HOW TO MAKE YOGURT IN THE INSTANT POT | How to Make Homemade Fermented Foods

We are all about easy and healthy snacks in the farmhouse, yogurt and granola being a staple. Learn how to make yogurt in the Instant Pot, to enjoy this awesome snack on the cheap.
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Yogurt making has been more of a saga over the last ten years, than something I could say I confidently mastered five years ago.
First, I tried the crock pot method. It went something like this. Get the milk super hot in the crock pot. Then, after it cools back down, wrap it up in five towels to trap the heat in.
Ask me how many milk soaked towels it took for me to quit that method.
Next, I tried something similar with heating pads and a cooler. My results were inconsistent at best.
When my family went on the GAPs diet, a gut healing protocol, in 2016, I learned about 24 hour yogurt. The premise behind this is that the gut can't easily digest lactose, but when yogurt is fermented for at least 24 hours, the good bacteria consume all the lactose.
I might be reporting the science a little wrong, but its definitely somewhere in the neighborhood of right. Basically, yogurt that has been fermented for 24 hours is suitable for a gut healing protocol.
Now, do you think my crock pot or cooler method can keep milk at a constant temperature for 24 hours? Not a chance.
Because of this, we stopped consuming yogurt and dairy products, while we were on the GAPS protocol, all together.
November 2016, I finally tried out the Instant Pot everyone was talking about. And boy oh boy, my yogurt dreams came true!
Here there was a magical little machine that cold effortlessly convert a gallon of milk into gut healthy whole milk yogurt. You have to be sure to get an Instant Pot that has the yogurt function, because they don't all have it! (The one I linked above does.)
I have tried raw milk yogurt, and regular yogurt that is comparable to store bought. I've fermented it anywhere from 8 hours up to 24. All with great success!
How to make yogurt in the Instant Pot instructions
Pour a half gallon of milk into the Instant Pot, and press the "sauté" button. Whisking constantly, allow the milk to rise to 180 degrees. I use a small pocket thermometer to test the temp. Press "cancel" to turn it off.
Allow the milk to cool back down to 115 degrees.
Whisk in 1/4 cup of plain yogurt. You can either use store bought, or start with a starter culture. I started with these cultures, and now I make the next batch with a little yogurt from a previous batch. I like to not get too far removed from the original starter. So, after four of five rounds of using the yogurt from a previous batch, I will go back to another starter packet.
Why do you have to heat milk to make yogurt
Milk is heated to destroy bacteria that are present in milk, and could compete with the yogurt cultures, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Heating changes the structure of the proteins in milk that gel, causing the finished yogurt to have a thick consistency.
You don't have to heat the milk, but if you want to eat the finished yogurt with a bowl and spoon, you might want to. There is a way to make raw milk yogurt with the help of gelatin and some different cultures. I have had great success with this method from Traditional Cooking School: traditionalcookingschool.com/...
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[@MrsAngloOrtho]

No need to use the sauté button! Press the yogurt button twice, and it will display the word "boil". It will then automatically raise the temp of the milk to 180 degrees (and will beep to let you know when it's ready).

[@maryprater9218]

I just found that out, makes it easier than keep checking the temperature!

[@Katy809RD]

Wow thanks!!

[@xxshamixx]

Thank you! I don't have a thermometer so this is super helpful

[@richspizzaparty]

Most milk is pasteurized so you don’t need to boil. And raw milk is full of enzymes and probiotics so boiling will kill good bacteria,

[@aihere31]

thank you!

[@dom3029]

I love making yogurt in my instant pot. I just wanted to add that there is an additional step that is recommended by some, and that is sterilizing the pot. The first step is adding 3 cups water and pressure steam for 5 minutes. When complete, pour out the water and dry pot. Also, instead of using the “Sauté” function to pasteurize the milk, you can use the “Yogurt” function - press until it displays “boil”. If not at 185 degrees at end of cycle, you can use Sauté”. Great video, thanks.

[@bywayofbeauty.1349]

I’ve just started my first batch of homemade yogurt in my brand new instant pot and I am beyond excited! Thank you so much Lisa for sharing your love for fermented foods; you’ve really inspired me and have empowered me to jump on that fermented food bandwagon! :)

[@LisaGabrielson]

Just made yogurt in my instant pot, which I got for my birthday at the end of July! I also tried your bone broth recipe last week. Thanks for having such clear and easy to follow instructions - I also love how you explain the WHY behind why to heat the milk, etc.

