Instant Pot Yogurt Recipe with 2 ingredients. Also how to make yogurt without a yogurt button, Greek yogurt, vanilla yogurt, cream cheese and what to do with leftover whey.
Besides making yogurt in Instant Pot yogurt, we love making Instant Pot eggs, Instant Pot oatmeal and Instant Pot egg bites in our beloved electric pressure cooker.
Table of Contents
- Why Make Yogurt in Instant Pot?
- Ingredients for Instant Pot Yogurt
- How to Make Yogurt in Instant Pot
- 1. Heat Milk to 180 degrees F
- 2. Cool Milk to 110 degrees F
- 3. Add 1/4 Cup Yogurt
- 4. Let Yogurt Incubate
- 5. Chill and Store!
- FAQs
- More Tips for Best Results
- How to Make Yogurt without Yogurt Setting
- How to Make Greek Yogurt
- How to Make Vanilla Yogurt
- How to Make Cream Cheese
- What Is the Shelf Life of Instant Pot Yogurt?
- Use Instant Pot Yogurt in These Recipes
- More Favorite Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Yogurt Recipe
Why Make Yogurt in Instant Pot?
Homemade Instant Pot yogurt comes out just as store bought. You can strain it further into a super creamy and thick Greek yogurt and serve with fruit and berries, and healthy granola, high protein granola or even quinoa granola. I love a dollop served with lazy pierogi.
Then you can turn some of Greek yogurt into a cream cheese (yes!) and make Instant Pot cheesecake bites. And last step would be to make the tallest and fluffiest whole wheat buttermilk pancakes with leftover whey.
Don’t have Instant Pot yogurt setting? No worries, you can make Instant Pot yogurt recipe without a yogurt button. We’ve got it all figured out for you!
Looking for more than just making yogurt in Instant Pot? Check out all of my Instant Pot recipes.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Yogurt
To make Instant Pot yogurt, you need only 2 ingredients.
- 1 gallon of milk: 1%, 2% or 3.25% dairy milk. The higher the fat, the creamier the yogurt.
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt with active bacterial cultures: It can be store-bought yogurt or leftover homemade yogurt. If store-bought, make sure it has no additives like thickeners etc.
How to Make Yogurt in Instant Pot
So, here is how to make yogurt in Instant Pot. Full recipe card is located below.
1. Heat Milk to 180 degrees F
- Add milk to Instant Pot: Pour milk into the inner pot of your electric pressure cooker. Close the lid and set pressure release valve to Venting. Press Yogurt button until display reads Boil.
- Milk will take about an hour to heat up: When it’s finished, Instant Pot will beep, turn off and display will say Yogurt.
- Make sure milk is hot: Open the lid and using an instant-read thermometer check milk’s temperature. It should be 180 degrees F and higher.
- If milk’s temperature is not 180 degrees F: Press Saute button and give the pressure cooker 5-10 minutes to heat the milk further. Check again.
2. Cool Milk to 110 degrees F
- 2 ways to cool milk: Remove inner pot with milk and let it cool down either on a counter (3-4 hours) or in a sink filled with cold water (15 minutes) until food thermometer reads 110 degrees F and lower.
- Remove the milk skin on top: It is like a thin film. If you leave it in, Instant Pot yogurt will have tiny lumps.
3. Add 1/4 Cup Yogurt
- Add 1/4 cup plain store bought or homemade yogurt: If you buy yogurt, make sure it is plain, active bacterial culture is on ingredients list, and yogurt has no additives like cornstarch etc. You can also use homemade yogurt from previously made Instant Pot yogurt recipe.
- Whisk yogurt and milk: When whisking, avoid touching the bottom of the pot to disturbing some stuck on milk during boiling.
4. Let Yogurt Incubate
- Place yogurt in Instant Pot: Place inner pot with mixture inside Instant Pot, close the lid and leave pressure release valve in either Sealing or Venting position. Doesn’t matter as Instant Pot will not come to pressure.
- Let yogurt incubate for 10 hours: Press Yogurt button until time counter is displayed and adjust time to 10 hours with + or – buttons. After 10 hours, Instant Pot will shut off.
- Check if yogurt is ready: Insert spoon in the yogurt and if it’s standing, your Instant Pot yogurt is almost ready.
