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.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Whole milk
- 0.25 cups Plain yogurt with live active cultures
Directions
Step 1
Pour the whole milk into a large saucepan and place it over medium heat.
Step 2
Heat the milk until it reaches 180°F, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Use a food thermometer for accuracy.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Pour the milk mixture into a clean container or jar with a lid.
Step 6
Prepare your cooler by filling it with warm water (about 115°F). The water level should surround the jars but not submerge them.
Step 7
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.
Step 8
After the fermentation period, remove the yogurt from the cooler and check for desired consistency. The yogurt should be thick and slightly tangy.
Step 9
Transfer the yogurt to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 10
Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Enjoy plain or with your favorite toppings like fruit, honey, or granola!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 2011.1 grams (2011.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1230 |
| Total Fat 63.80g | 82% |
| Saturated Fat 37.10g | 186% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g | |
| Cholesterol 240mg | 80% |
| Sodium 787mg | 34% |
| Total Carbohydrate 93.10g | 34% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.00g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 96.70g | |
| Protein 67.40g | 135% |
| Vitamin D 890IU | 4452% |
| Calcium 2519mg | 194% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3066mg | 65% |
Source of Calories