If your family is anything like mine, you go through a lot of yogurt! From smoothies, to yogurt and granola, yogurt and fruit… the list goes on and on.

[ultimate-recipe-jump]

I buy plain yogurt in large tubs so we can flavor as we choose but it still disappears right before my eyes- how do kids eat so much?! When I found this recipe for Slow Cooker Yogurt, I was elated. Finally, a way to provide my family with tons of yogurt for a lot less moolah!

Plus, its homemade. By now, y’all should know I loooove anything I can make myself-easily. Has to be easy.

This recipe is the definition of easy.

Put milk in a slow cooker. Turn it on. Wait. Turn it off. Wait. Stir in starter. Let it sit 8 hours. That’s it. Really!

There’s specifics, of course. But overall, very easy to make 1/2 gallon of yummy yogurt for a fraction of the price of store bought!

What you need to know

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Whole milk works best for this. Not only is whole milk better for you in general, it will yield a thicker yogurt. If you must, 2% can be used but I would stay clear of anything with less fat content than that. Of course, raw milk works great as well.

The yogurt starter can be any small cup of plain yogurt from the store, just make sure there is no sugar added and that it has “live and active cultures”. This will be written on the container.

After you make your first batch, save 1/4 cup of the yogurt for your next batch.

Homemade yogurt tends to be on the runny side. If you would like it to be thicker, strain it for a few hours or overnight through a few layers of cheesecloth in a colander, placed over a bowl. This will remove some of the whey. The longer you let it drain, the thicker it will be. (Greek yogurt is just regular yogurt that has more whey removed- now you know.)

This is as versatile as it comes, add honey/fruit/granola or even use it in place of sour cream, its delicious and full of nutrition.

Original recipe found here: https://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/2008/10/you-can-make-yogurt-in-your-crockpot.html

Now to the recipe/process.

Slow Cooker Yogurt

Making homemade yogurt could not be easier or more economical!

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Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 13 hours hrs

Servings 1 gallon yogurt

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 gallon whole milk raw or pasteurized (2% can be used but may be thinner)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt with live and active cultures, no added sugar/flavoring

Instructions

 

• Pour 1/2 gallon of milk into clean slow cooker (4 qt minimum size).
• Turn slow cooker on low and let sit for 2.5 hours.
• After 2.5 hours, turn off slow cooker and let sit (keep the cover on) for 3 hours.
• After the three hours, remove 2 cups of the milk. Stir plain yogurt into the removed milk. Mix until completely incorporated. Pour milk/yogurt mixture into remaining milk in slow cooker. Whisk to combine.
• Place lid on slow cooker and wrap with a large bath towel, let sit for 8 hours or overnight.
• Your milk should have thickened and become yogurt! If you would like to thicken it more, place a few layers of cheesecloth or a flour sack towel over a colander. Place this in a bowl and pour the yogurt into the colander. Let drain for a few hours or until desired consistency is reached.
• Don't forget to save 1/4 cup of your homemade yogurt for your next batch!

Notes

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Thank you for stopping by the homestead!

Until next time,
Melissa

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