
Making Greek yogurt in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for those who want to have a constant supply of this delicious and healthy snack.
You'll need a 1-quart or 1-liter Instant Pot, a thermometer, and a strainer or cheesecloth.
The Instant Pot is ideal for making Greek yogurt because it can heat and cool the milk quickly and evenly, which is essential for creating a smooth and creamy texture.
Start by heating the milk to 180°F, then let it cool to 110°F, and finally incubate it at 100°F for 8-12 hours to allow the cultures to grow and thicken the yogurt.
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Ingredients and Equipment
To make Greek yogurt in your Instant Pot, you'll need a few key ingredients and some essential equipment.
Start with 1/2 gallon of milk - I prefer organic milk, but you can also use whole milk or 1% for a creamy texture. Goat milk is another option that works great too.
You'll also need 2 Tablespoons of starter yogurt, which should be high-quality yogurt containing milk and live active cultures.
If you want to add a bit of flavor, you can use 1/2 - 1 Tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
As for equipment, you'll need an Instant Pot, a Yogurt Strainer, a measuring cup, a whisk, large wide mouth mason jars, and a candy thermometer with clip.
Here's a summary of the ingredients and equipment you'll need:
- 1/2 gallon of milk (organic, whole, 1%, or goat milk)
- 2 Tablespoons starter yogurt
- 1/2 - 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- Instant Pot
- Yogurt Strainer
- Measuring cup
- Whisk
- Large wide mouth mason jars
- Candy thermometer with clip
Yogurt Options
You can make Greek yogurt in your Instant Pot that's super rich and tangy, and the best part is it's lactose free and low fat.
This Greek yogurt is also lactose free, with 0% lactose content.
Making Greek yogurt in your Instant Pot is a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought yogurt.
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Lactose Free 0%
If you're looking for a lactose-free yogurt option, you're in luck. Lactose-free yogurt is a great alternative for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity. You can make a super rich and tangy lactose-free Greek yogurt in your Instant Pot, as seen in the Foolproof Instant Pot Greek Yogurt recipe. This recipe results in a low-fat yogurt that's perfect for those watching their diet.
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Whole Milk Yogurt
Whole Milk Yogurt is a great option for those who want a richer, creamier taste. It's made with whole milk, which contains more fat and calories than low-fat or nonfat yogurt.
Whole milk yogurt is a good source of protein, with about 15 grams per 6-ounce serving. This can help support muscle growth and repair.
The high fat content in whole milk yogurt can also help keep you full for longer, making it a good choice for those who want to manage their weight.
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Instant Pot Settings
To make Greek yogurt in an Instant Pot, you'll want to start with the right settings. The batch I make takes nine hours to process in the Instant Pot.
You'll need to set the Instant Pot to the "yogurt" setting, which is a specific mode for making yogurt. This setting helps to incubate the mixture at the right temperature.
The Instant Pot needs time to process the yogurt, so it's best to start the recipe early in the day. I like to get started no later than 9 am to allow plenty of time for the yogurt to process.
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Making Yogurt
Making yogurt in the Instant Pot is a game-changer. You can make a batch of creamy and delicious yogurt in just a few hours.
First, you'll need to pour cold milk into the Instant Pot pan and press the Yogurt button. Then, adjust the button until the display says "boil" - this is the key to getting the milk to the right temperature.
Pour the boiling milk back into the Instant Pot pan and let it cool down to 110°F. This is an important step, as you want the milk to be at the right temperature for the starter to activate.
Now it's time to add the starter to the milk. Take a cup of the cooled milk and whisk in the starter, mixing well. Pour this mixture back into the pot and let it sit for 8-24 hours, depending on how tart you like your yogurt.
If you prefer a tarter yogurt, you can let it sit for a longer time. I usually set mine at 20-24 hours.
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Here are some general guidelines for making yogurt in the Instant Pot:
- Temperature: 110°F
- Time: 8-24 hours
- Starter: Whisked into cooled milk
- Straining: Optional, but recommended for thicker yogurt
You can strain the yogurt using a strainer or nut bag, or simply leave it as is for a creamier yogurt. Either way, you'll end up with a delicious and healthy snack or breakfast option.
Tips and Variations
Making Greek yogurt in your Instant Pot is a breeze, and you can experiment with various flavors and textures to suit your taste.
Start by trying different types of milk, such as 2% or whole milk, to see how they affect the final product.
You can also play around with the ratio of milk to yogurt starter, as mentioned in our recipe, to achieve the desired consistency.
For a thicker Greek yogurt, use a higher ratio of milk to starter, and for a thinner yogurt, use a lower ratio.
Strain or Not
Un-strained yogurt is just regular yogurt, but strained yogurt is a different story. It's called "Greek Yogurt" and trust me, you're going to love it.
Strained yogurt is made by removing excess liquid, which makes it thicker and creamier. This process is often done using a nut milk bag.
The difference between regular and Greek yogurt is quite noticeable. Greek yogurt has a thicker texture and a more intense flavor.
Bonus Tip

Washing the yogurt strainer immediately after making yogurt is a good idea. This prevents the yogurt from drying on the container, making it especially hard to get off later.
It's a small step, but it saves a lot of hassle in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you incubate yogurt in an Instant Pot?
Incubate yogurt in an Instant Pot for up to 8 hours by adjusting the time using the plus or minus buttons. Simply press the yogurt button and adjust the time to achieve the desired incubation period.
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