Quick Answer
Yes, you can substitute plain yogurt for milk when making bread. The yogurt will add a nice tangy flavor and tenderness to the bread. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using yogurt instead of milk:
– Use plain, unsweetened yogurt. Flavored or sweetened yogurt may negatively impact the rise and flavor of the bread.
– Yogurt is thicker than milk so you may need to adjust the dough consistency by adding a bit more flour or liquid.
– The acidity in yogurt can interfere with the rising agents so you may need a bit more yeast or baking powder.
– The bread may take a little longer to rise due to the acidic environment created by the yogurt.
– Yogurt bread will have a dense and rich texture.
Reasons to Substitute Yogurt for Milk
There are a few reasons you may want to use yogurt instead of regular milk when making bread:
Enhances Flavor
The tangy flavor of plain yogurt adds extra depth and enhances the flavor of bread. The lactic acid present in yogurt gives it that pleasant sour taste that complements bread nicely. Using yogurt results in a more complex, nuanced flavor compared to regular milk.
Improves Texture
The higher fat and protein content in yogurt helps create a richer, denser texture in bread. Yogurt bread will be a little chewier with a tender crumb. The acidic environment also relaxes the gluten, creating a softer texture.
Adds Nutrition
Yogurt contains valuable nutrients including protein, calcium, vitamin B12, potassium, and magnesium. Using yogurt boosts the nutritional value of homemade bread. Just 1 cup of yogurt provides a significant amount of your daily calcium, B12, and potassium needs.
Lengthens Shelf Life
The extra acidity created by the yogurt helps bread stay fresher for longer. It prevents mold growth and staling which extends the shelf life of the baked bread by a day or two.
Tips for Using Yogurt in Bread
Follow these tips when substituting yogurt for milk in your bread recipes:
Use Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt
Sweetened or flavored yogurts contain added sugars and flavorings that can negatively impact rising and flavor. Stick to plain yogurt without any added ingredients. Greek or regular yogurt both work well.
Account for Thicker Consistency
Yogurt is thicker than milk so the dough may come out quite sticky and dense, needing more flour added. Be prepared to adjust the flour and liquid to achieve the right consistency.
Consider More Leavening Agent
The acidity in yogurt slows down yeast activity. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon more yeast or baking powder to counteract the acidic environment if needed.
Allow Adequate Rising Time
It may take a little longer for the dough to rise thanks to the yogurt. Make sure to allow enough time for the dough to rise properly before baking.
Use a Lower Baking Temperature
The sugars in yogurt cause bread to brown faster. Bake at a slightly lower temperature, around 25°F lower, to prevent over-browning.
Yogurt Substitution Ratio
As a general guideline, use the following ratio when substituting yogurt for milk:
1 cup milk = 3/4 cup yogurt + 1/4 cup water
The extra water balances out the thicker consistency of the yogurt. You can adjust the amounts as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
How Does Yogurt Affect Bread?
Using yogurt instead of regular milk impacts bread in a few key ways:
Slower Rising
The acidic environment created by yogurt slows down yeast fermentation. This means the dough will take a little longer to rise compared to regular milk bread.
More Dense Texture
Higher protein and fat in yogurt results in a richer, denser texture. Yogurt bread will have a pleasantly chewy crumb.
Tangy Flavor
Plain yogurt adds a nice tang that comes through in the flavor of the baked bread. Yogurt provides a more complex, sourdough-like taste.
Better Nutrition
Yogurt boosts the nutritional value of bread by adding protein, calcium, B12, potassium and more. Just a simple substitution makes bread healthier.
Longer Shelf Life
Thanks to yogurt’s acidity inhibiting mold growth, yogurt bread stays fresh for a day or two longer than regular milk bread.
Types of Bread to Make with Yogurt
Almost any bread can be made with yogurt instead of regular milk. Some examples include:
Yogurt Challah
Rich, eggy challah benefits from the extra moisture and flavor of yogurt. Make a braided loaf or round challah.
Naan
Yogurt naan is soft, chewy and full of tangy flavor. The yogurt helps retain moisture in the naan.
Focaccia
The high fat content of yogurt makes it perfect for flavorful olive oil-based focaccia. It achieves a rich, dense crumb.
Brioche
Buttery, sweet brioche gets extra moisture and tenderness from yogurt. Shape into loaves or buns.
Babka
This sweet, yeasted bread benefits from yogurt’s moisture and acidity. Make spiral loaves with chocolate or cinnamon swirl.
Pita
Yogurt adds great flavor to pita bread and helps the pockets inflate nicely when baked.
Sourdough
For homemade sourdough, try substituting 1/2 the water with yogurt for more complexity and rise.
Bagels
In bagel dough, yogurt adds flavor and gives the crust a nice sheen when boiled and baked.
Sample Yogurt Bread Recipes
Here are a couple tasty yogurt bread recipes to try:
Easy Yogurt Soda Bread
Makes 1 loaf
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 Tbsp sugar
– 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 1/4 cups plain yogurt
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Make a well in the center and add the yogurt, egg and melted butter. Stir to form a shaggy dough.
4. Turn out onto a flour dusted surface and gently knead a few times. Shape into a round loaf.
5. Place on prepared baking sheet. Cut an X into the top of the loaf.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Hearty Yogurt Whole Wheat Bread
Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
– 2 1/4 cups bread flour
– 2 pkgs instant yeast (4 1/2 tsp)
– 2 tsp salt
– 1 3/4 cups plain yogurt
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, yeast and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey, oil and egg.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet ingredients and stir to form a shaggy dough.
4. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl and cover. Let rise 1 hour.
5. Punch down dough and divide in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place in greased loaf pans.
6. Cover and let rise 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
7. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
8. Bake loaves for 30-35 minutes until deep golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does yogurt make bread taste sour?
Yogurt adds a pleasant, mild tang but not an intense sour flavor. Using unsweetened plain yogurt results in bread with just a hint of sourness that enhances the overall flavor.
Can I use Greek yogurt in bread?
Yes, Greek yogurt works wonderfully in bread recipes. The extra thick, creamy texture makes it a great substitute for milk or other liquids. Due to the lower water content, you may need to add a touch more flour.
Why is my yogurt bread dense?
Yogurt bread often bakes up more dense than bread made with milk. This is due to yogurt’s higher protein and fat content. Make sure to adequately knead the dough and allow proper rising time to get the best texture.
Can I use yogurt instead of buttermilk?
Buttermilk and yogurt work similarly in recipes thanks to the extra acidity they provide. You can substitute an equal amount of yogurt when buttermilk is called for.
Does yogurt help bread rise more?
Actually, the opposite is true. Yogurt slightly inhibits the rising ability due to its acidic pH. You may need a bit more yeast or baking powder to account for the slower rise.
Conclusion
Yogurt makes a wonderful substitute for milk when baking homemade bread. It adds moisture, tenderness, and great flavor. Just be sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt and allow for the thicker consistency, denser texture, and extended rising time. With a few tweaks, you can enjoy delicious yogurt bread with a pleasant tang. Substituting yogurt is an easy way to improve the nutrition of your bread as well.