• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Tasty Oven
  • Browse All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Air Fryer
  • Slow Cooker
  • Breadmaker
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Browse All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Air Fryer
  • Slow Cooker
  • Breadmaker
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Air Fryer
  • Slow Cooker
  • Breadmaker
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Stovetop and Oven Recipes

Homemade Greek Yogurt

Published: Dec 24, 2019 · Modified: Jul 7, 2024 by Kristina Tipps · This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a small commission.

Jump to Recipe

This simple guide for how to make creamy homemade Greek yogurt without a yogurt maker requires two easy ingredients and a few everyday kitchen items. So ditch the store bought Greek yogurt and make this healthier, more flavorful recipe at home!

"I made this just like you said and it was gone in two days! "

homemade Greek yogurt in a mason jar topped with raspberries and blueberries
Table Of Contents
  • How To Make Greek Yogurt
  • Chef's Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Ways to Use Greek Yogurt
  • Recipe
  • Recipe Reviews

How To Make Greek Yogurt

Making Greek yogurt at home is not only a less expensive way to enjoy this tasty, snack, it's healthier and super simple to do with just a few basic kitchen tools and 2 ingredients. Knowing how to make yogurt at home is also a feat to brag about because it seems so complicated, but I promise it's not!

What Is Greek Yogurt?

Greek yogurt, also known as strained yogurt, is a type of yogurt that has undergone a straining process to remove a portion of its whey (the liquid component of yogurt). This straining process results in a thicker, creamier yogurt with a higher protein content compared to regular yogurt. Greek yogurt is known for its rich and creamy texture, which makes it a popular choice for eating as a snack, mixing into smoothies, or using as a base for sauces, dressings, and desserts. It also makes a great breakfast for Greek yogurt bowls.

What You Need To Make Homemade Yogurt

To make Greek yogurt at home you need a heavy pot with a lid (such as a dutch oven), a digital thermometer, a whisk, a skimmer spoon, and a heavy towel for incubation. You'll need 8 cups of milk and ⅔ cups of plain Greek yogurt to use as your starter. For low fat yogurt, you can use plain nonfat, reduced fat or low fat dairy milk.

homemade Greek yogurt in a mason jar topped with raspberries

Step-By-Step Instructions

To make Greek yogurt, milk is first heated and then inoculated with bacterial cultures from a starter yogurt (yes, you need yogurt to make yogurt!) The bacterial cultures ferment the lactose in the milk, which causes it to thicken and develop its characteristic tangy flavor. After fermentation (incubation), the yogurt is strained through a cheesecloth or fine mesh to separate the liquid whey from the solids. This straining process removes whey, lactose, and some of the water content, resulting in a thicker yogurt with a higher concentration of proteins, fats, and other nutrients.

STEP 1: In a large dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid, heat 8 cups whole milk over medium heat, stirring often until it reaches 200°F, being careful not to let the milk burn on the bottom of the pot. *If milk begins to form a film on top, remove it using a slotted spoon and discard, as many times as necessary.

STEP 2: Turn off the heat and let cool to 135°F. While cooling, continue to remove any layer of film that forms.

STEP 3: When the warm milk reaches 135°F, transfer about 2 cups to a measuring cup and add ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt. Whisk until smooth. *Cooling the milk takes about 20 minutes, but depends on how warm your kitchen is.

STEP 4: Pour the milk and yogurt mixture into the large pot of warm milk and whisk vigorously until incorporated, being careful not to scrape the bottom. Sometimes the milk will burn and if you scrape the bottom, the small chunks that come off will not incorporate into the yogurt— leaving you with clumps in the final product.

STEP 5: Cover and wrap in a large bath towel to incubate. Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature possible for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place the towel wrapped pot of yogurt mixture into the turned off oven. Leave the oven light on to provide an additional source of warmth. (*see notes for additional ideas). Allow to incubate untouched for 10-12 hours. If not straining, transfer yogurt to storage containers and refrigerate.

STEP 6 (optional) When done, place a cheesecloth over a mesh strainer and put the strainer over a large bowl. Scoop the yogurt into the strainer and let strain from 30 minutes to 24 hours in the refrigerator, depending on how thick you'd like the yogurt. Transfer to containers for storage and refrigerate.

yogurt straining in a cheesecloth

How To Store

Homemade yogurt keeps in the fridge for 3-4 weeks in an airtight covered container.

