Simple Instant Pot Yogurt
Simple Instant Pot Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 gallon of milk (whole milk is recommended)
- 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt with active cultures (these 5 Strains of Live Active Cultures are best: L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, and Bifidus; S. Thermophilus and L. Casei OR yogurt culture powder from Amazon
- optional add ins: honey, monkfruit, allulose, or stevia and vanilla (or other flavors) extract
Instructions
1. Pour milk into the inner pot of your instant pot
2. Press the “Sauté” button and let the milk heat until it reaches 180 degrees. Use an instant read thermometer. (Heating the milk kills bacteria that will keep the milk from turning into yogurt.)
3. Remove the inner pot of the instant pot and let it sit on the counter until the milk has cooled down to room temperature or about 110 degrees. (this step can take a few hours) I put the pot into a sink of cold water and stir frequently. That decreases cooling time to 15 minutes.
4. Set the inner pot back into the instant pot and pour in your yogurt culture. Lightly whisk the milk and starter together.
5. Press the yogurt button on the instant pot. Leave for 6-10 hours. (there are a few other ways you can do this other than insta-pot)
6. When yogurt is finished remove the inner pot.
7. Set a large colander/strainer over a large bowl. Line the colander with coffee filters or cheesecloth. Pour all of the yogurt into the colander and let most of the excess liquid (whey) strain out so that your yogurt is nice and thick. I usually leave it for 6-8 hours. Divide into pint jars or smaller and open as needed.
To Serve – Enjoy homemade yogurt the same way you would use store-bought. In smoothies, baked goods, parfaits or just by itself. Add honey and vanilla for a delicious, healthy snack.
To Store – Homemade yogurt can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-4 weeks.
Starter Options – After you make your first pot of yogurt, save 1/2 cup of yogurt to use as the starter for your next batch! Over time, the cultures in the yogurt will weaken, so you’ll have to use store-bought starter when that happens.
Variations – Make different flavored yogurts by stirring in fruit, sweeteners or extracts.