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Homemade Instant Pot Yogurt

A simple, nourishing staple that turns one gallon of milk into creamy homemade yogurt.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon whole milk preferably local dairy such as Mouton Dairy
  • 12 ounces plain Greek yogurt with live active cultures
  • Optional for flavored yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean or vanilla extract
  • 1 –2 tablespoons maple syrup to taste
  • Fruit compote blueberry, strawberry, etc.

Method
 

Heat the Milk
  1. Pour the 1 gallon of milk into the Instant Pot.
  2. Close the lid and select the Yogurt setting on High (Boil).
  3. The Instant Pot will heat the milk and beep when it’s finished.
  4. Check the temperature with a thermometer to ensure it has reached 161°F.
Cool the Milk
  1. Allow the milk to cool to 110°F, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
Temper the Yogurt Starter
  1. In a small bowl:
  2. Add the 12 oz Greek yogurt.
  3. Stir in a small amount of the warm milk from the pot.
  4. Whisk until smooth.
  5. This step tempers the yogurt so it blends smoothly.
Culture the Yogurt
  1. Pour the tempered yogurt mixture back into the Instant Pot and stir gently.
  2. Place the lid back on and set the Instant Pot to:
  3. Yogurt setting – Low for 9 hours (or overnight)
  4. When finished, the Instant Pot will beep and the yogurt will be set.
  5. At this stage, you now have regular homemade yogurt.
  6. Optional: Make Greek Yogurt
For thicker Greek-style yogurt:
  1. Place a cheesecloth-lined strainer over a large bowl.
  2. Pour the yogurt into the strainer.
  3. Cover and refrigerate about 5 hours or overnight, depending on how thick you prefer it.
  4. The liquid collected in the bowl is whey.
  5. You may discard it or use it in other recipes.
Make It Smooth
  1. Transfer the strained yogurt to a large bowl.
  2. Use an electric mixer with a whisk attachment to beat the yogurt until smooth and creamy.

Notes

Flavor Options
Sweet Vanilla Yogurt
Add:
• vanilla bean or extract
• maple syrup to taste
Whisk until smooth.
Serve topped with fruit compote.
Blueberry compote pairs beautifully.
⸻
Savory Yogurt
Leave plain and use as a healthier substitute for sour cream in recipes.