YT Recipe

Homemade Yogurt

Homemade Yogurt is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Mary's Nest on YouTube.

Prep: 36 min | Cook: 4 hrs | Total: 4 hrs 51 min

Cost: $1.26 total, $0.32 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Whole Milk (Pasteurized, homogenized whole milk; any brand works)
  • 0.25 cup Plain Whole Milk Yogurt (Store‑bought plain yogurt with live active cultures; can be vanilla if plain unavailable)

Instructions

  1. Measure Milk

    Pour 4 cups (1 quart) of whole milk into a saucepan.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Heat Milk to 180°F

    Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. Heat until the milk reaches 180°F (82°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 180°F

  3. Cool Milk to 110°F

    Remove the pot from heat and continue stirring. Allow the milk to cool until it reaches 110°F (43°C).

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 110°F

  4. Add Yogurt Starter

    Stir in ¼ cup of plain whole‑milk yogurt until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Transfer to Small Bowl

    Pour the milk‑yogurt mixture into the small glass or ceramic bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Prepare Warm Water Bath

    Fill the larger bowl with warm water (around 115°F/46°C), enough to come just below the rim of the small bowl.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 115°F

  7. Cover and Insulate

    Place the small bowl into the water bath, cover with its lid or plastic wrap, then set the larger bowl on a baking sheet lined with a dish towel.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Create a Warm Spot

    Put the setup in a warm, undisturbed place – an oven with the light on, a warm pantry, or on top of the refrigerator.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Incubate Yogurt

    Let the yogurt culture for 4 hours (minimum) up to 8 hours, checking after 4 hours for desired thickness and tang.

    Time: PT4H

    Temperature: 110°F

  10. Cool and Refrigerate

    Remove the small bowl from the water bath, stir gently, then cover tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set fully.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Optional: Strain for Greek‑Style Yogurt

    Line a fine‑mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter, set over a bowl, and pour the yogurt in. Let drain for 30 minutes or longer for thicker texture.

    Time: PT30M

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: April 7, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Homemade Yogurt

Recipe by Mary's Nest

A step‑by‑step guide to making thick, creamy homemade yogurt using just a bowl, a pot, and a few simple kitchen tools—no yogurt maker required. This recipe uses pasteurized whole milk and a small amount of store‑bought yogurt as starter, yielding a probiotic‑rich snack that can be enjoyed plain, flavored, or strained into Greek‑style yogurt.

EasyAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
5h 18m
Prep
0m
Cook
38m
Cleanup
5h 56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.26
Total cost
$0.32
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Heat milk to 180°F to kill competing bacteria and create a thicker base.
  • • Cool milk to 110°F before adding starter to protect live cultures.
  • • Maintain incubation temperature around 110°F for 4‑8 hours.
  • • Use the correct starter amount (¼ cup per 4 cups milk).

Safety Warnings

  • • Milk reaches boiling temperature; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • • Use a food‑safe thermometer; do not rely on visual cues alone.
  • • Hot water bath can cause steam burns – keep face away while pouring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade yogurt in American home cooking?

A

Yogurt entered American kitchens in the early 20th century as a health‑promoting food, prized for its probiotic benefits. Home‑making became popular during the 1970s health‑food movement, allowing families to control ingredients and avoid added sugars found in many store‑bought brands.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of yogurt in the United States?

A

In the U.S., you’ll find Greek‑style strained yogurt from the Northeast, Icelandic skyr from the Pacific Northwest, and traditional set‑style yogurt in the South. Each varies in thickness and fat content, but the basic culturing process is the same.

cultural
Q

How is homemade yogurt traditionally served in Texas cuisine?

A

Texan homes often serve plain homemade yogurt with fresh fruit, honey, or as a base for creamy dressings. It’s also used in breakfast bowls with granola or as a topping for spicy Tex‑Mex dishes to balance heat.

cultural
Q

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

A

Homemade yogurt is a staple for everyday breakfasts, but it also appears at pot‑lucks, health‑focused gatherings, and holiday brunches where a probiotic‑rich side dish is appreciated.

cultural
Q

How does homemade yogurt fit into the broader American dairy tradition?