How To Keep Yogurt Warm When Fermenting

There are a few methods for keeping yogurt warm enough to ferment effectively.

OVEN: Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature possible (usually around 170°F or 75°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place the towel wrapped pot of yogurt mixture into the turned off oven. Leave the oven light on to provide an additional source of warmth.

SLOW COOKER: You can use a slow cooker as an alternative to the oven. Turn the slow cooker to the low setting for about 10 minutes to warm it up. Turn it off and pour the yogurt mixture into the slow cooker and cover. Then wrap it in the towel to maintain maintain the warmth and let the yogurt incubate for the full 10-12 hours.

HEATING PAD: If you have a heating pad or electric blanket, you can place it under the pot to maintain a consistent temperature. Set the heating pad or electric blanket to the low setting and check the temperature periodically to ensure it remains in the desired range.

creamy Greek yogurt in serving bowls topped with almonds

Chef's Tips

  • The 10 tablespoons of yogurt is called a starter yogurt. You should choose a plain yogurt that you like, because your final product will taste similar to it. I choose a Greek yogurt because this creates a thicker initial yogurt and limits the amount of time straining. Plan to save some of your homemade yogurt to use as the starter for your next batch.
  • The total time it takes to make homemade Greek yogurt is about 2 days. You want to set aside about an hour for the process of heating and cooling the milk, 10 to 12 hours to ferment and up to 24 hours for straining.
  • Find a warm spot in your home that maintains a consistent temperature to appropriately ferment the yogurt. The ideal temperature for yogurt to remain at while incubating is between 100°F to 110°F.
homemade Greek yogurt topped with raspberries

Recipe FAQs

Is It Cheaper To Make Greek Yogurt At Home?

Making yogurt at home is generally less expensive than buying it from a grocery store. This recipe yields about 64 ounces of yogurt and costs only as much as the 8 cups of milk and starter yogurt. For me, 64 ounces of store bought Greek yogurt costs about $10.

Can I Use Low Fat Or Skim Milk?

Yes, for a lower fat yogurt you can use lower fat dairy milks.

Do I Need To Strain The Yogurt?

Greek yogurt is made by straining out the whey, which creates a thick and creamy texture. You should strain it from anywhere between 30 minutes to 24 hours depending on how thick you want it to be. However, you can choose not to strain the yogurt to create a less thick, traditional American style yogurt.

What To Do With Leftover Whey?

Don't waste the whey that is strained from the yogurt! Whey is a great addition to smoothies, pancakes, waffles, breads and more.

Ways to Use Greek Yogurt

My favorite way to enjoy plain yogurt is to drizzle it with honey or add fresh fruit. But there are countless ways to use it as part of everyday recipes and meals in addition to a snack on it's own.

  • Make it part of your favorite breakfast, such as a topping for almond milk pancakes, fluffy oat milk pancakes or cottage cheese waffles.
  • As a thickener in recipes like mashed sweet potatoes, mashed cauliflower and mashed potatoes.
  • Smoothies, such as pineapple banana, banana peach, spinach strawberry, mango pineapple or strawberry banana.
  • To make homemade mango popsicles or pina colada popsicles.
  • Make a summer berry salad with a cinnamon honey yogurt dressing.
  • In creamy soups, like slow cooker loaded potato soup.
  • Add to muffins to make them soft and fluffy, like these morning glory muffins.
  • Add to breads to make them light and tender, such as a savory tomato basil bread.
  • In milkshakes, like a healthy mango milkshake or peach milkshake.

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to give it a star rating and let me know what you thought in the comments! And follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more delicious recipes!

Recipe

homemade greek yogurt in a cup with fresh berries

Homemade Greek Yogurt

Kristina Tipps
This super-simple creamy homemade yogurt requires just milk, a starter yogurt, a thermometer, and pot. No need for special yogurt-making tools. Ditch the store-bought yogurt and easily make your own!
4.51 from 89 votes
Bookmark RecipeSaved!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time 45 minutes minutes
Resting Time 10 hours hours
Total Time 10 hours hours 45 minutes minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 8
Calories 161 kcal

Equipment

  • Digital Thermometer
  • Dutch oven or similar heavy pot with lid
  • Bath towel
  • cheesecloth optional
  • heating pad optional

Ingredients

  • 8 cups whole milk *see notes for other milk varieties
  • ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt or one single serving 5 ounce container

