The Easiest Way to Make Instant Pot Yogurt

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Make a huge batch of great tasting instant pot yogurt with this easy to follow 3 ingredient recipe. This is a super creamy, lightly sweetened homemade yogurt recipe.

I use the no-boil cold start method for this instant pot yogurt recipe. If you are nervous about making yogurt in your instant pot, but really want to try, this recipe is for you! One of the reasons why I specifically purchased the instant pot duo 7 in 1 was because of the “yogurt” option. I wanted to make my own yogurt and I heard having the yogurt button made it easy to make my own healthy yogurt.

A balanced breakfast of instant pot yogurt, granola, fruit, and orange juice
A picture showing the cover images for all three cookbooks written by Aileen Clark.

New to the instant pot? Check out our instant pot guide here.

Well, a year passed and I did not even try making instant pot yogurt (although, I did make some killer instant pot cinnamon rolls). I know, I’m such a sissy. More like, I didn’t have the mental capacity to take on learning something new while I was busy coming up with new recipes on the regular for you.

The easiest way to make yogurt in the instant pot

I knew I needed to start experimenting with yogurt making just so I could share the details with you. I did not expect to be completely hooked on making instant pot yogurt but I totally am. It is just so easy!

All you need is 3 ingredients and some hands-off time where your instant pot is claimed. The only thing I may change is investing in a second inner pot so I can leave my yogurt to chill in the fridge and still have my instant pot available for dinner.

Instant Pot Yogurt Ingredients:

  • 1-gallon ultra-pasteurized milk
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 tablespoons plain yogurt with live active cultures

Helpful Tools for Making Yogurt



instant pot yogurt with granola (1)

Milk Type is Important

For this cold start method, it is very important that you purchase ultra-pasteurized milk. The regular pasteurized stuff will not work for this particular method. You can also use ultra-filtered milk like the Fairlife brand. I have not been able to find gallon sized containers of ultra-pasteurized milk, so you may need to buy two 1/2 gallons. That’s what I do for this recipe.

instant pot yogurt with granola (2)

Choosing a Yogurt Starter

You will want to start with fresh yogurt, not yogurt that has been sitting opened in your fridge for a week. It is okay if your yogurt is sweetened, but you do not want the fruit variety.

The most important thing is to confirm it has live and active cultures in it. It should say it right on the ingredient list. Once you make your own yogurt, just grab a bit and freeze it right away. Then you can just defrost it before making another batch.

Which Lid to Use When Making Yogurt?

When making yogurt in the instant pot, the pot does not come to pressure. Therefore, the inner sealing ring does not need to be used. If your sealing ring is stinky, it’s best to remove it.

You can still use your instant pot lid or a clear glass lid. Instant pot makes one that fits your instant pot. Or you may already have one in your kitchen that fits (I do).

Once your yogurt has finished the incubation period, you will transfer it to the refrigerator either in the inner pot or by transferring it to a different container. You will still want to cover it.

instant pot yogurt with granola

For more Instant Pot Recipes check out:

instant pot yogurt with granola (1)

Instant Pot Yogurt (Cold-Start Method)

Aileen Clark
Make a huge batch of great tasting instant pot yogurt with this easy to follow 3 ingredient recipe. This is a super creamy, lightly sweetened homemade yogurt recipe. 
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Additional Time 8 hours
Total Time 16 hours 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 135 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon ultra-pasteurized or ultra-filtered milk
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 tbsp plain yogurt with live active cultures

Instructions
 

  • Start with a very clean instant pot inner pot.
  • Whisk together the milk, condensed milk, and yogurt.
  • Place lid on the instant pot (sealing ring can be removed) and set to "yogurt". Make sure it is set to medium and 8 hours. 
  • Once complete, transfer yogurt to a different container (if desired) and refrigerate a minimum of 8 hours. 
  • Use within 10-14 days.

Notes

Milk type is important for this recipe! Make sure you are using ultra-pasteurized or ultra-filtered milk. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 133mgSugar: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
I loved learning how to make yogurt in the instant pot. It was way easier than I expected and now we have another easy and healthy breakfast option in our house.

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3 Comments

  1. My IP does not have the yogurt option. Can you use the slow cook option to make yogurt? Do you have to use the sweetened condensed milk? I don’t want sweet or slightly sweet yogurt.

    1. Hi Renea. Unfortunately, the slow cook option is not the same as the yogurt option. If you do find a workaround, this recipe can be made plain without the sweetened condensed milk. Good luck! 🙂