Instant Pot Greek Style Yogurt (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Have you ever tasted the rich, creamy goodness of homemade Greek yogurt? If not, you’re in for a delightful treat! Making your own Greek style yogurt in an Instant Pot is simple and incredibly rewarding.

This recipe for Instant Pot Greek Yogurt will guide you through the process, allowing you to enjoy fresh yogurt with that perfect tangy flavor right from the comfort of your kitchen. Packed with probiotics and customizable, this yogurt is a healthy addition to your diet that you can easily make in large batches. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy homemade recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Convenient: With this Instant Pot recipe, you can make Greek yogurt without extensive monitoring or complicated equipment, making the process hassle-free.
• Healthier Option: Your own homemade yogurt is free from preservatives and added sugars, allowing you to control the ingredients and ensure a healthier snack or breakfast alternative.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own yogurt is often much more economical than purchasing from the grocery store, especially when making large batches.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the thickness and flavor of your instant pot yogurt by altering the straining time or adding your favorite fruits, sweeteners, or spices.

What is Greek Yogurt?

Greek yogurt is a thick, creamy dairy product that strains regular yogurt to remove excess whey, resulting in a denser texture. This straining process enhances its richness and concentrates the protein content, making it a popular choice for those seeking a nutritious food option.

Greek yogurt has a tangy flavor profile and is often used in sweet and savory dishes, from smoothies and parfaits to dips and sauces. It is also known for its probiotic benefits, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.

Ingredients

• Whole Milk: For the best results, opt for high-quality whole milk, which contributes to the creamy texture and rich flavor of your thick Greek yogurt. Look for organic or locally sourced options to ensure you’re using fresh and wholesome ingredients.
• Yogurt Starter: A yogurt starter contains live active cultures essential for fermenting the milk into yogurt. You can purchase store-bought yogurt containing live cultures or opt for specifically sold starter packets to give your homemade yogurt its signature tangy flavor.
• Optional, To Serve:
• Fresh Strawberries and Bananas: These fruits add natural sweetness and vibrant color to your yogurt and provide valuable vitamins and minerals. Choose ripe, organic fruits for the best taste and nutrition.
• Granola: Add some crunch and extra nutrients to your creamy yogurt with granola. Look for options low in added sugars and packed with nuts and seeds for a nutritious topping.

Equipment

• Pressure Cooker with ‘Yogurt’ Function: An Instant Pot or other pressure cooker with a ‘Yogurt’ function is essential for making creamy Greek yogurt at home. This feature maintains the ideal ferment temperature, ensuring the best consistency and tangy flavor in your yogurt. Look for models with adjustable settings for added versatility in your cooking.
• Yogurt Starter: You have the option of using plain yogurt containing live active cultures or a dedicated yogurt starter. When selecting yogurt, ensure it is free from added sugars and artificial ingredients, as these can interfere with fermentation. A quality yogurt starter packet can yield consistent results and is designed to create delicious, tangy yogurt.
• Instant Read Digital Thermometer: This handy tool is crucial for monitoring the temperature of your milk before incubating it. An instant-read thermometer allows you to ensure the milk is at the perfect temperature to activate the cultures, typically around 110°F (43°C). Investing in a reliable thermometer will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve the ideal texture and flavor.
• Cheesecloth: Good-quality cheesecloth is vital for straining your yogurt and achieving that thick, creamy Greek texture. Look for fine-weave, unbleached cheesecloth to ensure the best results and avoid introducing unwanted flavors or chemicals into your yogurt. Cheesecloth allows for optimal drainage while preserving the beneficial probiotics in your homemade yogurt.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Whole Milk: For a lighter option, you can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or even almond milk; however, note that the richness and creaminess may be affected. If lactose intolerant, you could use lactose-free milk as a viable alternative.
• Yogurt Starter: If you don’t have store-bought yogurt, consider using kefir or a non-dairy yogurt starter that contains live cultures to achieve similar fermentation results.

Additions

• Flavour Enhancements: For a touch of sweetness, experiment with adding vanilla extract, honey, or maple syrup to your yogurt. You can also mix in spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for additional flavor.
• Toppings: In addition to fresh fruits and granola, consider adding nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes for extra texture and nutritional benefits. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also make excellent, chewy additions.
• Savory Twists: If you prefer a savory take, try stirring in herbs such as dill or chives and a pinch of salt to create a delicious dip perfect for vegetables or crackers.

