Instant Pot Yogurt: How to Make Delicious Homemade Yogurt Without the Yogurt Button

Craving homemade yogurt but don’t have a yogurt button on your Instant Pot? Fear not! With a few simple adjustments, you can still enjoy delicious and creamy yogurt using your trusty kitchen appliance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore step-by-step instructions and provide troubleshooting tips to help you master the art of Instant Pot yogurt making without the yogurt button.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 gallon whole milk (or any type of milk you prefer)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt with live active cultures (for starter)

Prepare the Milk

1. Pour the milk into the Instant Pot insert.
2. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
3. Press the “Manual” button and set the time to 1 hour. This will heat the milk to 180°F (82°C).

Cool the Milk

1. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
2. Quick-release the remaining pressure.
3. Let the milk cool to 110-115°F (43-46°C). This is the ideal temperature for the yogurt starter.

Add the Yogurt Starter

1. Whisk the plain yogurt into the cooled milk.
2. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Incubate the Yogurt

1. Place a trivet or steamer rack in the bottom of the Instant Pot insert.
2. Pour the yogurt mixture into a glass jar or jars.
3. Cover the jars with lids or aluminum foil.
4. Place the jars on the trivet.
5. Pour hot water into the Instant Pot insert until it reaches halfway up the sides of the jars.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
7. Press the “Manual” button and set the time to 8-12 hours. The longer you incubate the yogurt, the tangier it will be.

Strain the Yogurt (Optional)

1. Once the incubation time is complete, remove the jars from the Instant Pot.
2. Place a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve over a bowl.
3. Pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth-lined sieve.
4. Allow the yogurt to strain for several hours or overnight. This will remove excess whey and create a thicker consistency.

Store the Yogurt

1. Transfer the strained yogurt to an airtight container.
2. Store the yogurt in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Yogurt is too thin: Incubate the yogurt for a longer period of time.
• Yogurt is too tangy: Reduce the incubation time.
• Yogurt has lumps: Whisk the yogurt starter thoroughly into the milk before incubating.
• Yogurt is not setting: Ensure that the milk has cooled to the correct temperature before adding the starter.

Questions We Hear a Lot

• Can I use different types of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as skim, low-fat, almond, or soy milk.
• Can I use a different yogurt starter? Yes, you can use any plain yogurt with live active cultures as a starter.
• How long can I store the yogurt? Homemade yogurt can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Can I freeze the yogurt? Yes, you can freeze the yogurt for up to 3 months.
• How do I use the yogurt? Yogurt can be used in a variety of ways, such as eating it plain, adding it to smoothies, or using it as a topping for fruit or granola.