STOP Buying Yogurt! Make Your Own Using Two Ingredients

STOP Buying Yogurt! Make Your Own Using Two Ingredients is a easy American (Pennsylvania Dutch) recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Amish Cooking on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 7 hrs 10 min | Total: 8 hrs 10 min

Cost: $1.10 total, $0.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 quart Whole Milk (Prefer whole milk for richest texture; 2% or 1% can be used for thinner yogurt; avoid ultra‑pasteurized milk if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons Plain Yogurt (starter) (Unflavored, with live active cultures (Lactobacillus bulgaricus & Streptococcus thermophilus); any brand that lists these cultures on the label)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Milk

    Pour 1 quart of milk into the heavy‑bottomed saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally with the wooden spoon, until small bubbles form at the edges and the milk reaches about 180°F.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 180°F

  2. Cool the Milk

    Remove the pot from heat and let the milk cool to roughly 110°F. Stir occasionally; you can place the pot in a sink of cool water to speed the process.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 110°F

  3. Prepare the Starter Mixture

    In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt with about ½ cup of the warm (110°F) milk. Stir gently until fully blended.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Inoculate the Milk

    Pour the starter‑milk mixture back into the pot of cooled milk and stir gently to distribute the cultures evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Transfer to a Clean Jar

    Wash the quart‑sized mason jar with hot, soapy water, rinse well, and pour the inoculated milk into it. Seal with the lid.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Incubate the Yogurt

    Place the sealed jar in a warm spot (oven with only the light on, wrapped in a towel, or on a warm stove top) and let it sit undisturbed for 6–8 hours. Aim for about 7 hours for a balanced flavor.

    Time: PT7H

    Temperature: 108‑112°F

  7. Check and Refrigerate

    After the incubation period, tilt the jar. The yogurt should move as a solid, pudding‑like mass. If still liquid, let it ferment another hour or two. Once set, move the jar to the refrigerator to stop fermentation.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 4°C

  8. Save Starter for Next Batch

    Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the finished yogurt, place it in a small clean jar, and store it in the refrigerator. This becomes your mother culture for the next batch.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: June 16, 2026

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STOP Buying Yogurt! Make Your Own Using Two Ingredients

Recipe by Amish Cooking

Learn the traditional Amish method for making creamy homemade yogurt using just two ingredients—milk and a spoonful of plain yogurt starter. This step‑by‑step guide covers heating, cooling, inoculating, incubating, and storing your yogurt, plus cost savings, cultural background, and troubleshooting tips.

EasyAmerican (Pennsylvania Dutch)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8h 15m
Prep
0m
Cook
59m
Cleanup
9h 14m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.10
Total cost
$0.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heat the milk to 180°F
  • Cool the milk to 110°F
  • Mix starter with a small amount of milk first
  • Transfer to a sterilized glass jar
  • Maintain a steady 108‑112°F incubation for 6‑8 hours

Safety Warnings

  • Do not use flavored or sweetened yogurt as starter; added sugars can interfere with fermentation.
  • Ensure the milk is cooled to ≤120°F before adding starter, otherwise you will kill the cultures.
  • Keep all containers and utensils thoroughly clean to avoid contamination with unwanted bacteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade yogurt in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine?

A

Yogurt has been a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch farms for over a century, passed down through generations as a simple, nutritious breakfast and a base for cooking. The method mirrors ancient practices used by Bulgarians, Greeks, and other farming cultures, emphasizing self‑sufficiency and minimal ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of yogurt among the Pennsylvania Dutch and other German‑American communities?

A

Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch yogurt is made with whole milk and a small amount of previous‑batch starter, resulting in a mild, creamy texture. Some families strain it for a thicker, Greek‑style version, while others add a pinch of salt or use raw farm milk for a richer flavor.

cultural
Q

How is homemade yogurt traditionally served in Amish households?

A

It is commonly served plain with honey, fresh fruit, or homemade jam for breakfast. It also appears in recipes like cucumber salad, baked goods, and as a base for creamy soups in Amish cooking.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is homemade yogurt especially valued in Amish culture?

A

Homemade yogurt is a daily staple rather than a holiday dish, but it is often featured at family gatherings, church potlucks, and during the harvest season when fresh milk is abundant.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are required for traditional Amish homemade yogurt versus modern shortcuts?

A

Authentic Amish yogurt uses only fresh milk (preferably whole) and a spoonful of previous‑batch plain yogurt containing live cultures. Modern shortcuts might add powdered starter cultures or sweeteners, which change the flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

What other Pennsylvania Dutch dishes pair well with homemade yogurt?

A

Homemade yogurt pairs nicely with apple‑cabbage slaw, potato salad, and as a topping for fried chicken. It also works as a base for creamy dressings in beet salads and as a tenderizer for pork chops.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade yogurt using the Amish Cooking method?

A

Common errors include overheating the milk (which can kill cultures), adding starter to milk that is still too hot, using flavored yogurt as starter, and not keeping the incubation temperature steady. Each mistake can lead to runny or off‑flavored yogurt.

technical
Q

Why does this homemade yogurt recipe use a small amount of starter mixed with a cup of warm milk before adding it to the whole batch?

A

Mixing the starter with a small portion of milk creates a uniform slurry, ensuring the live cultures are evenly distributed throughout the entire quart. Directly dropping the starter can create clumps that ferment faster, leaving other areas under‑fermented.

technical
Q

Can I make this homemade yogurt ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After the incubation, refrigerate the yogurt immediately. It keeps well for up to two weeks in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to two months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance indicate that the homemade yogurt is properly set?

A

The yogurt should have a smooth, custard‑like consistency and hold its shape when the jar is tilted, similar to loose pudding. No large liquid pockets should be visible; a thin layer of whey on top is normal.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Amish Cooking specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Amish Cooking focuses on traditional Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch food preparation, emphasizing self‑sufficiency, low‑cost ingredients, and farm‑to‑table techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Amish Cooking's approach to yogurt making differ from other American cooking channels?

A

Amish Cooking stresses using only two natural ingredients, no commercial starter powders, and relies on simple heat‑maintaining methods like an oven light or wool blanket, whereas many other channels use electric yogurt makers or powdered cultures.

channel

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