Creamy Instant Pot Yogurt Recipe Easy Homemade Yogurt Step by Step
This creamy Instant Pot yogurt recipe delivers luscious, tangy homemade yogurt with a silky smooth texture using simple ingredients and the Instant Pot’s yogurt function.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (heating) + 8-12 hours (incubation)
- Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes to 12 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt starter with live active cultures
- Optional: 2 tablespoons powdered milk (for added creaminess and texture)
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: Pour 4 cups (1 liter) of whole milk into the Instant Pot. Press the “Yogurt” button, then “Adjust” until the screen reads “Boil.” Heat milk to around 180°F (82°C), stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. This takes about 30-40 minutes.
- Cool the Milk: Remove the inner pot and let the milk cool to about 110°F (43°C). This can take 1-2 hours at room temperature or 30 minutes in a cold water bath.
- Add the Starter: Mix 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt starter with a bit of the cooled milk until smooth. Whisk this mixture gently back into the main batch.
- Incubate: Return the inner pot to the Instant Pot base. Press the “Yogurt” button again and set the time for 8-12 hours depending on desired tanginess. Keep the regular lid on (not the pressure cooking lid).
- Check the Yogurt: After incubation, check for thickness and tang. Incubate longer if needed.
- Refrigerate: Transfer yogurt to a container with a lid and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight preferred) to firm up the texture.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled with toppings like fresh fruit, honey, or granola.
Notes
Use whole milk for best creaminess. Stir gently when adding starter to avoid breaking down milk proteins. Maintain incubation temperature around 110°F (43°C). Save 2 tablespoons of yogurt as starter for next batch. For thicker Greek-style yogurt, strain through cheesecloth after incubation. Dairy-free and milk alternative options are possible but will alter flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup (125g)
- Calories: 90110
- Fat: 46
- Carbohydrates: 68
- Protein: 56
Keywords: Instant Pot yogurt, homemade yogurt, creamy yogurt, easy yogurt recipe, yogurt starter, dairy yogurt, healthy snack