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Easy Homemade Yogurt

Easy Homemade Yogurt in the crockpot-The Unlikely Homeschool

Last weekend was another Big-Batch-Breakfast cooking day in my kitchen.  By whipping up a handful of breakfast meals in advance, I can ensure that at least SOME of our mornings start out much more smoothly.  

One of the recipes that I often pull out on my "Big-Batch" days is the super simple homemade yogurt from the Architect's Wife.  (She has generously agreed to let me share it with y'all!)  This tasty, breakfast staple could not be easier!


Easy Homemade Yogurt

Ingredients:

  1. 1/2 gallon whole milk
  2. 1/2 cup store-bought "starter" yogurt (must have live, active cultures...GREEK yogurt is best)

Directions:

Pour milk into a large crock pot.  Cook on low for 2 1/2 hours.


Then, unplug your crockpot and let it sit for 3 more hours.  Be sure to leave the lid on the pot.

Easy Homemade Yogurt in the crockpot-The Unlikely Homeschool

After 3 hours, scoop out 2 cups of the luke warm milk.  Stir in the store-bought yogurt until the mixture is smooth.  

Easy Homemade Yogurt in the crockpot-The Unlikely Homeschool

Pour the mixture back into the crockpot and stir until thoroughly mixed.  

Easy Homemade Yogurt in the crockpot-The Unlikely Homeschool

Cove the UNPLUGGED crockpot completely with a large towel and let it sit for 8 hours (overnight).  The towel will provide insulation to allow the yogurt to cool slowly and evenly.

Easy Homemade Yogurt in the crockpot-The Unlikely Homeschool

In the morning, you will have a yummy batch of live, active yogurt.  It will be slightly more watery than store bought yogurt.  Feel free to strain it with a cheese cloth, if you prefer it thicker.  

Easy Homemade Yogurt in the crockpot-The Unlikely Homeschool

Serve with your favorite fruit, granola, or simple berry sauce.  (I often use this yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in other recipes or as a dip for fruit...a healthy school day snack.)

Easy Homemade Yogurt in the crockpot-The Unlikely Homeschool

SIDE NOTE:  Once you make this yogurt once, you can save 1/2 cup of it to be used as your "starter" in your next batch so that you don't have to use a store-bought version.

UPDATE:
For a thicker yogurt, use a full cup of "starter" yogurt instead of a 1/2 cup.

6 comments:

  1. Have you (or any of your followers) tried this recipe with almond or soy or rice milk? I have a milk allergic little one and I'd LOVE to be able to give her yogurt...she's okay with slight doses of milk (we're hoping she'll eventually grow out of the allergy, so far so good!) Thanks for any input! :D Have my first batch in the crock pot now...looking forward to saving lots of money on yogurt! :D

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    Replies
    1. No. I have never made it with anything but whole milk. But, it might be worth an experiment to try it. I hope you like it. We are not big fans of plain yogurt, so we always add the extras that I mentioned above.

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    2. So I know it's been a while, and I've been making it with whole milk this whole time...but today I'm FINALLY trying it with almond milk! I used regular Greek yogurt, so it won't be COMPLETELY dairy free, but enough that my Lacy will be able to eat it. I will let you know how it turns out! :D

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    3. I look forward to hearing how it goes.

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    4. Okay, well I KNOW almond milk CAN be used to make yogurt, but THIS method is not the one. ;) Utter fail! LOL! It was very ugly and separated once I finished. So....back to the dairy for now while I look for more methods. ;) Thanks again! :D

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    5. Oh bummer! Sorry it was a waste. I hope you find a recipe that will work for you.

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