A

Yogurt complements the American dairy tradition of milk, cheese, and butter by offering a fermented, probiotic‑rich option. It bridges the gap between fresh milk and aged cheeses, providing a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for homemade yogurt versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients are pasteurized whole milk and a live‑culture plain yogurt starter. Acceptable substitutes include 2 % milk (less creamy) or raw milk (if legal) and a small amount of kefir or a commercial yogurt culture packet.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with homemade yogurt?

A

Homemade yogurt pairs beautifully with fruit parfaits, granola bowls, as a base for ranch dressing, or mixed into smoothies. It also works as a topping for spicy tacos, baked potatoes, and as a substitute for sour cream in dips.

cultural
Q

What makes homemade yogurt special or unique in American cuisine?

A

Making yogurt at home lets you control fat content, avoid added sugars, and boost probiotic levels. The process also yields a fresher flavor and a thicker texture that commercial yogurts often lack.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common mistakes include not heating the milk to 180°F, adding the starter when the milk is too hot, and allowing the incubation temperature to drop below 110°F. Each of these can prevent proper thickening and culture development.

technical
Q

Why does this homemade yogurt recipe use a 180°F heating step instead of adding the starter at 110°F directly?

A

Heating to 180°F denatures competing enzymes and kills stray bacteria, creating a clean canvas for the starter cultures. This step also evaporates some water, concentrating the milk proteins for a thicker final yogurt.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mary's Nest specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mary's Nest, hosted by Mary, specializes in traditional, nutrient‑dense recipes that use simple, everyday ingredients. Mary focuses on whole‑food cooking, fermentation, and preserving culinary heritage.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mary's Nest's approach to American dairy cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Mary's Nest emphasizes low‑cost, locally sourced dairy and explains the science behind each step, such as why heating milk matters. Unlike many channels that rely on gadgets, Mary shows how to achieve professional results with just a bowl and basic kitchen tools.

channel
More like this:American RecipesBreakfast RecipesMore by Mary's Nest

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Homemade Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt)
74

Homemade Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt)

A simple, high‑protein Icelandic skyr made at home using Fairlife whole milk, a tiny amount of inulin for extra prebiotic fiber, and a spoonful of store‑bought skyr as starter. The mixture ferments in an Instant Pot on the Yogurt setting for 16 hours, then is strained to a creamy, thick texture. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or adding to smoothies.

18 hrs 5 minServes 4$4
Icelandic
Cottage Cheese Herb Patties with Greek Yogurt Cucumber Sauce
45

Cottage Cheese Herb Patties with Greek Yogurt Cucumber Sauce

High‑protein, low‑carb cottage cheese patties flavored with dill, green onion and Parmesan, served with a cool Greek yogurt‑cucumber sauce. Fried first batch, baked second batch for a crisp finish.

1 hr 20 minServes 4$9
Mediterranean
Homemade Yogurt and Ginger Frozen Yogurt
45

Homemade Yogurt and Ginger Frozen Yogurt

Learn how to make creamy, probiotic-rich homemade yogurt from ultra‑pasteurized milk, then turn the strained yogurt into a tart ginger frozen yogurt using gelatin and golden syrup for a smooth, scoopable dessert.

11 hrs 29 minServes 6$7
American
Homemade Greek Yogurt
42

Homemade Greek Yogurt

A step‑by‑step guide to making thick, creamy Greek yogurt at home using a crock‑pot, milk, and a small amount of plain yogurt as starter. The process includes heating, cooling, incubating, and straining to achieve the classic tangy texture.

18 hrs 45 minServes 4$4
Greek
Homemade Yogurt (Instant Pot)
57

Homemade Yogurt (Instant Pot)

A simple, cost‑effective way to make thick, creamy yogurt at home using an Instant Pot. Add sweetened condensed milk for a sweet version or keep it plain for savory uses. Serve with fresh fruit compote or any toppings you like.

6 hrs 45 minServes 8$8
American
Mushroom Manti With Garlic Yogurt & Tomato Sauce
49

Mushroom Manti With Garlic Yogurt & Tomato Sauce

A vegetarian twist on Turkish manti made for Lunar New Year. Savory mushroom‑filled dumplings sit on a cool garlicky yogurt base and are topped with a bright, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for a festive dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.

1 hr 5 minServes 4$21
Turkish
🔥 Trending Recipes← All Recipes