How to Make Yogurt

Did you know that yogurt is incredibly easy to make at home? It’s so much cheaper too. Follow these steps to creamy, dairy bliss!

PART 1 of 2: Heating the milk

Step 1 of 3 Pour 2 liters of fresh milk into a large lidded saucepan and heat until bubbles form around the edges.

Step 2 of 3 Place the pan on top of a prepared ice bath and stir gently to cool the milk down. Do this until you can dip a finger in the milk and comfortably hold it for 5 seconds.

Step 3 of 3 Ladle some of the warm milk into a bowl containing 1/2 cup plain yogurt (use a brand that contains live micro-organisms). Whisk the milk into the yogurt then add it to the saucepan with the rest of the milk.

PART 2 of 2: Fermenting the yogurt

Step 1 of 3 Preheat oven to 150F, moving the rack to its lowest position. Place the lid on the saucepan. Take a large towel or small blanket and wrap it around the pan to preserve its warmth. Secure with large pins, if necessary.

Step 2 of 3 If you don't have an oven, you can also divide the milk mixture evenly among several jars, top with lids, and store them in a cooler filled with piping hot water.

Step 3 of 3 Turn off the oven and place the pan inside. Whether using the oven or cooler method, let the yogurt rest for 6 hours. (Like it tart? Let it rest overnight.) Once it's set, you can strain it, then chill and enjoy.