Instructions
 

  • In a large dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid, heat 8 cups whole milk over medium heat, stirring often until it reaches 200°F, being careful not to let the milk burn on the bottom of the pot. *If milk begins to form a film on top, remove it using a slotted spoon and discard, as many times as necessary.
  • Turn off the heat and let cool to 135°F. While cooling, continue to remove any layer of film that forms.
  • When the warm milk reaches 135°F, transfer about 2 cups to a measuring cup and add ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt . Whisk until smooth.
  • Pour the milk and yogurt mixture into the large pot of warm milk and whisk vigorously until incorporated, being careful not to scrape the bottom.
  • Cover and wrap in a large bath towel to incubate. Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature possible (usually around 170°F or 75°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place the towel wrapped pot of yogurt mixture into the turned off oven. Leave the oven light on to provide an additional source of warmth. (*see notes for additional ideas). Allow to incubate untouched for 10-12 hours. If not straining, transfer yogurt to storage containers and refrigerate.
  • OPTIONAL: When done, place a cheesecloth over a mesh strainer and put the strainer over a large bowl. Scoop the yogurt into the strainer and let strain from 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how thick you'd like the yogurt.

Notes

Homemade yogurt keeps in the fridge for 3-4 weeks in an airtight covered container.

Additional Fermentation Methods

SLOW COOKER: You can use a slow cooker as an alternative to the oven. Turn the slow cooker to the low setting for about 10 minutes to warm it up. Turn it off and pour the yogurt mixture into the slow cooker and cover. Then wrap it in the towel to maintain maintain the warmth and let the yogurt incubate for the full 10-12 hours.
HEATING PAD: If you have a heating pad or electric blanket, you can place it under the pot to maintain a consistent temperature. Set the heating pad or electric blanket to the low setting and check the temperature periodically to ensure it remains in the desired range.

Nutrition

Serving: 8ozCalories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 366mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 406IUCalcium: 322mg
Did you try this recipe?Give a shout out to @tastyovenrecipes or tag #tastyovenrecipes!

Recipes To Try Next

  • tuna nachos in a white plate
    Spicy Tuna Poke Nachos
  • cheese and bean quesadilla slices in a stack on a plate
    Cheese and Bean Quesadillas
  • greek tortellini salad in a white bowl
    Greek Tortellini Salad
  • Mexican street corn tacos on a plate
    Mexican Street Corn Tacos
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • X

Reader Interactions

Comments

    4.51 from 89 votes (76 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Marianne

    January 30, 2025 at 7:38 pm

    Thank you for your recipe. Can I freeze a cup of this homemade yogurt then use it in future batches?

    Reply
    • Kristina Tipps

      February 06, 2025 at 7:11 pm

      Yes, you can.

      Reply
« Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

profile image

Hello, I'm Kristina! I'm here to show you how to take your favorite recipes and adapt them to all your kitchen appliances!

More about me →

What's New

  • tuna nachos in a white plate
    Spicy Tuna Poke Nachos
  • bread machine sunflower seed bread slided on a cutting board
    Bread Machine Sunflower Seed Bread
  • cheese and bean quesadilla slices in a stack on a plate
    Cheese and Bean Quesadillas
  • slow cooker hamburger soup in a white bowl
    Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

Slow Cooker

  • slow cooker mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl
    Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • slow cooker loaded potato soup topped with chives, bacon and cheddar cheese
    Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
  • apples, oranges and whole seasonings for apple cider in a crockpot
    Slow Cooker Apple Cider
  • slow cooker apple pie filling with ice cream topping
    Best Slow Cooker Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Instant Pot

  • instant pot pumpkin risotto in a serving dish
    Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto
  • instant pot pumpkin bread in a bundt pan
    Instant Pot Pumpkin Bread
  • instant pot cauliflower mac and cheese in a white bowl
    Instant Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
  • instant pot garlic mashed potatoes in a white bowl topped with butter and black pepper
    Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Trending Now

  • slow cooker loaded potato soup topped with chives, bacon and cheddar cheese
    Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
  • slow cooker mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl
    Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • air fryer baby potatoes with rosemary and spices in a white bowl
    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
  • mediterranean quesadilla stacked on a plate
    Mediterranean Quesadillas

Footer

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Newsletter

  • Sign Up for the latest recipes!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 TastyOven.com, LLC.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Stuck on what to say? Here are some suggestions:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this recipe! We can't wait to make it again.
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. It turned out great!
I made a few modifications, but it still turned out wonderful.

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.