5. Chill and Store!
- Refrigerate for 6 hours: Remove only inner pot with a batch of yogurt. Chill in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight.
- Store: Whisk yogurt in Instant Pot after chilling, divide between glass jars and store for up to 10 days. Or make Greek yogurt, vanilla yogurt, cream cheese and pancakes with leftover whey (see below).
FAQs
Yes. You can make almond milk yogurt in Instant Pot.
Yes, you can make non-fat yogurt in Instant Pot. I have heard you will need twice amount of yogurt starter. Also after making the yogurt, there will be more liquid sitting on top. Just carefully drain and discard it. If your non-fat yogurt has separated more, just give it a whisk.
For cold start method Instant Pot yogurt you will need to use ultra-pasteurized milk like Fairlife milk. After a thorough research, I came to a conclusion it is less wholesome because it contains additives with many nutrients destroyed during extremely high temperatures.
Yes and no. Depends how much that jug of milk and the type of yogurt you make cost in your area. For example, where I live, 1 gallon of organic milk costs $9, which yields 8 cups (64 oz) of Greek yogurt, that costs $24 to buy.
You get 8 cups or 64 ounces of yogurt from 1 gallon of milk.
Instant Pot lid smell won’t affect the taste of your yogurt. But for a peace of mind remove the silicone ring when making yogurt in Instant Pot. You need it only for pressure cooking and yogurt is made not using this method.
No, sour cream is made with heavy cream.
If you follow the recipe to a T, your Instant Pot yogurt should not fail. However, if it came out runny and just would not set it could be due to a few factors. Your yogurt starter did not contain live and active cultures. Or you did not boil milk to 180 F and higher. Or possibly you didn’t cool boield milk to 110 F and lower and added yogurt starter, which killed the live bacteria in it.
Also accurate digital instant read thermometer is very helpful. I have invested into one since then.
If you like less tangy and more runny yogurt, incubate yogurt in Instant Pot for 8 hours. If you like very thick, tangy yogurt “cook” it for closer to 12 hours. I have not tried to hold it longer in Instant Pot, like 24 hours, so can’t tell what happens.
Yogurt in Instant Pot can sit for 12 hours considering it is incubating. After, you should place it in the fridge to set. I have not tried incubating Instant Pot yogurt for up to 24 hours but my understanding is it is possible as long as it is “cooking”.
More Tips for Best Results
Here are a few more tips for perfecting yogurt in Instant Pot from the first try.
- Do not use any kind of flavored yogurt. Recipe will not work. Be sure to buy plain yogurt with active bacteria. The ingredients list should include “active live cultures” and latin names like Lactobacillus bulgaricus or Streptococcus thermophilus.
- Freeze 1/4 cup freshly made yogurt as a starter for next time. In case you are not planning to make Instant Pot yogurt again soon.
- Freeze leftovers. Readers have reported successfully freezing and thawing yogurt. It will look lumpy but once you stir it, it will become smooth.
- To cut recipe in half: Cut milk amount in half and keep same cooking time. Use full amount of 1/4 cup yogurt as a starter though. If you have 8 quart or 10 quart Instant Pot you can also double the recipe.
- Skip sanitizing: I never sanitized yogurt making tools, just like with kombucha recipe, and never had an issue.
How to Make Yogurt without Yogurt Setting
Timing is everything when it comes to making Instant Pot yogurt without the yogurt button.
- Heat up milk as per recipe: In an Instant Pot without yogurt setting (button), add milk, close the lid and set pressure release valve to Venting. Press Saute and heat up milk to 180 degrees F or higher. Open the lid and check with a food thermometer periodically.
- Cool off boiled milk in a sink – do step 3 at same time: While milk is heating up, fill up sink with cold water enough to reach almost the top of the Instant Pot insert. Remove inner pot with milk, place in a sink and let milk cool until food thermometer reads 110 F and lower. Takes about 15 minutes. Don’t walk away.
- Keep Instant Pot warm – do step 2 at same time: While milk is cooling off, press Cancel on Instant Pot and keep lid on to keep it warm. It will become an incubator for yogurt.
- Add yogurt starter: Move pot from the sink to the counter. Remove milk skin on top and add store-bought yogurt. Whisk to combine without touching the bottom (disturbing sticky milk).
