How to Make Milk Kefir

Are you tired of buying store-bought kefir? This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through How to Make Milk Kefir at home– all the way from the kefir grains to adding flavor!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 cup milk, 2% or whole, avoid ultra-pasteurized ((See Recipe Notes for non-dairy milk))
• 1 teaspoon kefir milk grains
• Optional: Fruit of choice for flavored kefir. Amount will vary based on how sweet you prefer your kefir.
• 1 glass jar
• 1 paper towel, napkin, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
• 1 rubber band
• slotted spoon, mesh colander, or nut milk bag

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Basic Kefir Recipe: ---
2. 2Add kefir grains to the glass jar and add the milk.
3. 3Cover jar with the paper towel, and seal with a rubber band.
4. 4Set milk out of direct sunlight and allow it to ferment at room temperature for about 24 hours.Room Temperatures: When it's approximately 70ºF, the kefir will take about 24 hours. In warmer rooms, it may be closer to 12 hours, and in cooler rooms, it may take as long as 48 hours. Rooms that are warmer than 90º are generally considered unsafe for kefir fermentation, because the milk will spoil faster than the kefir grains can work.When is the Kefir Ready?: The kefir is ready when the milk has thickened, but before the milk begins to separate into a watery bottom layer and a more solidified top layer. If your kefir separates during fermentation, it's still drinkable, just stir it up. Ferment the next batch for a shorter period of time.
5. 5When the kefir has fermented, strain out the grains using a slotted spoon, a mesh colander, or a nut milk bag. (A slotted spoon is typically the easiest method, but if you're using kefir grains that have been dehydrated, the spoon's slots might be too big.)
6. 6Set the kefir grains in a clean jar, and start the process over with more milk.
7. 7Optionally, pour the kefir into a blender, and add fruit. Blend until smooth.
8. 8Refrigerate kefir for up to 2 or 3 weeks. Kefir may separate in the fridge, especially after watery fruit has been added. Simply stir before drinking.