Homemade Yogurt in a Cooler
Discover the joy of making **Homemade Yogurt in a Cooler**, a DIY recipe that turns just two simple ingredients—whole milk and plain yogurt with live active cultures—into rich, creamy yogurt you’ll love. This beginner-friendly method uses a cooler as a natural incubator, creating the perfect warm environment to ferment the yogurt to tangy perfection. With just 20 minutes of prep and minimal cooking, you’ll unlock the secret to a wholesome, preservative-free snack that’s as customizable as it is delicious. Whether you enjoy it plain or jazz it up with fresh fruit, honey, or granola, this recipe is an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to store-bought yogurt and a great way to dip your toes into the art of fermentation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups Whole milk
- 0.25 cups Plain yogurt with live active cultures
Instructions
Pour the whole milk into a large saucepan and place it over medium heat.
Heat the milk until it reaches 180°F, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Use a food thermometer for accuracy.
Once the milk reaches 180°F, remove the saucepan from heat and let the milk cool to between 110°F and 115°F. This is the optimal temperature range for fermenting yogurt.
In a small bowl, mix 0.25 cups of plain yogurt with a bit of the cooled milk to temper it. Then, stir this mixture back into the cooled milk in the saucepan.
Pour the milk mixture into a clean container or jar with a lid.
Prepare your cooler by filling it with warm water (about 115°F). The water level should surround the jars but not submerge them.
Place the sealed container into the cooler and close the lid tightly to retain heat. Allow the yogurt to ferment for 6-10 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water remains warm. If it cools, replace some of the water with fresh warm water.
After the fermentation period, remove the yogurt from the cooler and check for desired consistency. The yogurt should be thick and slightly tangy.
Transfer the yogurt to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Enjoy plain or with your favorite toppings like fruit, honey, or granola!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1230 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.8 g | 82% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.1 g | 186% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 240 mg | 80% | |
| Sodium | 787 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.1 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 96.7 g | ||
| Protein | 67.4 g | 135% | |
| Vitamin D | 22.3 mcg | 111% | |
| Calcium | 2519 mg | 194% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 3066 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