[@bwhite661]

Thank you for this video. I really appreciated the tip about the removing the gasket.

[@clairekurdelak2913]

Great! I can’t wait; I too have tried lots of other methods. Thanks for the gasket tip.

[@sandrainontario6710]

Thanks very much for that tip about the silicone ring!

[@hannahbentson9374]

Very informative. Making it my third time but first time in the instant pot! Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

[@kishoreuppada]

Super helpful and great information overall. Thanks for the video!

[@karenbishop9421]

Thanks! I've been wanting to make yogurt in the instant pot but didn't know how. More instant pot recipes, please!

[@haleybecker7704]

Tried this recipe this is really amazing never buying yogurt again ! Thanks for you tips and tricks!!!

[@benreyirl]

Your voice is sooo soothing and no up and down just a calm flat line ( so to speak ) . Not boring just easy listening. I really enjoy your life style and your house tours. Admire your frugal spending. Would like to see a family picture I’m new to your site.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thank you so much!! 😊I share family photos here: instagram.com/farmhouseonboone

[@eleo_b]

Garth Is Precious | I agree! Also no shouting, over excited, super fast talking and no vocal fry. This is quite unusual on KZbin. Love it.

[@Mamastubblefield2011]

I’m sill looking for that raw milk yogurt video! ☺️Love all your videos, and the blog!! 🙌 I purchased raw milk just to make yogurt, because of your recommendation!

[@dawnakarma8913]

THANK YOU ,,Lisa~~ Your a peach -- yumm ,yumm --you just made that really easy for me ,, I had'nt used my instant pot to make yogurt yet -- now because of you my dear friend ,, I'll be makin it alot easier than on my own --

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

So glad to hear that Dawna!

[@lakliams]

Love the idea of the insta pot!

[@dcat0603]

Thank you for sharing!! The instant pot is the best tool to have!!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I agree!!

[@donna8212]

Very interesting Lisa 😊. That’s so true about the gasket on the pressure cooker. Enjoy your evening. 😉

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thank you Donna!

[@belieftransformation]

Excellent tutorial; thank you!

[@hillarybrewer5318]

You have inspired me so much!! You are the kind of homemaker I strive to be! Thank you!!!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I'm so glad!

[@Liz-ch9zc]

I've been eating Bulgarian yogurt by White Mountain Foods and their yogurt is fermented for 24 hours! I've been eating it for about 2 weeks and feel a huge difference...I'm lactose intolerant and I can say that I have no problems eating their yogurt. I cannot wait to try your recipe with my Instant Pot!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

That is so awesome you were able to find 24 hour fermented yogurt to buy! I never knew there was such a thing.

[@pattiereiter9265]

You HAVE inspired me! EEEEEEEK!!!! I am so excited!

[@Justbecause1903]

I have the Clever Chef & am so glad you've explained using the sautee function to make yoghurt, as the recipe with my machine requires UHT milk which I don't have & was literally going to get the pan out to heat the milk 1st 🤦‍♀️ oh you life saver god bless

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markshute3207]

Buy the glass lid to fit your pot and this is the way to go instead of the bulky regular lid. The whole process never builds pressure to make yogurt.

[@lindamack4352]

LOVE THE MUSIC WITH THIS VIDEO

[@jacksprat1556]

Would love to see more Instapot cooking 🤗

[@TheHeritageArtsPodcast]

Well, I feel like a total idiot for changing out my seal for the past 4 years that I've been making yogurt! 😂 The worst part is that I KNEW that it wasn't using the pressure function (I never worry about the sealing knob position)! One tip I learned from @vensionfordinner is that the less you transfer the yogurt, the thicker it will stay, AND that you can actually let it ferment in the jars in the IP. Therefore, I do a half batch, using 1/2 gallon of milk/cream, pour it into 4 pint jars immediately after incorporating the culture, close them up and arrange them in the IP on the lowest trivet, set the IP yogurt setting, move the jars to the fridge, and let the yogurt stay in the jars until they are ready to eat out of the fridge. Less movement = thicker yogurt!

[@lobow1287]

Thank you for this tip!

[@faithfulharvesthomestead7953]

I love making yogurt in my instant pot. That is one of the reasons I bought mine. I found that if I only use 2 TBL of yogurt for starter in a gallon of milk it makes a lot thicker of a product. I believe it's because it works harder.

