Homemade Instant Pot Yogurt: A Delicious Delight
Picture this: it’s a busy morning and you’re hurrying around the kitchen trying to get ready for work. Your kids are clamoring for breakfast, but you’re out of yogurt. Normally, you’d have to make a trip to the store or plan ahead to make homemade yogurt that takes hours to prepare. But what if I told you that you could have delicious, creamy yogurt on demand with just three simple ingredients and an Instant Pot?
Yes, you heard me right! This easy instant pot yogurt recipe will revolutionize the way you think about making homemade yogurt. Say goodbye to waiting for hours while your yogurt ferments – with this recipe, all it takes is 24 hours or less!
Not only is this recipe convenient, but it’s also incredibly cost-effective. With just one little tweak, you can turn one gallon of milk into gallons of creamy, satisfying yogurt that’ll last your large family the entire week.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot and let’s get started on this easy instant pot yogurt recipe that’ll make your mornings a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this easy instant pot yogurt recipe is one of the best things you can make for yourself and your family. First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple to put together, requiring only three ingredients: milk, starter yogurt, and a little bit of patience.
But what sets this Instant Pot yogurt apart from other recipes out there is its versatility. You can customize it any way you like, whether that’s using whole milk for extra creaminess or adding in some vanilla yogurt for a touch of sweetness.
Plus, with the Instant Pot’s handy yogurt function, you don’t need any special equipment like a yogurt maker. And the end result is a rich and tangy yogurt that rivals anything you’d find at the store.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s perfect for large families or meal prep. You can easily double or triple the batch and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. And because it’s made from natural ingredients, you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones without any preservatives or additives.
Finally, let’s not forget about the cost savings. Homemade yogurt is so much cheaper than buying pre-made tubs at the store, especially if you’re buying Greek yogurt. With just a few dollars worth of ingredients, you can make enough yogurt to last for days.
So whether you’re a busy parent looking for healthy snacks for your kids or just someone who loves making their own food from scratch, this easy instant pot yogurt recipe is definitely worth trying out. Give it a go and see for yourself just how delicious and satisfying homemade yogurt can be!
Ingredient List
Before we begin, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients we need to make this easy Instant Pot Yogurt recipe. You only need 3 simple ingredients!
- 1 gallon of whole milk (or 2% if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt with live active cultures (as a starter ) – you can use store-bought or homemade
- Optional: sweeteners such as honey, vanilla extract, or condensed milk
Note that using high-quality ingredients will affect the taste and texture of your yogurt. I recommend using organic milk and a good quality yogurt starter.
The Recipe How-To
Here comes the fun part- Making instant pot yogurt is easier than you think. Don’t be intimidated. It’s only three simple ingredients that will get you to your dream Greek yogurt: Whole Milk, Yogurt Starter and patience.
Step 1: Heat the milk
Pour one liter of whole milk into the Instant Pot inner pot. Cover with the lid and set on manual high-pressure mode for 1 minute. Then let it naturally release steam for 10-15 minutes, or until you can remove the lid without hurting yourself.
Step 2: Let it cool
After heating the milk, pop a cooking thermometer inside it and wait patiently for the temperature to drop between 110°F -115°F. Alternatively, you could be setting a timer for about two hours as it cools down.
Step 3: Add the starter
In a small mixing bowl, mix in two tablespoons of yogurt starter with a cup of warm milk. The starter yogurt could be plain yogurt or a vanilla yogurt whichever tickles your fancy. This mixture should almost feel like caramel sauce(make it thick).
Step 4: Combine the Mixture
Once you’ve thoroughly mixed the warmed milk with the yoghurt starter, add this mixture into the cooled Whole Milk inside the Instant Pot inner pot. Close its lid then press its “YOGURT” button once then press “ADJUST” to set it for 12 hours.
Step 5: Be patient
Sit back, relax then wait as your maturing baby transforms and grows into healthy bacteria-filled goodness. Be sure to resist every urge to peek at your yummy concoction as it incubates inside your Instant Pot.
Step 6: Strain and Chill
After about 12 hours, check on your homemade yogurt. You’ll find that it set up fine but thinner than packaged Greek Yogurt . Take a cheesecloth or coffee filter to drain off the excess whey into a tidy container then chill in the fridge for about half an hour before serving.
