All you need is a crock pot and two ingredients to make this Homemade Greek Yogurt Recipe!
There's no need for an expensive yogurt maker or any other special equipment either. This method is economic and tastes delicious!
Add your favorite fruits and toppings for a delicious treat that’s packed with healthy probiotics that's perfect for breakfast, lunch or a midday snack.
Hungry for more? Explore our other Breakfast Ideas!
Looking for a delicious, healthy breakfast option? This nutritious breakfast choice is perfect for those looking to start their day off right.
Packed with protein and calcium, this recipe for Greek yogurt is sure to keep you fueled all morning long.
Making yogurt is relatively easy, it just takes time! But everything that tastes good is worth the wait, right? Just make sure you also use yogurt that has live and active cultures. I always use an 4 ounce container of plain Greek yogurt too.
Don't forget to add your favorite fruit toppings! Mine is strawberries with homemade granola. What's yours?
Looking for more parfait-inspired recipes? Try my Breakfast Parfaits with Yogurt, Fruit and Granola or my Greek Yogurt Smoothie....yum!
Table of Contents
Yogurt Ideas
Packed with protein and calcium, Greek yogurt is sure to keep you fueled all morning long. But did you know you could use Greek yogurt in other recipes?
It adds creaminess and flavor, and it can help thicken sauces, dressings, and smoothies. The high protein content makes it a great substitute for recipes that call for heavy cream or sour cream
Greek yogurt is also a healthier substitute for mayonnaise and butter, making it an excellent choice when creating lighter versions of classic dishes.
Try making my 2 ingredient bagel recipe, that's made with Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. Or how about stirring a little yogurt into my recipe for Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries?
How to pack yogurt and granola
Make your workday lunch extra special with a homemade yogurt-granola jar! Start by adding layer of granola in a mason jar, then followed by creamy yogurt - repeat this until the top.
You can also add fresh or frozen fruit for even more deliciousness. Once you seal the jar tightly, make sure you pack it in a insulated bag that also has a freezer pack to keep the contents cool.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel ColanderCotton Cheesecloth,, Food GradeBall Regular Mouth Mason Jars with Lids & Bands, Half Pint, 8-oz (2-Pack)
Ingredients
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Whole milk is traditional but you can use 2%, 1%, or even skim milk. Just remember, the lower the fat content, the thinner the yogurt will be.
- Lactose-free milk or plant-based milks like almond, soy, or coconut milk can be used for dietary restrictions, but the texture and taste will vary. You may need to add thickeners or use a specific yogurt starter designed for plant-based milks.
- If you have one, you can make yogurt in your Instant Pot for a quicker and more convenient process.
- Don't forget to add your favorite fruit toppings! Mine is strawberries with homemade granola. What's yours?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the milk to a large crockpot and heat on low for 2 ½ hours. You want to make sure the milk reaches a temperature of 180°F. Use a digital thermometer to check!
Step 2: Unplug the crockpot and allow it to cool down for 3 hours. You can remove the lid or keep it on at an angle; which is what I do.
Step 3: Finally stir in the store-bought yogurt and allow it to sit for 8 to 12 hours. Remember to use plain Greek yogurt with live and active cultures.
Quick Tip
After the 8 to 12 hours of sitting, the yogurt is done! You can store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. However, the yogurt will be thin because it doesn't have the additives and gelatins that store-bought yogurt has. If you want thick Greek yogurt, you need to strain it through cheesecloth while it sits in the refrigerator. I always do this step!
Drain the Greek Yogurt
Step 4: Line a strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl that's smaller than the strainer. This bowl is going to collect the liquid. You can fold the edges of the cheesecloth up over the yogurt as well. Or you could cover it loosely with plastic wrap.
Step 5: Place these containers in the refrigerator and let the yogurt drain overnight for another 8 hours.
Step 6: After 8 hours, the liquid has drained and you're left with beautiful thick homemade Greek yogurt ready to enjoy!
Serving Tips
Here are a few ideas on how to serve homemade greek yogurt:
- Top it with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Make your own homemade coconut pecan chocolate chip granola to sprinkle over the top.
- Combine honey or maple syrup with cinnamon and walnuts for a sweet treat.
- Add in some cocoa powder or even protein powder for a chocolatey flavor.
- Make a smoothie by mixing in other fruits, such as bananas or berries.
- Layer Greek yogurt with homemade trail mix, nuts and seeds for an energizing snack.
- Reserve ½ cup of this freshly made yogurt to use for your next batch.
Before You Begin!