Instructions

• Pour milk into the Instant Pot and activate the Yogurt button/function. Press ‘Adjust’ until the display reads boil.
• Place the lid on the unit and wait for it to beep, signaling that the boiling process is complete. The screen will display “YoGt” when it is finished.

• Place an instant-read thermometer into the milk to confirm it has reached the proper temperature of 180°F.

• Turn off the unit and remove the pot to let the milk cool. For faster results, immerse the pot in a basin of cold water or leave it on the counter to cool naturally.
• When the instant-read thermometer indicates 110°F, the milk is cool enough to incorporate the yogurt starter. For optimal results, take about a cup of the milk from the pot and mix in the starter before blending it back into the remaining milk.
• Place the pot back into the unit and cover it with the instant pot lid (there’s no need to seal it for this function). Select the ‘Yogurt’ setting once more, ensuring it’s set to “Normal” (not “Low”—this is crucial!). Adjust the incubation time to 8-10 hours; remember that a longer incubation period will result in tangier yogurt.
• Once the yogurt has finished incubating, carefully remove the lid and turn off the unit. Line a yogurt strainer (or any strainer you have) with cheesecloth (use two layers of cheesecloth if it is thin) and set it over a large bowl. Pour the yogurt into the strainer and place it in the refrigerator to strain for several hours or overnight. The longer you let the yogurt strain, the thicker it will become.
• After straining the yogurt, discard the yogurt whey (or save it for use in smoothies) and transfer the yogurt to a bowl. If the texture is lumpy, use an immersion blender or hand mixer to blend until it is creamy and smooth.
• Serve the finished yogurt immediately, garnished with fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey if desired. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest milk and yogurt starter to enhance your Greek yogurt’s flavor and overall quality.
• Experiment with Cultures: Try different yogurt starters to discover a variety of flavors and textures. Each starter can bring a unique tanginess to your delicious yogurt.
• Temperature Precision: Use your instant-read thermometer consistently to ensure that your milk reaches the desired temperatures at each stage for the best fermentation results.
• Customise Consistency: Extend the straining time if you prefer a thicker yogurt. Blend the yogurt after straining to make it smooth for a creamier texture.
• Store Properly: For optimal freshness, keep your homemade Greek yogurt in an airtight container and consume it within a week, though it can last longer if properly stored.
• Save Whey: The liquid whey you strain off is packed with nutrients and can be used in smoothies, baking, or as a substitute for water in various recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade Greek yogurt is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delightful serving ideas:

• Breakfast Parfait: Layer your thick yogurt with fresh berries, granola, and a sprinkle of nuts for a wholesome breakfast or snack. Drizzling with honey adds a lovely touch of sweetness.
• Smoothie Base: Use the yogurt as a creamy base for smoothies combined with fruits like bananas, spinach, or even nut butter for a nutritious boost.
• Savory Dip: Mix the yogurt with herbs and spices to create a tangy dip for vegetables, pita bread, or crackers. Adding garlic and feta can elevate the flavours even further.
• Topping for Salads: Dollop yogurt over fresh salads as a healthier alternative to creamy dressings. It pairs particularly well with Mediterranean-inspired salads featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
• Pancakes or Waffles: The yogurt makes a delicious topping for pancakes or waffles, along with fruit compote, nuts, or a squeeze of lemon for added zest.

Storage & Reheating

Place your homemade Greek yogurt in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, it is best consumed within a week, but it can last up to two weeks if stored properly. Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the texture and consistency of the yogurt upon thawing. If you find leftover yogurt, you can always repurpose it in smoothies, baking, or dressings. 

Recipe FAQ

Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?  

Yes, you can use non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or coconut milk; however, ensure that it is fortified and contains added thickeners to achieve a similar texture to traditional yogurt. 

What can I do if my yogurt isn’t thickening?  

Check the fermentation time and temperature if your yogurt isn’t thickening as expected. You may need to let it incubate longer or consider adding a thickening agent like powdered milk before heating.

Is it necessary to strain the yogurt?  

No, straining is unnecessary, but it creates the thicker texture characteristic of Greek yogurt. If you prefer a regular yogurt consistency, you can skip this step.

How do I know if my yogurt has gone bad?  

Signs that your yogurt has spoiled include a change in smell, noticeable separation of liquid whey (excessive), or mold growth. Always check for these signs before consuming.

Can I reuse the yogurt starter?  

Yes, you can reuse yogurt from your last batch as a starter for your next batch. However, it’s recommended to introduce a fresh starter every few batches to maintain the effectiveness of the cultures.