There you have it, a healthy batch of all-natural, easy-to-make yogurt made in just 6 quick and easy steps. Now top with your preferred toppings, and enjoy your DIY instant pot yogurt.
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there, welcome to the Substitutions and Variations section of this easy Instant Pot Yogurt Recipe! Here I’ll give you some ideas on how to make this recipe even more exciting based on your personal preferences.
Substituting milk: In this recipe, we’re using whole milk, but you can substitute with low-fat or skim milk if that’s your preference. Just keep in mind that the final outcome might have a different texture and taste due to the lower fat content.
Using yogurt starters: While we recommend using plain yogurt as a starter for this recipe, you can easily switch it up with vanilla yogurt or even condensed milk for a sweeter version. Keep in mind though that this will alter the flavor of your final product.
Making Greek Yogurt: If you’re a fan of thick and creamy Greek yogurt, you can easily modify this recipe by straining the yogurt after it’s been made. Place a cheesecloth over a strainer and let the yogurt strain for 1-2 hours. The longer you strain, the thicker your Greek yogurt will become.
If you have an Instant Pot Duo or other slow cooker, you can use these devices to make homemade yogurt as well. Just use the “yogurt” setting and follow the same steps as mentioned in this recipe.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: You can add different mix-ins such as fresh fruit or honey to give your homemade yogurt a unique flavor. This recipe is also great for making large batches of yogurt for big families or meal prepping.
So there you have it – some ideas on how to customize this easy Instant Pot Yogurt Recipe to make it more tailored towards your personal tastes. Get creative and have fun!
Serving and Pairing
Once you have made your delicious instant pot yogurt, it is time to serve and enjoy it! The best thing about yogurt is that there are so many ways to serve and pair it.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy plain yogurt is by adding fresh fruits, nuts or seeds on top. It adds a great crunch and also makes it more nutritious. I love strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, chopped almonds or pecans, and pumpkin seeds for their delicious and complementary flavors.
You can also create savory yogurt bowls by adding veggies such as cherry tomatoes, avocado or cucumber. These bowls can be a quick breakfast or a light lunch option.
Another great way to enjoy your instant pot yogurt is by making smoothies. Adding some fresh fruits and a scoop of yogurt in a blender can make the perfect healthy drink for any time of day.
If you prefer something sweeter, you can mix some honey, maple syrup, or even condensed milk in your yogurt for added sweetness. You can also try adding some vanilla extract or flavored yogurt, such as vanilla or coconut.
Yogurt is very versatile, making it an excellent ingredient in recipes too! Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles instead of whipped cream. Mix it with whipped cream for an easy frosting on cakes or cupcakes. Use it in dips such as tzatziki sauce or ranch dressing.
Instant pot yogurt is also perfect for large families. Serve it as a dessert or customize bowls for a DIY snack bar where everyone gets to choose their favorite toppings.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing instant pot yogurt! Be creative and experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect match.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Darling, once you make this easy Instant Pot Yogurt recipe, you’ll want to keep a batch at the ready all times. Trust me, this homemade yogurt is worth it! Thankfully, it stores fairly well and can be incredibly versatile when it comes to meal prepping and snacking.
To make ahead, simply store the yogurt in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. I recommend portioning out servings into individual containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks throughout the week. You can also freeze the yogurt in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months without compromising its quality.
When reheating your yogurt, it’s important to be gentle with it so that it doesn’t curdle. To reheat, simply warm the desired amount of yogurt in a bowl over a pot of hot water until it reaches your desired temperature.
If you find that your yogurt has become too thick upon reheating or after being stored in the refrigerator for an extended period, simply stir in some milk until you reach your desired consistency.
For those of you with a large family or who go through yogurt quickly (I know I do), you may want to consider investing in an additional Instant Pot inner pot or using a slow cooker or dedicated yogurt maker to increase your yield. You can also experiment with different flavors and additions such as vanilla extract or condensed milk to switch things up from time to time.
With this easy Instant Pot Yogurt recipe, homemade yogurt has never been easier or more delicious!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef, the tips and tricks that help me achieve perfect results with a recipe are invaluable. Making yogurt at home has never been easier with the Instant Pot and I am here to share my best advice for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
1. Use whole milk
Using whole milk will ensure a creamy and rich texture. Skim or low-fat milk can be used but may result in a thinner consistency.
2. Use high-quality starter yogurt
To achieve a tangy and flavorful taste, use high-quality starter yogurt instead of store-bought packets of yogurt starter.