[@kirstensacco4368]

Interesting

[@kaylag9579]

I love how you make everything homemade. I want to so badly but I'm like yes I boiled water and made some not so burnt toast 😂😂

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

This really is so simple, Kayla! You got this! 😊

[@malaplava4865]

Thanks Lisa❤

[@AcornHillHomestead]

For those not wanting to invest in the instant pot Salton yogurt makers are great and there is no guessing on keeping the ingredients at the right temperature. They can be found in many resale/thrift stores for $5 and less for gently used and sometimes new in the box. They come in models hat make about a quart and the individual cup styles. I bought one used many years ago and then bought one for my mom. Both are still going strong. They don’t take up much room and don’t look like much but they really work great. I tried the crockpot method and the towel method. Thats too iffy for me too. One day I hope to get an instant pot but for now that Salton is the bomb! I love your videos and hope you keep them coming!!!!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thanks Janette!

[@capemaxi]

I haven’t been able to find my Salton since I moved from CA years ago.lOL.

[@MommaFromScratch]

yes youve inspired me but now i have to actually do it!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

You got this Emily! It's so simple! :)

[@hgardzina]

I have 2 different silicon seals for the reason you said. One for meat and one for sweet/yogurt food.

[@mum2jka]

Me too. I got the pack of two colors from Amazon so it's easy to tell the difference without wondering if one smells 'correct'.

[@annat2180]

Love your instapot videos. Would love to see more.

[@weaver7249]

You always inspire me!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thank you!

[@beverlymoog4373]

@@FarmhouseonBoone instapot for squash

[@kaylajo1]

Ooh! Ive been putting off making yogurt in my IP because i didnt have a seperate sealing ring! Totally making some tomorrow!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I was so glad when I figured out I didn't need it! Glad to help. :)

[@daciepeterman9911]

Awesome! Can't wait for the raw version 💕 I've never had good luck making it, so I must be missing something 😉

[@Shannon.Hazleton]

Why did I never think of taking the gasket out? Thanks for that tip. Great video.

[@mrsg1827]

Hi thanks for the easy instructions, how do you make a bacteria starter please, cheers from Australia

[@onederoneman8070]

I strain mine through a cheesecloth and a strainer into another bowl for 8 hours afterwards to get a thick Greek yogurt. ❤

[@sarawest9911]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ve been wanting to make my husband yogurt in the instapot but the instructions make it seem so hard. I make my yogurt by straining the whey off my kefir but he isn’t a big fan of that. Thanks!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Yes, kefir has such a different taste. I prefer yogurt for snacks and kefir for breakfast smoothies. :)

[@BUGt95.]

Dont add gelatin tonyour yogurt to thicken it. Just strain it so there is less whey to your desired consistency

[@BUGt95.]

Just use lactose free milk if your lactose intolerant. Thats what I do it works the same as regular milk

[@remoorekable]

Good idea Lia! My daughter is lactose intolerant and I was wondering if I could milk we get for her.

[@Katy809RD]

Thanks for the tip on adding gelatin! I saw people strain it and throwing out the liquid which I thought might be wasteful.

[@lisaharding8537]

Kathy809RD I don’t throw out the whey. I put it in my dogs food, in my oatmeal, use it for cultures in future yogurt making and frozen cubes in smoothies.

[@krystalalgier8897]

Another great video and inspiration. How about a “what we eat in a day?”

[@allisonc7258]

You're amazing. Can't wait for your book. Will it be health-oriented, in terms of educating readers on the benefits of fermentation and such? Also I may have missed this but do you have the Pot that has the yogurt setting? Must one have this style of instant Pot to make the yogurt?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Yes, it has to be the one with the yogurt setting. And yes there will be health info like fermentation, and also some sewing projects. Just simple living things all around! :)

[@LifeasBekah]

Something that would be very helpful... link your related videos in the Description box!! Love all these excited to try to make my own.

[@thedentonduo]

This is so smart! Thank you for sharing!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thank you Hannah!

[@gsparks8444]

Thanks for this video. My Instant pot does not go to boil when I push the yogurt button. (Tried holding it, pushing it twice, then several times. ). Not sure if it’s the model (8qt) or if mine is defective. So I love that you used the Sauté setting for 10 minutes. Will try that next time I make yogurt. Thanks again!

[@claireryan8074]

Try pushing the Adjust button. That’s how mine goes to Boil.

