Post published on April 16, 2025 by vspiceroute

Last post modified on April 23, 2025 by vspiceroute

Making homemade yogurt has never been easier—especially during the colder months—thanks to the Instant Pot. If you’ve been struggling with getting the perfect set or trying to keep milk warm in winter, this method will be a game-changer. In this post, I’ll show you how to make yogurt in an Instant Pot using the pot-in-pot method. It’s a no-boil technique, quick to prep, and delivers thick, creamy, and delicious yogurt every single time.

All you need are three simple ingredients: milk, yogurt culture, and a little water. Let’s walk through this foolproof Instant Pot yogurt recipe step-by-step.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Yogurt Method

  • No boiling separately – everything is done right in the Instant Pot

  • Perfect for winter – no worrying about fluctuating room temperatures

  • Cleaner and more convenient with the pot-in-pot setup

  • Consistent results – get thick and creamy yogurt every time

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 4 cups full-fat milk (use organic or regular dairy milk for best results)

  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with live cultures (as a starter culture)

  • 3 cups water (to be added below the trivet in the Instant Pot)

Equipment

  • Instant Pot with Yogurt setting

  • Stainless steel trivet

  • A smaller bowl or insert for the pot-in-pot method

  • Whisk

Step-by-Step: How to Make Yogurt in an Instant Pot

Step 1: Set up the Instant Pot

Start by placing the Instant Pot insert in the cooker. If you’re using the pot-in-pot method, place a trivet inside and pour in 3 cups of water into the base of the insert.

Step 2: Add milk

Place your smaller steel or glass pot on top of the trivet. Pour in 4 cups of full-fat milk. You can scale this up or down depending on your batch size.

Step 3: Heat the milk using Sauté mode

Turn on Sauté mode and set the timer for 14–15 minutes. Leave the lid open. This will bring the milk close to boiling without bubbling over. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.

Step 4: Let the milk cool

Once the Sauté cycle ends, allow the milk to sit and cool down naturally. This will take about 20 minutes. The milk should reach a lukewarm temperature—close to room temperature (around 110°F/43°C).

Step 5: Add the yogurt culture

Take a few tablespoons of the cooled milk and mix it with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (with live active cultures). Whisk well to combine. Then, add this mixture back to the pot of milk and whisk again to distribute evenly.

Step 6: Set to Yogurt mode

Close the lid of the inner pot (not the Instant Pot lid), cover it with foil or a plate, and close the main Instant Pot lid (you can keep the valve in any position). Press the Yogurt button and set the timer to 8 hours.

Step 7: Refrigerate

After 8 hours, your yogurt should be beautifully set. Carefully take out the inner pot and refrigerate it for a few hours to firm it up further.

Storage Tips

  • Store your homemade yogurt in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • It stays fresh for up to 7 days.

  • Use a few tablespoons from this batch as your starter culture for the next one!

Pro Tips for Perfect Yogurt Every Time

  • Use full-fat milk for thicker yogurt, but you can experiment with 2% or even non-dairy options with adjustments.

  • Always use plain yogurt with live cultures to start. Avoid flavored or sweetened yogurts as starter.

  • Clean your utensils thoroughly to avoid contamination and ensure proper fermentation.

  • If you prefer Greek yogurt, strain the yogurt using a cheesecloth after it’s set and refrigerated.

  • You can directly make yogurt in the pot as well and use yogurt button to boil milk by clicking it twice.

Final Thoughts

Making yogurt in an Instant Pot using the pot-in-pot method is simple, clean, and perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, making homemade snacks for your kids, or just want to reduce store-bought options, this method is incredibly reliable.

Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on making your own fresh, preservative-free yogurt at home!