What You Will Need
- A yogurt maker
- Milk (full-fat or low-fat)
- Yogurt starter or plain Greek yogurt
- A thermometer
- A large pot
- A whisk or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own homemade Greek yogurt:
Step 1: Heat the Milk
Pour the desired amount of milk into a large pot and heat it over medium-low heat until it reaches 180°F (82°C). Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching. Heating the milk kills any existing bacteria and denatures the proteins, which helps in achieving a thicker yogurt.
Step 2: Cool the Milk
Allow the heated milk to cool down to approximately 110°F (43°C) before moving on to the next step. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pot in a cold water bath. Be sure to stir the milk occasionally to promote even cooling.
Step 3: Add the Yogurt Starter
Once the milk has cooled, add the yogurt starter or plain Greek yogurt to the pot. The starter contains live cultures that will ferment the milk and turn it into yogurt. Use about 2 tablespoons of starter for every quart (liter) of milk. Stir well to ensure the starter is evenly distributed throughout the milk.
Step 4: Incubate the Yogurt
Pour the mixture into your yogurt maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for incubation. Typically, the yogurt maker will keep the mixture at an ideal temperature of around 110°F (43°C) for the fermentation process to occur. Allow the yogurt to incubate for at least 6 hours or until it reaches the desired thickness.
Step 5: Strain the Yogurt
If you prefer thicker Greek yogurt, strain the yogurt to remove excess whey. Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Pour the yogurt into the sieve and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. The longer you strain it, the thicker the yogurt will become.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your homemade Greek yogurt is now ready to be enjoyed. You can savor it plain or add your favorite fruits, nuts, or sweeteners for added flavor. Store the yogurt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Now that you know how to make Greek yogurt at home with a yogurt maker, you can save money and have complete control over the ingredients. Experiment with different milk types and flavors to create your perfect batch of creamy and delicious Greek yogurt!
We hope you found this guide helpful. Happy yogurt making!