[@theyancysfarm]

Thank you Lisa! My kids like it on the thicker side, and both times I've attempted to make it it has been very thin. With the gelatin, when would you add it and how much for a gallon of milk? Thank you for your time.

[@terriebunnell7269]

good info!

[@joannetortoriciluna5655]

Thank you! Does it matter how the venting/non-venting piece on the top cover is set?

[@linux230]

thank you.

[@terabithya]

Hello Lisa, Did you do a video for making raw milk yogurt? If so, do you have the link?

[@melindabanning7707]

I just made a batch and all I did was push the yogurt button, let go and it was 8 minutes then timer buzzed and I checked it then added the culture. It turned out beautiful! I have been making yogurt for many years and this was so wonderful. I think that store bought milk is so pasteurized that there is no bacteria in it anymore, kind of sad really.

[@morganjobst1082]

I made meat flavored my first time lol. Learned my lesson.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

morgan Jobst well at least I’m glad to know I’m not the only one! 😜

[@katdelorey7949]

Thanks for this :) Question - my IP yogurt button has a built-in boil option, is there a reason I would use saute vs boil? The goal is simply to heat it to 180 it seems. Thanks!

[@kowaiching]

OK my yogurt is in and the seal is out (meat yogurt blah!) lol. Let you know in 7:56 hours how it went. Glad to get some tips from your video. Making it for my mom who has cancer and would like her to eat as best as she can or at least I can help along the way.

[@kowaiching]

The yogurt turned out great! I made plain, honey, cherry and banana from the batch!!!!

[@curban616]

I just read on one of the questions on Amazon that you can soak the seal in denture cleaner like Polident and it takes the smell out of the seal. Just thought I would share..no meat flavored yogurt!! Lol

[@judith.corinne]

You're literally changing my life! The only fermented food I've ever made is sauerkraut, which made me QUITE nervous. But you make everything seem so incredibly possible and easy! Thank you so much. Can you make salsa, stewed tomates, jams in mason jars in the instant pot? I borrowed a pressure cooker for jam last year but want to find an all-in-one product. Crock-pot is not doing it for me!

[@bethanytaylor7656]

I had no idea it was so cheap to make!!

[@asubstantiallife7557]

Did you use the timer ON the IP to set the timer??? Also, set to venting or sealing?

[@TheSunnites]

You could make clabbered milk and then strain it a little to make a yogurt like product (raw).

[@MyKitchenCorner]

AWESOME RECIPE AND VERY INFORMATIVE...TFS..... CHRISTINA

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Thanks Christina!

[@emilya704]

I wish I could find raw milk near me for $5/gal! So jealous!

[@laraalsamawi9433]

Lisa, do you close the venting thingie?

[@EmmyCanDo]

Thanks for the video. Is that excess starter culture in that jar or was that your last batch? How do you store it? I’m presuming the fridge but alway like to check its veracity.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

That was my previous batch of yogurt and it was stored in the fridge.

[@shadowpapito]

THX

[@TheWildHaven]

What is the best store bought yogurt to use when starting?

[@dkulikowski]

I just found your channel and look forward to viewing some of your videos. I am attracted to your simplicity, knowledge and sharing personality. Thank you for the 'rubber seal ring' suggestion. BRILLIANT! I do the 24 hr. ferment. Do you ever strain the yogurt? What are your opinions on the health matters in strained yogurt? Do you use the whey for any of your recipes and or health benefits? Thank you for sharing, Lisa.

[@sheliawyatt5899]

Use vinegar to clean the silicone sealer

[@missmishpot]

So amazing! Did you remove the cream before starting this procedure? Our jersey cow is giving about 3 gallons a day, and there’s a good bit of cream. Should I skim that, or let it roll with it in there?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I use the whole milk.

[@EmP-2022]

would cream top pasture fed milk still be categorized as "regular" milk? It isn't high heat boiled, but it isn't raw.

[@shekharmoona544]

Our insta pot came with two gaskets a white and red one.

[@ElizabethC515]

Thank you for this informative video!! Quick question, do you have the 6 qt or 8 qt Instant Pot? Thanks in advance!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

6 quart. My sister has the 8 and she says its a little too big.

[@ElizabethC515]

Thank you! 😊

[@kathyfann]

Thank You can we use Vanilla yogurt as our Starter I love Tillamuck Mexican Vanilla Yogurt the very best

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Plain is preferable, but I think you totally can!