- Let yogurt incubate for 10 hours or overnight: Place inner pot inside Instant Pot, close with the lid, wrap it in large beach towel and leave on a counter overnight or for 10 hours. Instant Pot should be off and milk still lukewarm, that will ensure proper incubation and favourable environment for live cultures to grow.
How to Make Greek Yogurt
Hers is a quick overview how to make Greek yogurt in Instant Pot.
- Prep: Line large mesh strainer with cheesecloth folded 4 times or single layer of coffee filters. Place on top of a bowl making sure there is enough space for draining the whey.
- Strain for 4 hours: Add desired amount of yogurt, place in the fridge and strain for 4 hours.
- Stir and enjoy: Greek style yogurt will be thicker along the walls. Just stir after adding to a jar.
How to Make Vanilla Yogurt
Whisk 1 cup of finished regular or Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract. Adjust to taste and store like other yogurt.
How to Make Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is simply strained Greek yogurt for longer amount of time.
- Strain overnight: Follow instructions for Greek yogurt above and strain desired amount overnight in the fridge.
- Add salt: Then transfer to a glass container and mix with a pinch of salt.
- Storing: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
What Is the Shelf Life of Instant Pot Yogurt?
Homemade Instant Pot yogurt should last 10 to 14 days stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Don’t forget to freeze some of the yogurt for the yogurt starter. I like to do so in ice cube trays measured out in tablespoon portions.
Use Instant Pot Yogurt in These Recipes
- Strawberry yogurt
- Greek yogurt guacamole
- Yogurt marinated chicken
- Greek yogurt cheesecake
- Greek yogurt cream cheese frosting
- Almond flour yogurt muffins
- Healthy ranch dressing
Include yogurt on your brunch charcuterie board for guests to DIY their own yogurt parfaits with fruit salad and granola!
More Favorite Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot applesauce
- Chia pudding
- Instant Pot poached eggs
- Instant Pot steel cut oats
- Need more ideas for your pressure cooker? Browse all healthy Instant Pot recipes.
Instant Pot Yogurt
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 gallon dairy milk 1%, 2% or 3.25%
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt homemade or store-bought
Instructions
How to Make Instant Pot Yogurt
- In Instant Pot with a yogurt function, add milk, close the lid and set pressure release valve to Venting.
- Press Yogurt button until display reads Boil.
- Milk will take about an hour to heat up and when it's finished, Instant Pot will beep, turn off and display will say Yogurt.
- Open the lid and using a food thermometer check milk's temperature. It should be 180 F and higher. If it's not, press Saute button and give the pressure cooker 5-10 minutes to heat the milk further. Check again.
- Remove inner pot with milk and let it cool down either on a counter (3-4 hours) or in a sink filled with cold water (15 minutes) until food thermometer reads 110 F and lower. Remove the milk skin on top.
- Add yogurt and whisk to combine without touching the bottom (disturbing sticky milk).
- Close the lid and leave pressure release valve in either position.
- Press Yogurt button until time counter is displayed and adjust time to 10 hours with + or – buttons.
- After 10 hours, Instant Pot will shut off.
- Insert a spoon in the yogurt and if it’s standing, your yogurt is ready.
- Remove the inner pot and chill in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight.
- To make yogurt completely smooth, whisk it after chilling without touching the bottom.
- Divide between glass jars or make Greek yogurt, vanilla yogurt, cream cheese and yogurt whey pancakes.
How to Make Instant Pot Yogurt without Yogurt Button
- Heat up milk as per recipe: In an Instant Pot without yogurt button, add milk, close the lid and set pressure release valve to Venting. Press Saute and heat up milk to 180 degrees F or higher. Open the lid and check with a food thermometer periodically.
- Cool off boiled milk in a sink – do step 3 at same time: While milk is heating up, fill up sink with cold water enough to reach almost the top of the Instant Pot insert. Remove inner pot with milk, place in a sink and let milk cool until food thermometer reads 110 F and lower. Takes about 15 minutes. Don't walk away.
- Keep Instant Pot warm – do step 2 at same time: While milk is cooling off, press Cancel on Instant Pot and keep lid on to keep it warm. It will become an incubator for yogurt.
- Add yogurt starter: Move pot from the sink to the counter. Remove milk skin on top and add store-bought yogurt. Whisk to combine without touching the bottom (disturbing sticky milk).
