Best Yogurt (plain) Substitutes for Yeasted Breads
Prioritize substitutions that protect gluten development and fermentation performance. Bread dough is less forgiving than quick bakes. Structure and fermentation can collapse with poor substitutions.
Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData CentralMethodology
Can I make bread without yogurt (plain)?
Yes. Start with Greek Yogurt + Water at 3/4 cup Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup water per 1 cup plain yogurt, then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.
Top Recommendation
Greek Yogurt + Water
Use 3/4 cup Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup water per 1 cup plain yogurt
Thin Greek yogurt to match plain consistency. Lower acidity than true dahi.
On CupOrGram, 1 cup of yogurt (plain) is treated as 245 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.
Will greek yogurt + water work as a yogurt (plain) substitute in yeasted dough?
Yes, at 3/4 cup Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup water per 1 cup plain yogurt. Thin Greek yogurt to match plain consistency. Lower acidity than true dahi. Bake-test before scaling up.