Make Your Own Yogurt (in your crock pot!)

Make Your Own Yogurt

(in your crock pot!)

• Turn your crock pot to low and pour in 1/2 gallon of milk. Skim works well, whole is much creamier.

• Heat on low for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• Turn your crock pot off (make sure it isn’t on “warm” setting). Let the milk cool in the crock with the lid on for 3 hours.

• After 3 hours remove 1-2 cups of the warmed milk and place in a bowl. To that add 6 ounces of plain yogurt with live active cultures and mix very well. I always save about a cup of my homemade yogurt in a glass container when I’m done so I always have a starter for the next batch – it keeps for at least a few weeks.

• Pour the yogurt-milk mixture back into the milk and whisk thoroughly.

• Place the cover back on the crock and wrap the entire crock pot in a thick bath towel or two.

• Place it in a warm place. I use my oven which is NOT preheated or turned on at all. I always put a sticky note that reminds me that yogurt is in there. Once I started preheating the oven, forgetting it was in there. Luckily I did not burn our house down (obviously, major point) or ruin my yogurt (I still would have been sad).

• Let it culture overnight, 8-12 hours.

• In the morning stir yogurt (if desired) and store in glass quart jars or a container of your choice.  Remember to set aside some to use as a starter for your next batch. 

• For better texture, refrigerate for at least 8 hours before using.

• For Greek yogurt or yogurt cheese (can get to as thick as cream cheese consistency)place colander in a large bowl, line colander with coffee filters, pour in yogurt, and place in the refrigerator. In a few hours much of the whey will be strained off. Leave it for 24 hours and you will have yogurt cheese. You can always mix some of the whey back in if you want it thinner.

• You’ll have a lot of whey that can be used in smoothies, in baking in place of buttermilk or other liquids, or I’ve even used it instead of water when mixing my Emergen-C. Be creative.

Read here about the Benefits of Yogurt Whey.



Leftover Whey

• Mix it with homemade sauces, use in smoothies, or top with granola.  

There are a ton of ways to enjoy your yogurt!

This post has also been linked to:
Mouthwatering Monday at Southern Fairytale
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed with Grace
Tuesday at the Table at All the Small Stuff
What's on The Menu Wednesday at Dining With Debbie
Hearth and Soul at A Moderate Life
Recipe Swap at Prairie Story (Thursdays)
Colleen's Fall Recipe Swap at Colleen's Kitchen (Fridays)