Skyr Yogurt (Homemade)

Skyr Yogurt (Homemade) is a easy Icelandic recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Donna Schwenk on YouTube.

Prep: 18 min | Cook: 12 hrs | Total: 12 hrs 33 min

Cost: $7.25 total, $1.81 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 quart Milk (2% reduced‑fat milk; can use whole, skim, or half‑and‑half)
  • 1 packet Easy Skyr Yogurt Starter (Contains live cultures; use the whole packet per quart of milk)
  • 1 piece Fine Mesh Strainer (For optional whey straining; fits in refrigerator door)

Instructions

  1. Warm the Mug

    Rinse the insulated mug with warm water to pre‑heat it, then discard the water.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Heat Milk to 110°F

    Pour the milk into a pot, attach the thermometer, and heat over medium heat until it reaches 110°F. Stir occasionally to prevent skin formation.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 110°F

  3. Transfer Milk to Mug

    Carefully pour the 110°F milk into the pre‑warmed insulated mug.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Add Starter and Whisk

    Open the Easy Skyr Yogurt starter packet, sprinkle it into the milk, and whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Seal and Insulate

    Close the mug with its airtight lid. If your home is cool, wrap the mug in a towel and place it in a cooler or insulated bag to maintain temperature.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Ferment

    Let the mug sit undisturbed at room temperature for 8–10 hours (up to 24 hours if you prefer a milder flavor). The yogurt will thicken and develop a tangy taste.

    Time: PT10H

  7. Refrigerate

    After fermentation, place the sealed mug in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up the texture.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 40°F

  8. Optional: Strain for High‑Protein Skyr

    Set a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, pour the chilled yogurt into the strainer, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours) to separate whey. Discard or repurpose the whey.

    Time: PT12H

    Temperature: 40°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
4g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Milk, Dairy

Last updated: March 18, 2026

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Skyr Yogurt (Homemade)

Recipe by Donna Schwenk

A step‑by‑step guide to making thick, high‑protein Icelandic‑style Skyr yogurt at home using either an insulated mug or a yogurt maker. Includes optional straining for extra protein, storage tips, and troubleshooting.

EasyIcelandicServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24h 18m
Prep
0m
Cook
2h 55m
Cleanup
27h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.25
Total cost
$1.81
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heating milk to exactly 110°F
  • Thoroughly whisking the starter into the milk
  • Sealing the mug to maintain a stable temperature
  • Allowing sufficient fermentation time (8‑10 hours)
  • Optional straining for extra thickness and protein

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot milk carefully to avoid burns.
  • Do not let the milk exceed 115°F, or you will kill the live cultures.
  • Ensure all equipment is clean to prevent contamination.
  • Do not ferment longer than 24 hours at room temperature to avoid spoilage.

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