How to Make Greek Yogurt in Your Instant Pot

With just two simple ingredients, this easy Instant Pot Greek yogurt recipe whips up a lusciously creamy, deliciously tangy, and wholesome treat you’ll want to make again and again! Perfect for a cozy breakfast at home or quick snack on the go.

I’ve been making this creamy Instant Pot Greek yogurt for over four years now, and it never gets old. It’s so easy — once you set it up, you can walk away and let it do the rest! I love knowing exactly what’s in it and not having to worry about questionable ingredients. It’s a wholesome, high-protein snack made with real ingredients I can feel good about. You can also use it in place of sour cream or even swap it for oil in baking recipes

WHAT MAKES YOGURT GREEK?

When we talk about Greek yogurt, we’re really talking about the process — straining out the whey (the liquid) to create a thick, high-protein yogurt. But here’s the fun part: Greek yogurt isn’t actually Greek! The method for making rich, creamy strained yogurt actually came from the Middle East.

In Greece, yogurt is made from the milk of many different animals, and it might be thick or thin — not exactly the yogurt we picture when we hear “Greek yogurt.” They actually call strained yogurt straggisto! The reason it’s called Greek yogurt here in the U.S.? A Greek company introduced it to the market, and the name just stuck. A little food history for you!

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF INSTANT POT GREEK YOGURT

I’m always happy when we have a fresh batch of homemade Greek yogurt in the fridge. It’s a healthy, wholesome snack that my whole family loves — well, all but one son, anyway (ya can’t win them all)!

Greek yogurt is naturally high in protein, offering about double the protein of regular yogurt. It’s also full of gut-healthy probiotics and loaded with important nutrients like calcium, potassium, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12.

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KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• Instant Pot Duo
• Measuring Cup
• Whisk
• Instant Read Thermometer
• Yogurt Strainer

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 Gallon (8 C) Organic Grassfed Whole Milk (or the best quality you can get)
• 1/4 Cup Plain Yogurt with live active cultures (my favorite is Chobani)

TOPPING SUGGESTIONS

• Homemade Date Syrup/Honey
• Pecans/Chopped Almonds
• Chocolate Chips
• Fresh Berries
• Homemade Skillet Granola

INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTANT POT GREEK YOGURT

• Set your Instant Pot to saute and add milk. Let the milk reach 180 degrees F (I use an instant read thermometer) and then let it cool until at least 115 degrees. This step kills off any bacteria that could prevent the cultures in the yogurt from inoculating the milk and also contributes to the final texture of your yogurt. You can skip this step if you use ultra-pasteurized milk.
• Once milk has cooled, thoroughly whisk in about 1/4 Cup yogurt.
• Remove rubber seal from IP lid, put the lid on, and leave it on vent.
• Press the yogurt button. I leave mine set on 24 hours and just stop it whenever we are ready for it. The longer you let it go the thicker, stronger, and more sour (fermented) your yogurt will be. It usually takes around 8 hours for the yogurt to set, more or less depending on your starter. I typically let it go between 16 and 22 hours.
• Strain yogurt until desired thickness is reached. I use a yogurt strainer, but you can also use cheese cloth or a clean tea towel.
• Refrigerate, add toppings, and enjoy! Don’t forget to save 1/4 cup for your next batch!

HOW LONG DOES INSTANT POT GREEK YOGURT KEEP?

You can store greek yogurt in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Although, chances are, it will be gone by then – ours barely lasts two or three days!

Greek yogurt can also be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Of course it will affect the texture a little, but if you are using it in recipes or for smoothies then storing in the freezer is perfect! Just thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

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Instant Pot Duo

Instant Read Thermometer

Yogurt Strainer

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