How to Make Your Own Icelandic Skyr at Home: A Simple Guide to Activating Mesophilic Starter Culture

Icelandic skyr has become a beloved dairy product known for its thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor. Although it’s similar to yogurt, skyr has a unique, velvety consistency and a slightly milder taste. Traditionally, Icelanders have enjoyed it for centuries as a protein-packed staple, and now you can make it at home! With just a little patience and the right starter culture, you can craft your own homemade skyr.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of activating a dehydrated mesophilic Icelandic skyr starter culture. In no time, you’ll have your own creamy, delicious skyr, ready to enjoy and easy to maintain.

Why Skyr Is Special

Unlike many yogurts, skyr is made with a mesophilic starter culture, which ferments at room temperature rather than needing heat. This makes it especially convenient to make at home, as you won’t need any special equipment—just a jar, some milk, and your starter culture.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

To activate your Icelandic skyr culture, you’ll need:

• ½ teaspoon of dehydrated mesophilic Icelandic skyr starter culture
• 1 cup of milk (whole milk is ideal for a thick, creamy texture, but any milk will work)
• A clean glass jar with a capacity of at least 1 pint (16 oz)
• A lid or breathable cloth to cover the jar

Step-by-Step Instructions for Activating Icelandic Skyr Culture

Here’s everything you need to know to make your first batch:

Step 1: Prepare Your Container and Ingredients

Begin by gathering your materials. A pint-sized (16 oz) jar works well for this recipe, as it gives the culture room to grow and thicken.

Choose 1 cup of fresh, room-temperature milk (about 70°F) for the best results. Whole milk will give you the richest, thickest skyr, but feel free to experiment with other types of milk to suit your preference.

Step 2: Add the Starter Culture

Pour the milk into the jar, then sprinkle the ½ teaspoon of dehydrated Icelandic skyr starter culture evenly over the surface of the milk. Gently stir the milk to ensure that the culture is fully mixed in, helping it activate more evenly.

Step 3: Cover and Culture

Cover the jar loosely with a lid or a breathable cloth, allowing airflow to support the fermentation process.

Place the jar in a warm, stable spot (around 70°F) and let it culture undisturbed for 24–48 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the milk has thickened to a yogurt-like consistency and has developed a mild, tangy aroma. If you like a thicker skyr, you may want to let it culture for closer to 48 hours.

Step 4: Chill to Set

Once your skyr has thickened to your liking, transfer the jar to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 6 hours. This final step helps the skyr fully set and gives it a creamier, more spoonable texture.

Step 5: Save a Starter for Your Next Batch

Before you enjoy your skyr, be sure to set aside 1 tablespoon of it in a separate container. This small amount will act as the starter culture for your next batch of skyr.

When you’re ready to make a fresh batch, simply combine this tablespoon of cultured skyr with 1 cup of fresh milk, and follow the same instructions as above to culture it. For the best results, use this reserved portion within 7 days to keep the culture fresh and active.

Tips for Making Great Skyr at Home

• Keep the Temperature Consistent: Mesophilic cultures work best around 70°F. If it’s cooler, the fermentation process might take longer, while warmer temperatures could make it go too quickly.
• Adjust Thickness to Your Liking: If you prefer an even thicker skyr, use whole milk and let it culture closer to the 48-hour mark.
• Stay Clean: A clean jar and utensils will help prevent unwanted bacteria from affecting the flavor or texture.

Enjoy the Rewards of Homemade Skyr

With these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy creamy, tangy Icelandic skyr anytime. Not only is it satisfying to make your own cultured dairy at home, but it’s also a fun way to experiment with new flavors. Add fresh fruit, honey, or granola for a delicious breakfast or snack, or use it in smoothies, baking, and cooking.

Homemade skyr offers endless possibilities—enjoy each spoonful knowing you crafted it yourself!

Protein-Packed Granola Cups with Skyr

These easy-to-make granola cups are the perfect bite-sized snack packed with protein and healthy fats. Filled with creamy Icelandic Skyr and topped with fresh fruit, they make for a satisfying breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Rolled Oats
• 1 tablespoon Ground Flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/4 cup Melted Coconut Oil
• 1/3 cup Honey
• 2 (5.3oz) containers Icelandic Provisions Skyr
• Fresh Berries or Fruit of your choice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin pan, preferably silicone, and set it aside.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir to combine.
3. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil and warmed honey, and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Fill muffin cups: Spoon the granola mixture evenly into the muffin cups. Use a teaspoon or similar-sized spoon to press the mixture down into the bottom and up the sides of each cup to form a crust.
5. Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
6. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cups cool completely to room temperature before removing them from the pan.
7. Fill and garnish: Once cooled, fill each granola cup with your desired amount of Skyr. Top with fresh berries or your favorite fruit for added flavor and color.
8. Enjoy: Store in the fridge for a quick, protein-packed snack later.

These granola cups are highly customizable—feel free to experiment with different fruits or even add a drizzle of honey or nut butter on top for extra sweetness.

