Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt
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This Instant Pot homemade yogurt is thick, creamy, comes together in a pinch and will save you loads of money too!
We go through a lot of yogurt in this old farmhouse. From smoothies, to snacking and even baking.. there are so many uses!
But buying your yogurt one carton at a time from the store can really add up. Did you know you can make it right in your own kitchen with two simple ingredients and save yourself money too?
This Instant Pot homemade yogurt is so easy, requires very little hands on time and will leave you ditching store bought yogurt for good when you see how much you save!
Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt
Easy – This homemade yogurt recipe is so easy to make and one of those homemade kitchen swaps that takes up hardly any time at all.
Simple – With only two ingredients, this yogurt couldn’t be any simpler! All you need is milk and a little bit of yogurt to stock your freezer with homemade yogurt all week long.
Delicious – We love the taste of this homemade yogurt. It comes out so thick and creamy without even having to strain the whey, although that is totally an option if you want it even thicker like greek yogurt.
Why Make This Easy Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt?
Store-bought yogurt can be full of gums, sugars and unnecessary ingredients… and if you want to buy a high quality version it can get quite expensive.
Making this instant pot homemade yogurt doesn’t add much time in the kitchen, but leaves you knowing exactly what the ingredients are and saves you on your grocery budget too. Sounds like a win, win to me!
Ingredients
Milk – You can use a half gallon, however I usually use a whole gallon at a time as it keeps for quite a while in the fridge.
Yogurt – I buy the single serving cup of greek yogurt from the store to use as my starter culture.
Tools You Will Need
Instant Pot – I absolutely love my Instant Pot and highly recommend investing in one. It is so versatile and really saves a lot of time in the from scratch kitchen!
Thermometer – You will need this to check the temp of your yogurt to see when it is ready to mix in the culture. I have this thermometer and use it all the time in my kitchen.
Jars for storing – These are my favorite jars for strong yogurt, however you can use any jars of large storage container
How to Make Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt
Step 1 – Pour milk (one gallon) into Instant Pot and click the “yogurt” function until you see it say “boil”. Leave it on this function and you will hear a beep. At this point, the Instant Pot will handle bringing your milk up to a boiling temperature (about 180°F). Once it reaches the proper temperature, the boil function will cut off and the yogurt will begin to cool down.
Step 2 – Monitor the temperature of the milk with a thermometer until it reaches about 110°F (this could take an hour or two and you can speed the process along by removing the insert from the Instant Pot).
Step 3 – Once the milk has cooled to the proper temperature, mix in yogurt (1/4 cup). Whisk into milk well. Cover Instant Pot with lid and select the “Yogurt” function again. You are able to set the time, anywhere from 8-24 hours. The longer you ferment your yogurt, the healthier it will be. My preference is around 16-18 hours. I would recommend 8-10 hours your first time. This time is referred to as the “incubation period”.
Step 4 – Once the yogurt fermentation time has completed, remove the insert from the Instant Pot, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, though overnight is ideal.
Step 5 – Once your yogurt has chilled, transfer to your storage jars and enjoy in smoothies, as a snack, in baking and more!
For a visual, check out these step by step images!
To your Instant Pot pour in a gallon of milk. Click the Yogurt function until it reads “Boil”. The Instant Pot will bring your milk to boiling temperature and then turn off.
Allow the yogurt to cool to 105-110°F. You can speed this process up by removing the insert bowl and setting it aside, or placing the insert in a bowl of cold water.
Stir 1/4 cup yogurt into warm milk and whisk well until yogurt is fully incorporated.
Cover the Instant Pot and click the Yogurt function again and set it to 8-10 hours, or longer if you prefer a longer fermentation.
Once the yogurt is done, cover and place in the fridge. Do not stir the yogurt before it is completely cooled. Waiting overnight is usually best.
Once your yogurt has chilled, transfer to your storage jars and enjoy in smoothies, as a snack, in baking and more!
Tips for making the best instant pot homemade yogurt
Make This Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt Your Own…
Honey vanilla – Whisk in 1/2 – 1 cup of honey depending on your sweetness preference and 2 tbsp high quality vanilla extract for the best homemade honey vanilla yogurt.
Fruit flavored – Blend 1/2 – 1 cup fresh or frozen berries and whisk into yogurt for a fruit flavored twist.
Recipe ideas for your homemade yogurt
Smoothies – I enjoy this yogurt every morning in a strawberry and blueberry smoothie. You could change up the flavors any way you’d like!
Snack – Pair with homemade protein granola for a protein rich, healthy snack for the whole family.
Baking – Use yogurt in any greek yogurt baking recipe to add an extra protein boost to your baked goods.
FAQ
Homemaker Tip
For picky eaters, try sneaking this homemade yogurt into smoothies and baking to give those kiddos an extra protein boost!
Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt
Equipment
- Instant Pot with yogurt function
- Thermometer
- Jars for storing
Ingredients
- 1 gallon milk
- 1/4 cup yogurt
Instructions
- Pour milk (one gallon) into Instant Pot and click the "yogurt" function until you see it say "boil". Leave it on this function and you will hear a beep. At this point, the Instant Pot will handle bringing your milk up to a boiling temperature (about 180°F). Once it reaches the proper temperature, the boil function will cut off and the yogurt will begin to cool down.
- Monitor the temperature of the milk with a thermometer until it reaches about 110°F (this could take an hour or two and you can speed the process along by removing the insert from the Instant Pot).
- Once the milk has cooled to the proper temperature, mix in yogurt (1/4 cup). Whisk into milk well. Cover Instant Pot with lid and select the "Yogurt" function again. You are able to set the time, anywhere from 8-24 hours. The longer you ferment your yogurt, the healthier it will be. My preference is around 16-18 hours. I would recommend 8-10 hours your first time. This time is referred to as the "incubation period".
- Once the yogurt fermentation time has completed, remove the insert from the Instant Pot, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, though overnight is ideal.
- Once your yogurt has chilled, transfer to your storage jars and enjoy in smoothies, as a snack, in baking and more!
Notes
- Monitor the temperature closely to prevent the yogurt from cooling too far below the proper fermentation temperature.
- When the incubation time is complete, do not stir the yogurt as this could cause it to become runny and watery. Cover and place it directly in the fridge.
Did you make this Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt?
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