If you love thick, creamy Greek yogurt but hate the price, preservatives, or plastic waste… here’s your new go-to trick.
You can make your own healthy, protein-rich Greek yogurt at home using just 2 ingredients — no yogurt maker, strainer, or fancy tools needed!
It’s easy, cost-effective, and tastes better than store-bought. Once you try it, you might never go back.
🥣 2 Ingredients You Need:
- Whole milk – 1 liter (or more)
- Plain yogurt with live cultures – 2 tablespoons (store-bought only for the first batch)
That’s it!
💡 Use full-fat milk for the creamiest, thickest results. You can also use lactose-free milk.
🕒 How to Make Greek Yogurt at Home (No Tools)
✅ Step 1: Heat the Milk
Pour 1 liter of milk into a pot and gently heat to 85°C (185°F) — just before boiling.
👉 Stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn.
This step helps denature proteins for a thicker texture.
✅ Step 2: Let It Cool
Turn off the heat and let milk cool to about 43°C (110°F) — warm but not hot.
📌 If you don’t have a thermometer: Dip your (clean) finger in — it should feel warm but comfortable.
✅ Step 3: Add the Yogurt Starter
In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp plain yogurt with a bit of the warm milk to temper it.
Then stir the mixture back into the pot.
✅ Step 4: Let It Ferment
Cover the pot with a lid and wrap it in a towel.
Leave it in a warm, draft-free place (like inside the oven with the light on) for 8–12 hours.
👉 The longer it sits, the tangier and thicker the yogurt.
✅ Step 5: Chill & Thicken
Once set, place the yogurt in the fridge for a few hours to cool and firm up.
For Greek-style thickness, do this (optional):
- Pour yogurt into a clean cloth, nut milk bag, or strainer
- Let it sit for 2–3 hours over a bowl to drain excess whey
- The longer it strains, the thicker it gets!
You now have rich, creamy homemade Greek yogurt!
💪 Why You’ll Love This Yogurt
- High in protein (especially when strained)
- No sugar, additives, or thickeners
- Supports gut health (natural probiotics)
- Budget-friendly – make up to 4x more for the same price
- Can be used in smoothies, dressings, baking, desserts, or eaten plain
🍯 Optional Flavor Add-ins
Mix in after fermentation for extra flavor:
- Raw honey or maple syrup
- Cinnamon or vanilla extract
- Fruit puree or chia jam
- Nuts, seeds, or cocoa powder
♻️ Bonus Tip: Reuse Your Yogurt Starter!
Save 2 tablespoons of your homemade yogurt to use in your next batch.
You can do this up to 4–5 times before starting fresh with new store-bought yogurt.
💬 Final Thoughts
Homemade Greek yogurt is easier than it sounds, and all you need is:
✅ Milk
✅ 2 tablespoons yogurt
No machine. No strainer (unless you want extra thick).
Just your stove, a pot, and a warm spot.
It’s thick, creamy, and 100% real — no weird ingredients, no artificial taste.
Once you try this…
You’ll never want to buy yogurt again.
