Skyr Yogurt (Homemade)

Skyr Yogurt (Homemade) is a easy Icelandic recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Donna Schwenk on YouTube.

Prep: 18 min | Cook: 12 hrs | Total: 12 hrs 33 min

Cost: $7.25 total, $1.81 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 quart Milk (2% reduced‑fat milk; can use whole, skim, or half‑and‑half)
  • 1 packet Easy Skyr Yogurt Starter (Contains live cultures; use the whole packet per quart of milk)
  • 1 piece Fine Mesh Strainer (For optional whey straining; fits in refrigerator door)

Instructions

  1. Warm the Mug

    Rinse the insulated mug with warm water to pre‑heat it, then discard the water.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Heat Milk to 110°F

    Pour the milk into a pot, attach the thermometer, and heat over medium heat until it reaches 110°F. Stir occasionally to prevent skin formation.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 110°F

  3. Transfer Milk to Mug

    Carefully pour the 110°F milk into the pre‑warmed insulated mug.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Add Starter and Whisk

    Open the Easy Skyr Yogurt starter packet, sprinkle it into the milk, and whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Seal and Insulate

    Close the mug with its airtight lid. If your home is cool, wrap the mug in a towel and place it in a cooler or insulated bag to maintain temperature.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Ferment

    Let the mug sit undisturbed at room temperature for 8–10 hours (up to 24 hours if you prefer a milder flavor). The yogurt will thicken and develop a tangy taste.

    Time: PT10H

  7. Refrigerate

    After fermentation, place the sealed mug in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up the texture.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 40°F

  8. Optional: Strain for High‑Protein Skyr

    Set a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, pour the chilled yogurt into the strainer, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours) to separate whey. Discard or repurpose the whey.

    Time: PT12H

    Temperature: 40°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
4g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Milk, Dairy

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Instead of Milk: Whole milk, Skim milk, Half‑and‑half
  • Instead of Easy Skyr Yogurt Starter: Plain yogurt with live cultures
  • Instead of Fine Mesh Strainer: Cheesecloth, Butter muslin

Equipment Needed

  • Pot
  • Food Thermometer
  • Double‑Insulated Mug
  • Whisk
  • Lid with Seal
  • Towel(s) (optional)
  • Cooler or insulated bag (optional)
  • Large Bowl (optional)
  • Fine Mesh Strainer (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

  • Heating milk to exactly 110°F
  • Thoroughly whisking the starter into the milk
  • Sealing the mug to maintain a stable temperature
  • Allowing sufficient fermentation time (8‑10 hours)
  • Optional straining for extra thickness and protein

Chef Tips from the Video

  • For an ultra‑creamy result, use whole milk instead of 2%.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt after fermentation to enhance flavor.
  • Sweeten or flavor with fresh fruit, honey, or vanilla extract just before serving.
  • Wrap the mug in a clean cotton towel for better insulation on cooler days.
  • Reuse the collected whey in pancake batter for a protein boost.

Troubleshooting

Yogurt is runny and did not set.

Confirm the milk reached 110°F, use a fresh starter, keep the mug insulated, and extend fermentation time by a few hours.

Yogurt has an off smell or strange color.

Check that all utensils were sanitized and that the starter packet was not expired. Discard the batch if it smells sour beyond normal tang.

Excess whey separates on top.

Stir gently before serving, or strain the yogurt using a fine mesh strainer for a thicker texture.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer: Not recommended; texture may become grainy.

Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature after fermentation; refrigerate promptly.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make a larger batch and divide into individual containers for quick breakfasts.
  • Reuse a portion of the finished yogurt as starter for the next batch (¼ cup per quart of milk).
  • Strain the whey and add it to smoothies, pancake batter, or soups for extra protein.

Last updated: September 6, 2026

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Skyr Yogurt (Homemade)

Recipe by Donna Schwenk

A step‑by‑step guide to making thick, high‑protein Icelandic‑style Skyr yogurt at home using either an insulated mug or a yogurt maker. Includes optional straining for extra protein, storage tips, and troubleshooting.

EasyIcelandicServes 4

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

Source Video
24h 18m
Prep
0m
Cook
2h 55m
Cleanup
27h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.25
Total cost
$1.81
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Heating milk to exactly 110°F
  • • Thoroughly whisking the starter into the milk
  • • Sealing the mug to maintain a stable temperature
  • • Allowing sufficient fermentation time (8‑10 hours)
  • • Optional straining for extra thickness and protein

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle hot milk carefully to avoid burns.
  • • Do not let the milk exceed 115°F, or you will kill the live cultures.
  • • Ensure all equipment is clean to prevent contamination.
  • • Do not ferment longer than 24 hours at room temperature to avoid spoilage.