How to Make Greek Yogurt

Indulge in the delicious, healthy, and luxurious quality of Greek Yogurt by making it at home! 

Greek yogurt, also known as yogurt cheese or strained yogurt, is a thick and smooth type of yogurt. Compared to other type of yogurt, it has a denser texture and a tangier flavor.

When it comes to how healthy it is, this is high in protein content yet low in carbohydrates and fat. Greek yogurt is also a good probiotic, calcium, and mineral source. 

Instead of buying it in stores, you can easily explore a simple homemade version. Aside from its flavor, nutritional value, and texture, you will also love how much it can upgrade your diet and meals! 

How to Make Greek Yogurt

This simple Greek Yogurt recipe will make you realize just how easy and convenient it is to make yogurt at home. With only four ingredients, your yogurt will be so much better than store-bought yogurt.

It may take some time to make, but every minute is worth it!

Ingredients

These are the no-fail ingredients to make Greek Yogurt:

Full cream milk powder

Milk is one of the most important ingredients in yogurt because it is responsible for its thick texture. Because of the solids that it adds to the mixture, the consistency becomes dense,  indulgent, and velvety. 

I especially suggest using filled or full cream milk because their fat content can give the yogurt a richer quality. It also gives the dish a pleasant dairy flavor for a satisfying meal.

NW Ferments also suggests using plant-based milk like coconut milk, almond milk, or any other lactose-free milk that best suits your diet. In fact, you can even use homemade milk powder. 

Starter culture 

Equally important in Greek yogurt is the starter culture. It works to transform the milk through fermentation, which is why you need to wait several hours for the yogurt to be ready. 

A starter culture also has good bacteria and prebiotics for the fermentation process. It also allows the proteins to form a gel-like structure to give the dish its signature creamy and thick texture.

According to Livestrong, culture yogurt can boost your immunity and digestion, too. Not only does it ferment, but it also adds flavor, texture, and healthy benefits to Greek yogurt. 

Water 

To make Greek yogurt, you will also need water to dissolve the ingredients. It acts as a solvent to activate the culture starter and start the fermentation. The water also helps form the yogurt properly. 

Mixing the contents with water also ensures that the nutrients are well-distributed for a healthy dish. The water can even make the yogurt so much more creamier and flavorful.

Sugar

Although you can make yogurt without sugar, it has effects that can make this dish better. It balances the tangy flavor of the yogurt for a well-balanced flavor at every bite.  

The sugar also feeds the starter culture bacteria to ferment the mixture for a creamy and thick yogurt. Moreover, the sugar will act as a preservative to make the yogurt last longer. 

Optional ingredients

To customize your Greek yogurt, you can add natural or commercial food colorings. For instance, I use pink food coloring for a strawberry flavor. Fruit purees can also work well to add flavor and color to your yogurt. 

Gather these ingredients and you’ll never have to buy Greek yogurt in stores ever again! 

Directions

Remember these steps when you’re making Greek yogurt:

1. Add the milk powder to a bowl. 
2. Pour in half of the boiled water to dissolve the milk. 
3. Stir the mixture with a whisk. 
4. Pour the remaining water.
5. Let it cool down for half an hour. 
6. Then, add the starter culture. 
7. Mix the contents with a spatula. 
8. Pour the mixture into a container.
9. Cover, wrap it in plastic, and wrap it in cloth. 
10. Leave it in a warm area for about ten hours.
11. After ten hours, transfer the yogurt into a bowl to whisk. 
12. Sweeten it with sugar. 
13. Once you’re happy with the flavor, add other flavoring or coloring agents you like. 

Doesn’t it taste like the best Greek yogurt you ever had?

Tips

How to Make Milk Powder

Instead of buying milk powder, you can make it from scratch using your favorite milk. All you have to do is dehydrate and dry it until you get a fine powder. 

Every time I make milk powder, I use skim milk but you can also use full cream milk or filled milk to make it better suited for making yogurt. 

Greek Yogurt Variations

There are so many Greek yogurt variations to try out. 

Sometimes, I use food coloring, especially when I want to add a different flavor like strawberry or mango. For a sweet taste, I suggest mixing in some honey, vanilla extract, or maple syrup.

You can also use flavored yogurt to stir into the Greek yogurt base. In case you want savory yogurt, go for herbs and ground spices like basil and paprika. 

To make it a recipe of your own, you can adjust how sweet it is with the amount of sugar you add. Use less sugar for a tangy flavor and more sugar for a sweeter taste. 

I especially love making Frozen Yogurt for a healthy yet cooling snack or dessert in the summer. You will surely have a new-found love for Greek yogurt when you make it at home! 

Recommended Tools

• Bowl: Stir the mixture in a bowl.
• Whisk: Use a whisk to mix the contents. 
• Spatula: Fold the mixture with a spatula. 
• Container: Ferment the Greek yogurt in a container.
• Measuring cup: Measure the ingredients with cups. 

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How to Serve Greek Yogurt

Once you try this homemade Greek Yogurt, you won’t be able to give enough of it. 

I love making yogurt bowls with fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and sauces. It’s my go-to dish for breakfast because it gives me the nutrients I need to start my day right. 

You can also make your own parfait by layering the Greek yogurt with granola, fruits, jams, and other toppings you like. For smoothie bowls, you will love the yogurt with berries, leafy greens, nuts, and a splash of milk. 

It’s also good to freeze the Greek yogurt, especially when you want a cold treat. But for a savory meal, you can mix it with tzatziki sauce or salad dressing. It can also be a fantastic dip for chips and vegetables.

If you want to use it for cooking and baking, then the Greek yogurt will work best as a substitute for sour cream or a marinade for chicken and fish. It can surely be useful for other dishes that you like. 

These are the ingredients I enjoy more with the yogurt:

• Granola – upgrade your granola with a creamy yogurt.
• Fruit Salad – enjoy your healthy salad with yogurt on the side.
• Raisins – add some sweet raisins to your creamy meal.
• Strawberry Jam – drizzle your yogurt with a fruity jam. 
• Peanut Butter – make it a nutty dish by mixing in some peanut butter. 

Storage Tips

At room temperature: Don’t leave the Greek yogurt at room temperature for longer than two hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between yogurt and Greek yogurt?

There are several differences between yogurt and Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier because its whey content is removed. It is also higher in protein with 12 to 20 grams per six ounces of serving. 

Greek yogurt also has a rich and tangy quality compared to the acidic flavor of plain yogurt.

Is Greek yogurt very healthy?

Yes, it is very healthy. It has a high protein and calcium content for your muscles and joints. Greek yogurt is also low in carbohydrates for a low-carb diet. This is also a good source of prebiotics for your gut and digestion. 

Can I eat Greek yogurt if I’m lactose intolerant?

It depends on the amount of lactose in the yogurt, the type of yogurt, and the kind of milk powder you use. You can use lactose-free milk powder from almond milk or coconut milk. 

What is the healthiest brand of Greek yogurt?

There are factors to consider for the healthiest brand of Greek yogurt. You need to look at the ingredients, protein and fat content, lactose content, and the amount of added sugar. I suggest making it at home to make it better suited for your diet.