Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt

I’ve been making my own yogurt for about six years now, ever since I bought my very first Instant Pot. As I explored all the amazing things it could do, yogurt kept popping up—and I was instantly hooked. I tried countless YouTube methods, but only one stood out as both incredibly simple and consistently successful. Over time, I’ve perfected that method, and I’m thrilled to share it with you! I’ll walk you through how to make smooth, delicious Instant Pot yogurt, and then show you exactly how to transform it into rich, creamy Greek-style yogurt.

Where yogurt began?  An accident perhaps?

Though it is not really known the exact time yogurt was invented but researchers believe that it likely began accidentally in Central Asia and/or the Middle East during the Neolithic Period (around 5000 – 6000 BCE with early pastoralists (a person or group who raises livestock, like cattle, sheep, or goats, on natural pastures, often moving them seasonally to find fresh food and water) possible stored in animal stomach bags, fermenting milk into a preserved food.

While its exact origin is lost, the word comes from Turkish (yoğurmak), and early mentions appear in Indian Ayurvedic scripts (6000 BCE) and Greek texts, with cultures like the Turks and Mongols using it for millennia before commercialization.

Where & When (Early Origins):

• Region: Central Asia and Mesopotamia (modern-day Middle East) are primary contenders.
• Time: Neolithic Era, roughly 8,000 to 10,000 years ago (c. 6000–5000 BCE).
• Discovery: An accidental fermentation of milk, likely stored in animal pouches, by early herders. 

Key Historical Mentions:

• 6000 BCE (Before Common Era): Indian Ayurvedic texts mention fermented milk products.
• 1st Century AD (Anno Domini) or CE (Common Era): Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder noted thickening milk into an acidic substance.
  • Most of us may have studied Pliny the Elder in history who died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii
• 11th Century Turkish Texts: Show usage by nomadic Turks, who also gave us the word “yogurt”.
• 12th-13th Centuries: Genghis Khan’s Mongol armies consumed yogurt for strength. 

Key Developments:

• 1905: Bulgarian microbiologist Stamen Grigorov identified the bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus) responsible for fermentation.
• 1919: Commercial yogurt production began in Barcelona by Danone (Dannon).

The Health, Cost and Flavor of Your Own Creation

Making your own yogurt offers benefits like full control over ingredients (no added sugars, thickeners), customization of flavor/texture (tart/mild, thick/thin), significant cost savings, enhanced nutrition with probiotics, reduced plastic waste, and the ability to use various milks (dairy or non-dairy) for a healthier, fresher product tailored to your diet.

Health & Nutrition

• More Probiotics: You get live, active cultures, boosting gut health and immunity.
• No Additives: Avoids preservatives, thickeners (gelatin, pectin), artificial sweeteners, and sugars common in store-bought versions.
• Nutrient Boost: Fermentation can increase protein and B vitamins.
• Lactose Control: Can be made lactose-free with specific temperature controls and using lactose free milk. 

Customization & Quality

• Flavor & Texture: Adjust tartness, sweetness, thickness (Greek style) by controlling time and straining, temperature, and milk fat content.
• Ingredient Choice: Use organic, grass-fed, or specific dairy/non-dairy milks (cow, goat, oat, soy).
• Versatility: Use fresh fruit, honey, or herbs for natural flavorings. 

Cost & Environment

• Cheaper: Significantly less expensive per serving than buying commercial yogurt.
• Less Waste: Eliminates single-use plastic yogurt cups and packaging. 

Ease & Usage

• Simple Process: Requires just milk and a starter culture.
• Kitchen Staple: A large batch provides a versatile base for cooking, smoothies, sauces, dips and more.  

Instant Pot Yogurt

Creamy, tangy, nutritious—and ridiculously easy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 12 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 12 hours hrs

Servings: 2 Litres

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 L Lactose Free Milk (Regular Milk is ok if lactose isn't a problem for you)
• 2 Tbsp Yogurt Starter (Can be from a previous batch or store bought plain yogurt without any additives)

Equipment

• 1 Instant Pot Ideally with yogurt function
• 1 Whisk
• Yogurt Strainer (Optional)

Method

 

Getting Started – Part 1:

1. Add your starter (plain yogurt) into the Instant Pot with 1 cup of your 2L milk and whisk to mix well.
2. Slowly add the rest of your milk to the mix.
3. Place the lid on your Instant Pot and lock it into place with the vent closed.
4. Press the Yogurt button.
5. Your yogurt will now incubate for the next 8 hours.
6. For tangier yogurt, leave in the instant pot for a couple hours longer.

Cooling – Part 2:

1. Once your timer from your Instant Pot sounds off, remove the bowl, cover and refridgerate. (About 2 hrs)

Straining (Optional) – Part 3:

1. If you have a yogurt strainer (best option) or cheese cloth, pour chilled yogurt into the strainer and place in the fridge for another 2 hours (If you want Greek Style yogurt. Thicker yogurt = longer straining times.
2. Transfer yogurt into a sealable container and write down the date. (Important)

How to Serve – Part 4:

1. With berries and a drizzle of honey.
2. Swirled with cinnamon and chopped nuts.
3. In smoothies, dressings, or overnight oats.
4. Straight from the jar with zero regrets.

Notes

Nutritional Value (per 1 cup serving):

• Calories: 120
   
• Protein: 8g
   
• Carbohydrates: 10g
   
• Fats: 5g
   
• Sugar: 9g (from milk—no added sugar)
   

Note: These values are for plain yogurt made with whole milk. Add-ins like honey, fruit, or granola will increase calories and carbs (and joy).

As you can see, yogurt has a rich history, incredible health benefits, and endless possibilities—and now you’re about to create your very own version of it. I’m genuinely excited to guide you through this process, because once you make your first batch, you’ll realize how empowering and enjoyable it truly is. So grab your Instant Pot, your milk of choice, and a bit of curiosity. Let’s bring this ancient tradition into your kitchen and turn it into something delicious, nourishing, and uniquely yours!