Automatic Yogurt Maker - YM100 which comes with the glass jars and full directions how to use it.

I like my Euro Cuisine and use it primarily for the kids to grab a jar of yogurt, mix their fruit or granola in, making a simple snack.

One of the things you should know about making yogurt this way is that it does not produce a hard, firm yogurt like what one purchases in a store without modifying the directions a tad.  It is creamy, smooth, and easy to work with.  After making my own, I prefer homemade over store bought.


Method 2:  You will need a thermos.  This is the most simple method.  Make sure to use a wide mouthed thermos like this:  Thermos Nissan 48-Ounce Wide Mouth Stainless-Steel Bottle.

After your culture is done (directions below), pour it into the super clean and warmed thermos, sealing it immediately for 4-6 hours (not moving it).  Then remove the thermos cap and refrigerate.  After the yogurt is chilled, you can pour the yogurt into any container for refrigerated storage.

Either method will give you fresh yogurt for a week.  Make sure to save some yogurt for your next starter!

Yogurt Culture Directions

*All pots, utensils (preferably wooden), and incubators (glass jars or thermos) need to be very clean and dry.

In a stainless steel pan, flameproof glass pan, or enameled pot, bring 1 quart of milk JUST to a boil, killing bacteria that could kill the enzymes in the starter.

While the milk is heating in the pan, stir it frequently to prevent a skin from forming on the top and sides.  If a skin still forms, very carefully remove the skin with your clean utensil.

After the milk reached boiling, remove it from heat and cool (stirring on occasion until it reaches in the neighborhood of 112 degrees).  Any temperature between 95 degrees and 120 degrees will do.  I do a wrist check like you would with a baby's bottle of milk... it should feel lukewarm on the wrist, not hot.

Now it is time to add the starter.  You can use either the packaged starter or 2 Tablespoons of live yogurt beaten and brought to room temperature.

Add the starter slowly, working the starter into the 112 degree milk, making sure it is blended well.  The powdered starter should be dissolved or the yogurt should be mixed well.

Now it is time to either pour it into the glass jars for incubation or into the thermos and seal.

It is really That Simple.  


Yogurt Making Tips

*Whole milk will make a smooth, creamy, and almost custard like yogurt.
*Low fat and skim milk will make a thinner yogurt.
*You can also use half and half or replace a cup of milk with a cup of heavy cream!
*You can also add 1/3 cup of dry milk powder to make it more firm.
*For extreme thickening, you can add gelatin by: 1 Teaspoon of gelatin in 1 Tablespoon of cold water, stirring over low heat until dissolved, adding to the milk just after boiling (before it cools to 112 degrees).

Here are some ideas on how to incorporate more yogurt into your diet:
*Smoothies
*Mayo Replacement
*Salad Dressing Starter
*Frozen Yogurt blended with fresh fruit
*Granola & Yogurt for breakfast
*Skin care mask



~Wendy
Herbalist, Wellness Consultant

Naturally and holistically manage pain through my creation: PAINO! The reviews are in! It is a MUST HAVE for every medicine cabinet!
Herbs and Art
Organic Makeup, Lotion, Body Care