There’s something really satisfying about making your own yogurt from scratch. No fancy equipment, no yogurt maker, just a pot, a towel, and a little patience. Today I’m sharing the homemade yogurt recipe that I made recently, along with a video where you can see the whole process step by step.
This yogurt turns out creamy, mild, and naturally tangy — perfect on its own, with honey and fruit, or as a base for smoothies and breakfast bowls. If you’ve ever wondered how to make yogurt at home without a machine, this simple method is for you.
Ingredients
- 1 liter (about 4 cups) whole milk
- 1 small cup (120 g) plain natural yogurt (make sure it has live active cultures)
- 4 tablespoons milk powder
That’s it! Just three ingredients for a full batch of homemade yogurt.
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Why Make Homemade Yogurt?
Store-bought yogurt is convenient, but making it at home is cheaper, free of unnecessary additives, and honestly kind of magical to watch, you start with plain warm milk and a spoonful of yogurt, and a few hours later you have a full pot of thick, creamy yogurt. It’s also a great way to slow down and add a little “cozy kitchen” moment to your day, the same way baking bread does.
How to Make Homemade Yogurt
- Pour the milk into a pot and heat it on the stove over medium heat.
- Heat the milk until it’s hot but not boiling, the right temperature is when you can hold your finger in it for about 10 seconds before it feels too hot. This step is important: if the milk is too hot, it can kill the live cultures you’re about to add.
- While the milk heats, mix the natural yogurt (120 g) with the 4 tablespoons of milk powder in a small bowl until smooth. The milk powder helps make the final yogurt thicker and creamier.
- Once the milk reaches the right temperature, pour a little of the warm milk into the yogurt mixture and stir to loosen it, then add this mixture back into the pot of warm milk. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly.
- Cover the pot with a lid, then wrap it in a kitchen towel to help keep the warmth in.
- Place the covered pot somewhere quiet and undisturbed — inside the (turned off) oven or microwave works well — and let it sit for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Try not to move or shake it during this time, since the cultures need a stable, warm environment to work.
- After resting, you’ll have a pot of soft, set homemade yogurt. Give it a gentle stir, then transfer it to a clean container and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours before eating — it will thicken even more once chilled.
Tips for the Best Homemade Yogurt
- Save a spoonful for next time: keep a small amount of your finished homemade yogurt to use as the starter for your next batch, just like I did with store-bought yogurt this time.
- Keep it warm and still: temperature and stillness are the two most important things for good fermentation. A turned-off oven with the light on, or wrapping the pot in a thick towel inside a cooler, both work well.
- Strain it for Greek-style yogurt: if you prefer a thicker, Greek-style yogurt, pour the finished yogurt into a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel set over a bowl and let it strain in the fridge for a few hours to remove extra whey.
- Sweeten after, not before: add honey, sugar, or fruit after the yogurt has set and chilled, not before fermenting, so it doesn’t interfere with the culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a yogurt maker to make homemade yogurt?
No. This method uses just a pot, a kitchen towel, and a warm, quiet spot — no special equipment needed.
How long does homemade yogurt last?
Stored in a sealed container in the fridge, homemade yogurt usually stays good for about 5 to 7 days.
Why didn’t my yogurt set?
The most common reasons are milk that was too hot (which kills the live cultures), a resting spot that wasn’t warm enough, or moving the pot during fermentation. Double-check the finger test for temperature and find a warmer, more sheltered spot next time.
Homemade Bread Recipe
If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy my homemade soft bread recipe it’s easy, fluffy, and honestly the two go really well together.
A warm slice of that soft homemade bread with a spoonful of this creamy homemade yogurt and a drizzle of honey is one of my favorite simple breakfasts. If you’re on a bit of a “make it from scratch” kick like I’ve been lately, that bread post is a great next recipe to try.
Watch the Video
I filmed this recipe so you can see exactly how the milk should look before adding the yogurt mixture, and how the texture sets after resting overnight. If you prefer following recipes visually, I highly recommend watching the video alongside this post 🤍
Watch the full video on my YouTube channel here
Thank you so much for being here and for supporting my creative journey. I hope you enjoy making this homemade yogurt recipe as much as I did 💛
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