Crockpot Yogurt Homemade yogurt crockpot, Crockpot recipes, Homemade from www.pinterest.com
Introduction
If you are a yogurt lover, you must try making your own homemade yogurt. Making yogurt at home is not only easy, but it can also save you a lot of money. You can customize the ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. In this article, we will share a simple recipe for making crockpot yogurt that requires only a few ingredients and a little bit of patience.
Ingredients
1 gallon whole milk
1 cup plain yogurt with live and active cultures
1/2 cup powdered milk (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Milk
Pour the gallon of whole milk into your crockpot and turn it on low heat. Cover the crockpot with the lid and let it heat for about 2 hours. You want the temperature of the milk to reach around 180°F.
Step 2: Cool the Milk
Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, turn off the crockpot and remove the lid. Let the milk cool down to around 110°F. This will take around 2-3 hours.
Step 3: Add the Yogurt and Powdered Milk
In a separate bowl, mix the cup of plain yogurt with the 1/2 cup of powdered milk (if using). Add a cup of the heated milk to the yogurt mixture and stir until smooth. Pour the yogurt mixture back into the crockpot with the rest of the milk and stir gently.
Step 4: Incubate the Yogurt
Cover the crockpot with a lid and wrap it with a thick towel or blanket. This will keep the crockpot warm and help the yogurt culture. Let the yogurt incubate for around 8-12 hours. The longer you incubate, the thicker and tangier the yogurt will become.
Step 5: Strain the Yogurt (Optional)
If you prefer thicker yogurt, you can strain it using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Place the cheesecloth or coffee filter over a bowl and pour the yogurt over it. Let it strain in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Step 6: Store the Yogurt
Once the yogurt has reached your desired thickness, transfer it to a container and store it in the fridge. The yogurt will keep for around 1-2 weeks.
Nutrition
One serving of crockpot yogurt (1 cup) contains approximately:
150 calories
8 grams of fat
12 grams of carbohydrates
8 grams of protein
415 milligrams of calcium
Tips and Variations
Use whole milk for a creamier yogurt. You can use low-fat milk, but the yogurt will be thinner.
If you want a sweeter yogurt, you can add honey, maple syrup, or fruit to the mixture before incubating.
If you don't have powdered milk, you can leave it out. However, it helps to thicken the yogurt and make it creamier.
You can reuse your homemade yogurt to make the next batch. Just save a cup of the yogurt and use it as a starter for the next batch.
Experiment with different flavors and toppings. You can add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or spices to the yogurt before incubating. Top it with fresh fruit, granola, or nuts.
Conclusion
Making crockpot yogurt at home is a fun and rewarding experience. It's a healthy and delicious snack that you can enjoy anytime. With a little bit of patience and creativity, you can customize your yogurt to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