Savory Five Spice Crunch Bark with Skyr

This savory granola bark brings together the perfect blend of crunchy oats, nutty seeds, and aromatic five-spice seasoning. It’s a versatile treat you can enjoy in big chunks or broken into smaller bits for topping your favorite bowl of Skyr. Whether you’re craving a snack or a healthy topping, this bark delivers a satisfying crunch with a touch of spice.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup Almond Flour
• 1/4 cup Flaxseed Meal
• 3/4 cup White Sesame Seeds
• 2 teaspoons Chinese Five Spice
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
• 1/4 cup Warm Water
• Skyr

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Position a rack in the center of the oven and set the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almond flour, flaxseed meal, sesame seeds, five-spice powder, and salt. Whisk well to blend.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and warm water until smooth. Pour into the dry mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated and tacky, but not wet.
4. Spread mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture out evenly. Place a second sheet of parchment on top and roll it out with a rolling pin to a thin, even layer, about 1/2 centimeter thick.
5. Bake: Remove the top parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully hardened.
6. Cool and break: Let the bark cool completely before breaking it into large pieces or smaller chunks for a more granular texture.

Variations:

1. Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
2. Tropical Twist: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut for a tropical crunch.
3. Spicy Kick: Spice it up by adding 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a zesty twist.
4. Fruity Delight: After baking, stir in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a chewy contrast to the crispy bark.
5. Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle the bark with melted dark chocolate for a touch of sweetness.
6. Sweet & Salty: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top right after baking for a delicious sweet and salty balance.

Chinese Five Spice Powder Recipe

Chinese Five Spice is a classic blend of spices used in Chinese and other Asian cuisines to add a fragrant and aromatic depth to both savory and sweet dishes. The five spices traditionally include star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. This homemade blend is easy to make and can be used in stir-fries, meats, marinades, or even desserts.

Makes: About 1/4 cup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Ground Star Anise
• 1 tablespoon Ground Chinese Cinnamon (or Ceylon cinnamon)
• 1 tablespoon Ground Fennel Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Ground Sichuan Peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cloves

Instructions:

1. Toast the spices (optional): For a deeper flavor, toast the whole spices (star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, fennel seeds, and cloves) in a dry skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Grind the spices: If you’ve toasted the spices, use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind them into a fine powder. If you’re using pre-ground spices, simply combine them in a bowl.
3. Mix and store: In a small bowl, whisk all the ground spices together until evenly combined. Store the blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It should keep for several months.

Variations:

• For a milder version: Use less Sichuan peppercorns or replace them with regular black peppercorns.
• Sweetened version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or a small amount of sugar for a sweeter take on the spice mix.
• For a spicier version: Increase the amount of Sichuan peppercorns or add a dash of chili flakes for heat.

Use this versatile blend in your Five Spice Granola Bark or to season meats, vegetables, or baked goods.

Creamy Strawberry Skyr Pops with Chocolate Magic Shell

These creamy strawberry Skyr pops are the perfect balance of sweetness and protein. With a rich strawberry flavor and a decadent chocolate shell, these pops are a fun and healthy treat. Packed with protein from the Skyr, they’re both delicious and satisfying!

Ingredients:

• 3 (4.4 oz) containers Extra Creamy Strawberry Skyr
• 6 ounces Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
• 3 tablespoons Coconut Oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare popsicle molds: Insert a popsicle stick into each section of a 3-portioned popsicle mold (each portion should hold 3.5-4 oz). Fill the molds with the extra creamy strawberry Skyr, smoothing the surface as needed.
2. Freeze: Cover the popsicle tray with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Freeze for at least 5 hours, or until the pops are completely solid.
3. Make the chocolate shell: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the bittersweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Whisk to combine, then pour the mixture into a tall, narrow glass for easy dipping.
4. Dip the popsicles: Remove each popsicle from the mold and dip it into the melted chocolate shell, letting any excess chocolate drip back into the glass. Place the dipped popsicle onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining popsicles.
5. Optional extra drizzle: Once the chocolate has slightly hardened, drizzle more chocolate over the popsicles for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. Place the pops in the freezer for a few more minutes to fully set the shell.
6. Serve: Once the chocolate shell is set, remove the popsicles from the freezer. You can enjoy them immediately or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the Skyr before indulging.

These creamy pops are perfect for a sweet, high-protein snack that’s both indulgent and nutritious.

Coconut Curry Chickpea Rice with Lime Skyr

This quick and flavorful Coconut Curry Chickpea Rice is a one-pot dish that combines pantry staples and frozen veggies into a hearty meal. The chickpeas’ rich curry sauce provides moisture for the jasmine rice, while the creamy lime Skyr adds a tangy touch that elevates the entire dish. Finished with roasted cashews and fresh cilantro, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Jasmine Rice
• 1 lb Frozen Spinach, defrosted and drained
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 can (15 oz) Heyday Coconut Curry Chickpeas
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, divided
• 1 Lime, zest and wedges
• 1 cup Icelandic Provisions Plain Skyr
• 1/4 cup Chopped Roasted Salted Cashews, for serving
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the jasmine rice in a medium bowl or fine mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside to dry for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, squeeze the excess moisture from the defrosted spinach and set it aside.
2. Toast the rice: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (such as a Dutch oven) over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the grains start to lightly toast.
3. Cook the pilaf: Add 1 3/4 cups water, the Coconut Curry Chickpeas with their sauce, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, scatter the drained spinach over the rice. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 17-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let the pilaf steam for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the Skyr: While the rice is cooking, zest the lime into a medium bowl. Stir in the Skyr and season with salt to taste. Cut the lime into wedges for serving.
5. Assemble and serve: Spread a generous spoonful of lime Skyr in the bottom of each of 4 bowls. Fluff the rice pilaf with a fork, then divide the pilaf between the bowls. Sprinkle with chopped cashews and cilantro, and serve with lime wedges and additional Skyr on the side.

This dish is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.

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