Homemade Yogurt

Homemade Yogurt is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by GoldenGully on YouTube.

Prep: 32 min | Cook: 10 hrs | Total: 10 hrs 47 min

Cost: $1.51 total, $0.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 liter Whole Milk (Preferably full‑fat for creamier texture; bring to a boil then cool)
  • 1 tablespoon Plain Yogurt (Use a live‑culture, unflavored yogurt as the starter; reserve a spoonful for the next batch)
  • 1 pinch Salt (Optional, enhances flavor)

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients & Equipment

    Measure 1 L of whole milk and 1 Tbsp of plain yogurt. Set out the pot, thermometer, spoon, glass jar, and towels.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat Milk to Boiling

    Place the milk in the pot over medium‑high heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. When the milk reaches a rolling boil, remove from heat.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 212°F

  3. Cool Milk to Incubation Temperature

    Allow the milk to cool until it reaches about 110°F (43°C). Test by dipping a clean finger; it should feel warm but not burn.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 110°F

  4. Inoculate Milk with Yogurt Starter

    Add the tablespoon of plain yogurt to the cooled milk. Whisk gently until fully incorporated. Add a pinch of salt if desired.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Incubate the Yogurt

    Pour the mixture into the clean glass jar. Wrap the jar tightly with towels or a blanket to retain heat. Place the wrapped jar in an off oven, a dehydrator set to 110°F, or any warm spot for 8‑12 hours. Do not disturb the jar during this period.

    Time: PT10H

    Temperature: 110°F

  6. Cool at Room Temperature

    After incubation, remove the jar from the warm area and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. This stabilizes the texture.

    Time: PT1H

  7. Refrigerate to Set

    Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to fully set. The yogurt will thicken further as it chills.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 40°F

  8. Save Starter & Serve

    Scoop out a tablespoon of the finished yogurt and set aside as the starter for your next batch. Serve the remaining yogurt plain or with fruit, honey, or granola.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

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

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Milk

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Homemade Yogurt

Recipe by GoldenGully

A simple, no‑starter‑required method for making creamy homemade yogurt using a tablespoon of plain yogurt as the starter. Heat milk, cool to the perfect incubation temperature, and let the natural bacteria work their magic for 8‑12 hours. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a base for sauces and desserts.

EasyAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
13h 27m
Prep
10m
Cook
1h 38m
Cleanup
15h 15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.51
Total cost
$0.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooling milk to exactly 110°F before adding starter.
  • Maintaining a stable 110°F incubation temperature for 8‑12 hours.
  • Avoiding movement of the jar during incubation.

Safety Warnings

  • Boiling milk can scorch; stir frequently.
  • Hot milk can cause burns – handle with care.
  • Ensure incubation temperature stays above 100°F to prevent harmful bacteria growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Yogurt has been a staple in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean diets for centuries, valued for its probiotic benefits and versatility. Traditionally, families would ferment milk in warm clay pots, passing down starter cultures from generation to generation.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of yogurt in Indian cuisine?

A

In India, yogurt (dahi) is often set in earthenware pots and flavored with cumin or mustard seeds. It is used in dishes like raita, lassi, and as a cooling accompaniment to spicy meals. Some regions add a pinch of sugar for a sweeter dahi.

cultural
Q

How is homemade yogurt traditionally served in Greek cuisine?

A

Greek cuisine features thick, strained yogurt known as Greek yogurt, often served with honey, nuts, or fresh fruit. It is also used as a base for tzatziki, a cucumber‑yogurt dip served with grilled meats and pita.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is homemade yogurt traditionally associated with in Turkish culture?

A

In Turkish culture, yogurt (yoğurt) is a daily staple but also appears in festive meals such as Ramadan iftar and wedding feasts, where it may be served as a cold soup (yayla çorbası) or mixed with herbs for a refreshing side.

cultural
Q

What makes homemade yogurt special compared to store‑bought varieties in American cuisine?

A

Homemade yogurt contains live, active cultures directly from the starter, often resulting in a richer flavor and creamier texture. It also allows you to control sweetness, fat content, and avoid additives found in many commercial yogurts.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include cooling the milk below 110°F before adding the starter, disturbing the jar during incubation, and not maintaining a consistent warm environment. Each of these can prevent proper bacterial fermentation, leading to runny or off‑tasting yogurt.

technical
Q

Why does this homemade yogurt recipe use a towel‑wrapped jar in an off oven instead of a dedicated yogurt maker?

A

The towel‑wrapped jar creates a simple insulated environment that mimics a yogurt maker’s steady heat. It’s an accessible, low‑cost alternative that still keeps the milk at the ideal 110°F for bacterial growth.

technical
Q

Can I make the homemade yogurt ahead of time and how should I store it before serving?

A

Yes, you can prepare the yogurt up to three days in advance. After the incubation and refrigeration steps, keep it sealed in the refrigerator. For longer storage, transfer portions to airtight containers and consume within two weeks.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when my homemade yogurt is done?

A

The yogurt should be thick, smooth, and slightly glossy, with a uniform off‑white color. It will pull away from the sides of the jar and hold its shape when the spoon is lifted. If it’s watery or separated, the incubation may have been insufficient.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel GoldenGully specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel GoldenGully focuses on straightforward, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often highlighting simple techniques that require minimal equipment and emphasizing food science basics.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel GoldenGully's approach to dairy fermentation differ from other cooking channels?

A

GoldenGully emphasizes low‑tech methods—using everyday kitchen items like towels and an off oven—rather than specialized equipment. This makes dairy fermentation accessible to beginners and those without a yogurt maker, setting the channel apart from more gadget‑centric tutorials.

channel

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