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Recipe FAQ
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes, reserve ½ cup from your freshly made yogurt for your next batch.
Storage Tips
- Place the yogurt in a container with an airtight lid.
- Store it in the refrigerator and make sure to use it within five days of being made.
- To freeze it, pour the yogurt into a freezer-safe container that has been sterilized. Cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to four months.
- To thaw frozen yogurt, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly for about 8 hours; then enjoy!
Top Recipe Tip to Remember
Remember to use plain Greek yogurt with live and active cultures. Make sure the temperature of the milk reaches 180°F.
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Homemade Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- ½ gallon whole milk
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; with live and active cultures
Instructions
- Add the milk to a crock pot and heat on low for 2 ½ hours. Make sure the milk reaches 180°F.
- Unplug the crock pot and allow it to cool down for 3 hours.
- Stir in the yogurt and allow it to sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours.
- At this point the yogurt is done. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy!
How to Strain the Yogurt
- Line a strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a smaller bowl to collect the liquid as it strains or drips through the cheesecloth.
- Fold the edges of the cheesecloth up over the yogurt and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
- Place the containers in the refrigerator to allow the yogurt to drain overnight or another 8 hours.
- After 8 hours, the liquid has drained into the bottom bowl and you're left with beautiful thick homemade Greek yogurt ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure the temperature of the milk reaches 180°F before adding the container of yogurt.
- Remember to use plain Greek yogurt with live and active cultures.
- Reserve ½ cup of this freshly made yogurt to use for your next batch.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2012 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Netflix says
It looks amazing!
fromcalculustocupcakes says
I love homemade yogurt. It is so much better than store bought, but I have not made it in a while. I need to get back to doing it, and this reminded me of that. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
mickeydownunder says
G'day and well done Lois re homemade!Cheers! YUM!Cheers! Joanne
Nicole @WonkyW says
I have been trying different methods for homemade yogurt (and having some issues). I am going to try this crockpot method next. Thanks!
Robyn Rasmussen says
I am so excited to have found this through Foodie Friends Link up! I LOVE yogurt but HATE spending so much money on it. I am going to try this very soon! Thanks for the recipe. :)-Robyn
Tracy Iseminger says
I wonder if this would work the same with soy milk? And can you get the live/active cultures from a health food store (like a yeast) instead of adding a store bought yogurt? Interesting, I might need to research because it looks great!
Sandra says
This sounds wonderful, I'll have to give it a try 🙂
Debra says
This sounds great! I love Greek yogurt! I would love to be able to make it at home instead!
Debbie says
Well I found this VERY interesting...I am also VERY sure it is just delicious. I believe you when you say it is not hard, but it does sound quite time consuming, which will probably be why I won't be making it. How bout I just come over for breakfast instead? ; )
Paula says
WOW~ this is so great to know, Lois... I never knew homemade yogurt was this easy!
Miss Debbie says
Maybe one day when I retire, I will try this! 🙂 For now, my carb master yogurt from kroger will have to do! Thanks for the recipe though. I bet my daughter would like to try it...she and her hubby like yogurt and they are both adventurous in the kitchen!
Amish Stories says
I have not had yogart in a long while, so you have me thinking about some. Richard
Blondee says
There is nothing better than homemade! Glad you are enjoying your yogurt! I knew you could do it! 🙂
Cheryl @ The Farmer's Daughter says
I love yogurt and I'm sure this is quite good. However, I'm afraid with the two kitties I have that are into everything when my back is turned that I'd never get it made. I know where to find the recipe, tho, if I change my mind! Thanks!
Elena says
The yogurt looks so yummy and good for you! I can imagine how good it tastes. Homemade is the best!
Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ says
I will have to share this with my mom....she especially loves yogurt! Looks and sounds good, Lois!
Have a great week!
Tammy
Beth says
I am not a yogurt lover but I know it is healthy. This sounds like a very easy recipe.
Jill says
Great job, Lois. I am going to have to try this!
Cranberry Morning says
Nice tutorial! I've made Greek Yogurt too, following some guy on YouTube. I've not done it for a while. I'm out of Greek yogurt and almost out of Feta. Time to make cheese again!
Lois says
Vee, you don't have to take the lid off. It will just take more time for the milk to cool down!
Vee says
And that is why I am not going to be making the tastier home version. I couldn't pretend not to see the equipment for that long and I have pets with hair flying around. I am sure that what you're telling me is true, though. Very sure.
Trace4J says
I love yogurt and will have to try this.Looks easy for even me.Hugs & JOYTrace