- Let yogurt incubate for 10 hours or overnight: Place inner pot inside Instant Pot, close with the lid, wrap it in large beach towel and leave on a counter overnight or for 10 hours. Instant Pot should be off and milk still lukewarm, that will ensure proper incubation and favourable environment for live cultures to grow.
How to Make Instant Pot Greek Yogurt
- Line large mesh strainer with cheesecloth folded 4 times or single layer of coffee filters, place on top of a bowl making sure there is enough space for draining the whey and add desired amount of yogurt.
- Strain for 4 hours or until desired consistency.
How to Make Cream Cheese
- Cream cheese is longer strained Greek yogurt. Follow instructions for Instant Pot Greek yogurt and strain desired amount overnight.
- Transfer to a glass container and mix with a pinch of salt. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
How to Make Instant Pot Vanilla Yogurt
- Whisk 1 cup of regular or Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract. Adjust to taste and store like other yogurt.
Video
Notes
- Store: Refrigerate yogurt in an airtight container for up to 10-14 days.
- Freeze: Free yogurt for up to 3 months. Once thawed, it will look lumpy but once you stir it, it will become smooth. Don’t forget to reserve 1/4 cup yogurt starter for next batch (freeze in ice cubes).
- Don’t know what to do with leftover whey? Make pancakes.
- Can I cut recipe in half? Yes, you can cut milk amount in half and keep same cooking time. Use full amount of 1/4 cup yogurt as a starter though.
- My yogurt didn’t set. What did I do wrong? If you follow the recipe to a T, it shouldn’t happen. Most important points are:
- Yogurt starter with live and active cultures.
- Boil milk to 180 F and higher.
- Cool to 110 F and lower and only then add yogurt starter.
- Do not use any kind of flavored yogurt as a starter. Recipe will not work.
Can you explain why you cannot whisk the bottom of the milk to disturb sticky milk? What is sticky milk?
Milk usually sticks to the bottom of the pot. If you whisk that you will have small pieces of that sticky stuff in your milk and yogurt.
Hello, I would like to make cream cheese. Do I make the Greek yogurt first, and then strain that again overnight? Or do I strain my instant pot yogurt only once but overnight?
Thanks!
#2 just strain yogurt overnight or very long haha
While this is straining do I leave it on the counter or the refrigerator? It’s basically milk so I figured probably refrigerator, but that won’t mess anything up right?
Sorry, I meant straining.
Oh, ok. I fixed it. 🙂
Yes, fridge while straining. No, won’t mess anything because your yogurt is ready.
This turned out perfect. I had my family do a blind taste test of this yogurt versus my regular brand of plain 2% yogurt and the homemade instant pot yogurt was preferred 3 out of 3 times. I won’t be buying yogurt anymore!
Homemade is best.:) So happy to hear!
Awesome recipe. Worked so easy I halted the recipe to 4 cups.
Question how can I make sour cream?
So happy to hear, Leslie. Unfortunately sour cream is made with heavy cream.
I do not understand your recipe for making yogurt without yogurt button. You say use steps 1-6 as in the recipe with the yogurt button. That is ghe whole recipe. You mention to follow step 7 with a towell. In the previous recipe there is no step 7. Someghing is not right.
I see why. Sorry about that. I rewrote the recipe to make more clear. 🙂
I made the yogurt yesterday but it only needed 8 hours! Turned out fantastic!! Now about that cream cheese recipe! How much of my just made Greek yogurt do I need to make 16 ozs? Approximately
Happy to hear! Oh my, I haven’t measured but I would say twice the amount since it is straining for a while.
Hi Olena,
You say to use plain yogurt. Is Greek yogurt ok to use? It has live and active cultures.
Also, you mention using a food thermometer. Does meat thermometer qualify? It’s the only one I have.
Yes and yes. That’s what I used a few times.
My first few batches I always used the saute setting to heat the milk. I didn’t know you could set the yogurt button to boil. I used whole milk and mine turned out fine.
Love this recipe.
Yes you can use saute. Only problem is it probably scirches on the bottom or burns. Whatever you call it.:) Maybe it does.:)
I’ve made yogurt with skim milk plenty of times using a food dehydrator.
I see no reason why you can’t make non-fat yogurt in an instant pot.