3. Heat the milk to the right temperature
The milk needs to be heated to 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit to properly activate the cultures. Using an instant-read thermometer is recommended.
4. Cool down the milk before adding the starter yogurt
After heating the milk, allow it to cool down to 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the starter yogurt. Adding it when the milk is too hot can kill off the beneficial cultures.
5. Use the yogurt function on your Instant Pot
The Instant Pot’s yogurt function has a specific temperature setting for culturing, ensuring that your yogurt sets perfectly.
6. Strain your yogurt for thicker consistency
If you prefer Greek-style yogurt, strain it by lining a colander with cheesecloth and letting it sit in the fridge for several hours until it reaches your desired thickness.
7. Experiment with flavors and toppings
Once you have perfected your plain homemade yogurt, try adding different flavors like vanilla extract or top with fresh fruit or granola for added texture and flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious and healthy homemade yogurt that rivals store-bought options. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of this easy instant pot yogurt recipe, let’s address some common questions asked by curious cooks.
Is it worth it to make yogurt in an Instant Pot?
I was pleasantly surprised to find that creating homemade yogurt was a simple task. Not only was it cost-effective, but the flavour surpassed any pre-made options available on shelves. I now eagerly partake in the weekly tradition of crafting this delightful treat with my Instant Pot.
Should I Instant Pot yogurt for 8 or 24 hours?
Fermentation time influences the texture and tanginess of yogurt. For a lighter and less tangy flavor, 8 hours of fermentation is suitable. However, if you want a thicker, tangier, and more probiotic-rich yogurt, opt for 24 hours. Beyond that point, the balance of probiotics may shift, and aggressive bacteria may start to dominate, leading to bacterial die-off.
Why won t my Instant Pot yogurt thicken?
When preparing this dish, it’s essential to choose the right starter with active cultures. This ensures that the fermentation process happens correctly and produces the desired flavor and texture. Additionally, it’s crucial to boil the ingredients correctly until they reach the appropriate temperature. Failure to do so may result in an unsatisfactory outcome. Take note that chilling the mixture before adding the starter is important to keep the temperature stable and prevent the cultures from being destroyed. Lastly, make sure to chill the finished product thoroughly before serving to ensure the flavors are infused.
Bottom Line
This easy Instant Pot yogurt recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves yogurt but hates the cost of buying it at the store. With just three simple ingredients and the help of your Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can have homemade yoghurt that’s rich, creamy and tastes just like the store-bought one.
Not only is this recipe budget-friendly, but it’s also versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding sweeteners such as honey, granulated or condensed milk, fruits, or spices. It’s perfect if you have a large family, want to save money, or prefer to have more control over what goes into your food.
The best part about this Instant Pot yogurt recipe is that it requires minimal effort and can be made in just 24 hours. Imagine waking up to a bowl of freshly made yogurt with a drizzle of honey or fruit sauce on top – it’s the perfect breakfast to start your day.
Don’t own an Instant Pot? No problem! This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker or a yogurt maker.
In conclusion, making Instant Pot yogurt is easier than ever before with this recipe. I hope this guide has been helpful, and I encourage you to give it a try. Once you’ve tasted your homemade yogurt, there’s no going back to store-bought ones. So what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot and get ready to experience the magic of homemade yogurt!
Easy Instant Pot Yogurt Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 gallon milk (can use whole, 1% or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons yogurt starter (yogurt made with milk and live or active cultures only)
Instructions
- Pour Milk into cold/cool instapot and cover with lid.
- Push Yogurt button until display shows "boil" - remove cover and wisk a few times during cycle.
- When it beeps - check the temperature - you want it to be 180 degrees - if it is not then repeat step 2 or use saute setting until desired temperature is reached.
- When 180 degrees is reached - place inner pot into sink of cool/cold water and wisk frequently - you want to cool it down to 95 - 110 degrees.
- When temperature reaches 95-110 degrees you will need to temper your starter - place a small amount of heated milk into container with yogurt starter and wisk - after combined then pour into milk and wisk again.
- Place inner pot back into InstaPot and press Yogurt button until display shows 8:00 - make sure it is on the NORMAL setting - you can adjust the time to desired level of tartness.
- When Yogurt cycle ends - place covered inner pot in refrigerator to cool for 6-8 hours - undisturbed.
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