Instant Pot Yogurt
Craving something creamy and delicious? Try making your own Instant Pot Yogurt! This easy recipe gives you control over ingredients, resulting in the perfect snack or breakfast. Enjoy it plain or with your favorite toppings!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 packet Yogurt Starter or 1 tablespoon prepared yogurt with live cultures
Instructions
- First, in your Instant Pot, remove the seal from the lid and clean both the lid and the inner pot with hot soapy water. Alternatively, you can place them in the dishwasher. Once cleaned, dry them thoroughly and set aside.
- Next, heat your milk in a medium pot over medium heat. You want to bring it to about 180ºF, watching for steam and bubbles forming around the edges. I often use my thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
- Once the milk reaches 180ºF, transfer it to the inner liner of the Instant Pot. Let it cool down until it reaches between 105ºF and 110ºF. This typically takes around 40 minutes, but you can expedite it by placing the pot in an ice bath if you're in a hurry.
- In a small bowl, take your yogurt starter (or plain yogurt) and mix it with about ¼ cup of the cooled milk. Whisk until well combined, then pour this mixture back into the inner pot, blending it gently with the remaining milk.
- Now, press the Yogurt function on your Instant Pot and set the timer for anywhere between 8 to 16 hours. The longer you ferment, the tangier your yogurt will be. Close the lid (don’t worry about the sealing function for this step).
- After the cycle is complete, open the lid and take a moment to smell your yogurt. It should have a pleasantly tangy aroma. This is a sign that the fermentation worked!
- If you want to make Greek yogurt, line a fine mesh strainer with a clean kitchen towel or coffee filter. Gently pour your finished yogurt into the strainer and let it drain for 2 to 6 hours, depending on the thickness you desire.
- Once done, transfer your yogurt to containers and store them in the refrigerator. Homemade yogurt can typically last for about 5 to 7 days.
- Finally, don’t forget to save some of the whey! It’s loaded with protein and can be used in smoothies or cooking.
Notes
Cleaning your Instant Pot is essential before starting. This prevents any bad bacteria from affecting the fermentation process. Heating the milk is crucial for killing off unwanted bacteria and transforming its protein structure, which helps thicken the yogurt. If using the Instant Pot function for heating, ensure you monitor the temperature carefully to avoid curdling. The length of fermentation impacts flavor. Experiment to find your preference for tanginess.