[@ditlofus24]

I used vanilla as a starter - wasn’t much vanilla flavor left after it was done - my kids didn’t even notice it :)

[@phenomenalgirl]

My mom used to make yogurt at home when we were kids. I don’t know how she did it, she used to also make cheese and cottage cheese.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Sounds like an interesting lady! :)

[@johndoyel8758]

Can I do this with goat milk? What yogurt culture would you recommend???

[@lindamack4352]

I heard somewhere that it's not good to use a yogurt containing sugar for your starter. Any thoughts on this? That's pretty hard to find.

[@ashleighmayhew1017]

Best recipe I've found yet that doesn't include the ultra-filtered milk. THANK YOU. One question I had was do you set the knob to venting or sealing?

[@normaortega4654]

Venting, that is why she removed the silicon. It does not need to come to pressure.

[@beckyann8502]

Can I use lactose free milk as in Lactaid?

[@annat2180]

So I made this last night and it didn’t turn out. This is my first time using my instapot I might have used it wrong. Is there something you left out of the video. Any suggestions?

[@kirstensacco4368]

I found A2 milk at Costco. What is it exactly and does it need to be organic? Also can my 1 yo gave A2?

[@FreeToEatLife]

Can you demonstrate making Instant Pot kefir? TIA!

[@fullerjohn1119]

How long does it take to get the milk to 180 degrees using sauté setting? Other recipes suggest using boil setting. Any thoughts?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Somewhere around 10 minutes :)

[@mrsupchurch2987]

How long does it take to cool back down to 115 degrees?

[@lvlc5]

I watch your channel and I crave sauerkraut... lol

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Have you tried making it?

[@lvlc5]

no, but watching your video I was telling my teen that we can do it together! :) he signed up!

[@beckym28]

Do you need to set the instant pot to saute if you're using milk that's already pastuerised? Or would you still set it to saute "just in case"?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

You still do that step, even with pasteurized. :)

[@shekharmoona544]

Soft serve yogurt please! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Dcffin]

Hi, Temperature in Celsius (Deg C) or in Fahrenheit (F)? Thanks

[@kellicopley9520]

I just made this. Can I use the whey to make blueberry muffins?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Yes I bet that would be tasty in muffins.

[@MultiANTI]

Quarter cup for half gallon is double what u need

[@davidhundt7697]

My instant pot has a high or low temp yogurt setting. I think high is the default. What would you recommend?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I would probably choose low...

[@joshleah2723]

Will you please do a video on how to make yogurt with raw milk in the instant pot!

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Yes I need to do that!

[@sallysmith7242]

That is this video.

[@cathystrozeski75]

Hi , I just bought a IP -Lux , it doesn’t have the yogurt button, can I use a different setting ? Also I make my own milk kefir, cold I use that as a starter , for the yogurt? Thank you.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Unfortunately, it has to have the yogurt button to work. Kefir and yogurt are different strains, so you wouldn't want to use it as a starter. Hope that helps!

[@cathystrozeski75]

Thank you you so much. Yes it did help.

[@onecraftchick]

I love making yogurt in my instantpot! I always strain mine so that it's not so watery (strain the whey). I'm always looking for ideas for things to do with the whey-got any suggestions?

[@dmay7648]

Maria Malandrakis-aka OneCraftChick we throw our whey in soups, dressings, smoothies etc Feed to animals, use for fermenting veggies and soaking grains etc.

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

I second the soaking grains thing. It's perfect for the oatmeal bake I made in my last video. :)

[@onecraftchick]

Thanks Deserea!

[@onecraftchick]

Thanks, I'll give that one a try!

[@mrswray]

Does anyone know how much starter to use when using a gallon of milk?

[@davidhidalgo8936]

Is your lid on the instant pot on venting or sealing?

[@L.Young612]

That's what I want to know too.

[@normaortega4654]

Venting, she relived the silicon gasket because it doesn't need to come to pressure.

[@marthalucia6941]

What do you do differently when using raw cow milk?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

Not much really. We use fresh raw milk in our granola, in recipes, to make yogurt, to make kefir, to drink plain, and we use it in our smoothies.

[@bonniezitting6671]

I've made yogurt for years ... just not with raw milk. I've always just used a little yogurt from previous batch for my start. Can I not do that with raw milk?

[@elizabeth-leavesandreads2890]

I'm interested in making my own yogurt, how long will this last in the fridge?

[@FarmhouseonBoone]

About a week or two. After that it gets a little too sour.