Homemade Crockpot Yogurt (Greek Yogurt How To Included!)

Did you know you can make homemade yogurt in the crockpot? Yes, you can! Today I’m sharing what you need to make crockpot yogurt, the step by step how to, plus how to turn that yogurt into Greek yogurt! We’re breaking down the cost of homemade versus store bought organic yogurt and my favorite ways to enjoy yogurt. Read on for all the goodies!

Homemade crockpot yogurt

I first started making yogurt in my slow cooker years ago to save money on organic yogurt. I’m breaking down the cost below for you.

My family of 6 has been going through A LOT of yogurt, and it felt like the right time to bring homemade crockpot yogurt back into the mix.

You’ll need a crockpot (of course) for this how to, plus a thermometer. I use my handy meat thermometer, but a candy thermometer works well too.

Homemade organic yogurt versus store bought organic yogurt

I’m sharing the costs at my local grocery store. Of course, prices vary depending on where you live, so definitely check out those out and compare for yourself.

Store bought organic yogurt (32 ounces): $5.99

½ gallon organic milk (64 ounces): $4.39

The organic yogurt by price alone costs more than double per ounce – so if money savings is something you’re looking for, this may be a great option!

Non-organic yogurt would also cost less, so definitely compare if that’s the route you’d like to go.

Here’s what you need for homemade crockpot yogurt

• organic whole milk
• plain yogurt (as a starter)
• crockpot
• meat thermometer

Making yogurt in a crockpot

1. Turn your crockpot on low to let it heat up.
2. Pour your milk into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches 185 degrees.  Use a candy or meat thermometer to check temperature.
3. Once milk reaches 185 degrees (bubbling, not boiling) remove from burner and place the pan in a sink half full of cold water.  The water should only go up the sides about half way.  Just make sure no water gets into the pan.
4. Let the milk cool down, stirring occasionally.  Once milk has reached between 90 and 100 degrees, remove pan from water.
5. Measure yogurt starter (the ¼ cup of yogurt) into a bowl and pour about a cup of the warm milk over it and stir together.  {Tip: Use 2 Tbsp of yogurt starter per 4 cups of milk.}  Meanwhile pour remaining milk into heated crockpot.  Pour milk and yogurt from bowl into the crockpot and stir it all together.
6. Put the lid on, turn off, and unplug the crock pot. Wrap a heavy towel around it. Let sit for 6-10 hours. (I did 9 hours).
7. After the yogurt has finished culturing, place the crock in fridge to cool yogurt. This will help the yogurt to set better.
8. Once cooled and set, scoop into smaller jars to store in the fridge.  Should keep for 7-10 days.

How to make thick Greek yogurt

After you’ve made yogurt in the crockpot, grab a large bowl, strainer and a cheese cloth to make thick greek yogurt. 

Place the cheese cloth (folded up a couple times) over the strainer (with excess hanging over), then the strainer over a bowl. 

Pour the yogurt into the cheese cloth-strainer and allow it to sit in the fridge overnight, or at least for 3-4 hours. 

You’ll notice the liquid (whey) filling up the bowl, leaving you with super thick yogurt.

Favorite ways to enjoy homemade yogurt

Yogurt and granola bowls are a favorite in the mornings, and we enjoy them 1-2 times a week for sure.

Here are a few favorite granola recipes to include with your yogurt:

• almond maple olive oil granola
• hemp granola
• chocolate peanut butter buckwheat granola
• maple coconut peanut crunch granola

Easy chia jam goes great with yogurt and granola bowls as well.

My hubby loves to take yogurt, with it with some of his protein powder and use it as a pancake topping.

If you try this recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!

XO

Heather

*Originally published in January 2014. Updated April 2021.*