Step 1

Pour the cold milk into a COLD Instant Pot panPlace the lid on the pot. YOU CAN USE THE INSTANT POT LID, A GLASS INSTANT POT LID, OR JUST A PLATE.*****You want to make sure if you do use the Instant Pot lid, that it doesn’t have an aroma. You don’t want a yogurt that tastes like roasted chicken or curry!!!!!! If it does smell, just use a plate. I like this glass lid that you can get for the Instant pot. It’s nice to help keep dishes warm when serving.

Step 2

Press the Yogurt button on the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and then click the “Adjust” button until the display says “boil”When the boiling cycle is done, a beep will sound and the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker display screen will say “Yogt.”*You can remove the lid immediately. There is no need to wait for pressure to come down. The yogurt making process does not require the machine to come up to pressure.

Step 3

Stir the milk and using a digital thermometer, check the temperature of the milk.You are trying to get the milks temperature up to at least 180 F°. I like to get it up to 181-185 F°. (The first time I made it, it didn’t set up real well and I am sure it was because I wasn’t patient enough to wait for it to get up to temperature). If is not 180 degrees, you will need to do another boil. It may take a few boil sessions to get it up to temperature.(There will be hot spots so stirring prior to taking the temperature, will give a more accurate reading).*If you can’t reach 180 F degrees after two cycles, hit Sauté and then adjust to low and whisk continuously (scraping the bottom too), until you get to 180 degrees.  (I like to get to 181-185 F°).It helps to give your milk a whisk halfway into the boil cycle (and again later on, if you remember).

Step 4

Remove the cooking pot from the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and allow the milk to cool down to 110 F°Sit the pot on a cooling rack where air can circulate around it. If I am in a hurry, I like to fill the sink with cold water and place the pot in the sink. (Be careful not to get any water in it). Remember to always stir the milk prior to taking the temperature.When the temperature reaches 110 degrees, you are ready to add your yogurt starter.

Step 5

Get a little bowl and take about a cup of the milk from Instant Pot and whisk in the starter, mixing well. Pour this mixture back into the potIf you want to add a sugar (which I never do) and/or vanilla, now is the time to do so. Stir well.

Step 6

Place the pot back into the Instant Pot.Make sure you dry off the pot before placing it back in the Instant Pot, if you had it in the sink with water.

Step 7

Push the Yogurt Button; the display will default to 8:00 or 24:00 hours. Click the “adjust” button to increase or decrease time if you prefer.If you like a tarter yogurt, adjust the time anywhere from 10:00 – 24 hours. I usually set mine at 10 hours. A few things to note:Be mindful if you press the adjust button twice, the Instant Pot will adjust to 24:00 hours. (Perhaps that is the setting many of us should be using). Make sure you get it to the right time setting for your needs.The Instant Pot may reset from the “Normal” function to the “Less” function! You don’t want to incubate on the “Less” option. Make sure it is on “Normal”.After you set your time, the Instant Pot will start to count up. I like to have the incubation period happen while I sleep. So if I go to bed at 10:00, I will start my yogurt making around 8:00 p.m. That gives me time for heating and cooling. It works out wonderful.When I wake up it is ready to strain. If you like a thinner consistency, you won’t need to strain it.

Step 8

Pour the yogurt into a strainer or Nut BagNut Bag InstructionsThis is the nut milk bag. Place a big bowl underneath the strainer or bag to catch the whey that will drip out.The other method of straining using a bowl strainer and coffee filters can be found here.Mesh Strainer InstructionsSimply pour the yogurt into the strainer bowl. Let strain to your liking of thickness and texture. (Anywhere from 1-4 hours).

Step 9

Place the yogurt into single one cup jars, or other glass containers