How to Make Homemade Plain Yogurt

Serves: 10 Total Time: 12 hrs 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner
How to Make Homemade Plain Yogurt pinit

Have you ever thought about saving money on store-bought yogurt cups? Discover how to make a creamy, budget-friendly, and very easy homemade plain yogurt right in your own kitchen. Using just a single 6 oz (170g) container of yogurt and two other ingredients, you can get over a liter of pure creaminess, with no complications or fuss.

This practical recipe will transform your breakfasts, snacks, and desserts. Besides being much healthier and natural, you control exactly what you consume. Follow the detailed step-by-step, wrap it up well in the oven, and be amazed by the result!

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Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 12 hrs Total Time 12 hrs 20 mins
Serves: 10

Ingredients

Instructions

Video
  1. Step 1: Boiling the milk. Start by adding 1 liter of milk to a saucepan and bring it to the stove to boil. As soon as it reaches a boil, turn off the heat immediately.
  2. Step 2: The ideal temperature point. Wait for the milk to cool down until it reaches a temperature of 40°C (104°F). If you don't have a kitchen thermometer, do the practical finger test: dip your clean finger into the milk gradually until you feel a warm temperature that does not burn your skin.
  3. Step 3: Mixing. In a separate bowl, mix the powdered milk with the plain yogurt until completely smooth and homogeneous. Pour this mixture into the warm milk and stir well to combine all ingredients.

  4. Step 4: As soon as you finish mixing, cover the bowl immediately with a lid. Line a baking dish with a thick kitchen towel, place the bowl inside, wrap it securely with the cloth, and wrap it with 1 more kitchen towel to trap all the heat. Place it immediately inside the turned-off oven. Important: After mixing, do not leave the bowl on the countertop. Put it in the turned-off oven immediately.

  5. Step 5: Resting time and finalization. Let it rest undisturbed for 12 straight hours without opening the oven and without moving the bowl. After this period, place your homemade plain yogurt in the refrigerator to set and chill before consuming. 

     

    Watch the video to see the step-by-step recipe for Homemade Plain Yogurt. English dubbing available; to activate, click the Settings icon and select 'Audio track'.

Note

  1. Ratio & Texture: Use 50g of powdered milk for a standard creamy texture, or use 60g if you prefer a firmer texture.
  2. Golden Tip: As soon as you finish mixing the warm milk with the powdered milk and yogurt, cover the bowl immediately with a lid, wrap it tightly in the kitchen towels, and place it right away inside the turned-off oven (or another warm, protected spot). Do not leave the mixture sitting on the countertop, as retaining the initial heat is essential to activate fermentation.
  3. Consistency Secret: The key to achieving the perfect creamy homemade plain yogurt is respecting the full 12-hour resting time in the turned-off oven without moving the bowl or opening the oven door.
  4. Serving Suggestion: Perfect to pair with fresh fruits and honey, or to use as a versatile base for healthy dressings, dips, and light desserts.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Homemade Plain Yogurt

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1. Can I use store-bought cartoned whole milk (UHT) or does it have to be fresh milk?

Yes, you can use either store-bought cartoned whole milk (UHT) or fresh pasteurized bagged milk. The important thing is to boil the milk and then let it cool down until it reaches the correct temperature of 40°C (104°F) before adding the plain yogurt.

2. What happens if I open the oven or move the bowl before 12 hours?

Moving, opening the oven, or shaking the bowl during the fermentation period can interrupt the curdling process, causing the yogurt to break, curdle, or become too runny. Therefore, the golden rule is: cover it, put it in the oven, and forget about it for at least 12 hours!

3. What is the role of powdered milk in the homemade plain yogurt recipe?

Powdered milk acts as a texturizing and solids-enriching agent. It is the big secret to making your homemade plain yogurt much creamier, firmer, and richer, resembling the texture of Greek yogurt.

4. Do I need a kitchen thermometer to measure the milk temperature?

It is not mandatory, although it is ideal for getting the right temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, do the practical clean finger test: dip your finger into the warm milk. If you can keep it there without feeling like it's burning (a pleasant, lukewarm temperature around 40°C / 104°F), the milk is ready to receive the yogurt.

5. How long does homemade plain yogurt last in the refrigerator?

Once ready and properly refrigerated, homemade plain yogurt can be consumed within up to 5 days. Always keep it in a tightly closed container in the fridge to preserve its texture and quality.

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