Authentic Homemade Yogurt

Recipe View Prepare Your Straining Setup (5 minutes): Lay four clean cotton towels in a cross pattern on a work surface, ensuring each end overlaps slightly in the center. Place a large baking dish or glass mixing bowl in the center of the towels.

Recipe View Warm the Yogurt (15 minutes): Set the plain yogurt on the counter to warm to room temperature while you prepare the milk mixture. This helps activate the cultures.

Recipe View Heat the Milk Mixture (20 minutes): Combine the milk and half-and-half in a large, heavy, non-aluminum pot. Heat over low to moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture just comes to a simmer (almost boiling). Immediately remove from heat and pour the mixture into the prepared bowl. Stir in the pint of whipping cream for added richness.

Recipe View Cool and Combine (10 minutes): Allow the mixture to cool to 112 degrees F (44 degrees C). Gradually pour 1 cup of the warm milk into the yogurt, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Return the yogurt-milk mixture to the bowl and stir well to combine.

Recipe View Incubate (8-12 hours): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; then, wrap kitchen towels up and over the bowl, covering completely. Let stand at room temperature in a draft-free area until the yogurt is firmly set. This usually takes 8 to 12 hours.

Recipe View Chill (at least 4 hours): Refrigerate the yogurt for several hours or overnight to chill completely. This step is crucial for developing the final texture and flavor.