Instant Pot Fermented Yogurt (No Yogurt Maker Needed)
Want to make **creamy, probiotic-rich, gut-healthy yogurt** — without buying a special machine or spending $6 a cup?
Your **Instant Pot** can ferment **perfect homemade yogurt in just 8 hours** — no extra gadgets, no mess, no waste.
In this post, you’ll get:
- ✅ 3 fermented yogurt recipes (plain, vanilla, Greek-style)
- ✅ Pro tips for thick, tangy texture
- 📥 Free printable "Yogurt Fermentation Timeline"
- 🔗 Links to your favorite cookbooks and meal planners
✨ Love Fermented Foods?
Grab the 82 Essential Instant Pot Fermentation Recipes — just $0.99! Make yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and more.
Why Instant Pot Yogurt Wins
The Instant Pot’s **Yogurt mode** is perfect for fermentation because it:
- ✅ Maintains perfect 110°F temperature for 8+ hours
- ✅ No extra machine needed — one appliance, one pot
- ✅ Saves money — as low as $0.50 per quart
- ✅ No added sugars or preservatives
- ✅ Great for gut health — packed with live probiotics
Pro Tip: Save 2 tbsp of your batch as a starter for next time — it’s self-sustaining!
Recipe 1: Plain Fermented Yogurt (Instant Pot)
Servings: 8 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 10 mins | Ferment: 8 hrs | Cost: $0.50/serving
Appliance: Instant Pot
Ingredients:
- 1 quart whole milk
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt with live cultures (starter)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Pour milk into Instant Pot. Heat on Yogurt mode 'Boil' for 30–40 mins until 180°F.
- Cool to 110°F (about 30 mins — warm to touch).
- Stir in 2 tbsp plain yogurt (starter).
- Cover and set to Yogurt mode 'Ferment' for 8 hours.
- Refrigerate 4+ hours before serving.
Recipe 2: Vanilla Bean Fermented Yogurt
Servings: 8 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 15 mins | Ferment: 8 hrs | Cost: $0.60/serving
Appliance: Instant Pot
Ingredients:
- 1 quart whole milk
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt with live cultures
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat milk in Instant Pot to 180°F using Yogurt 'Boil' mode.
- Cool to 110°F.
- Scrape vanilla bean into milk (or add extract), stir in starter yogurt.
- Ferment 8 hours on Yogurt mode.
- Chill and serve with fruit, honey, or granola.
Recipe 3: Greek-Style Thick Fermented Yogurt
Servings: 4 | Protein: 14g | Prep: 10 mins | Ferment: 8 hrs | Cost: $0.80/serving
Appliance: Instant Pot
Ingredients:
- 1 quart whole milk
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt with live cultures
- Cheesecloth or nut milk bag
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Make plain fermented yogurt as above.
- Line a strainer with cheesecloth, place over a bowl.
- Pour yogurt into cloth, let drain in fridge 2–4 hours.
- Stir and enjoy thick, protein-packed Greek-style yogurt!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make fermented yogurt in an Instant Pot without a yogurt maker?
Yes! The Instant Pot has a built-in 'Yogurt' mode that heats and ferments milk perfectly — no extra machine needed. Just use a starter with live cultures.
How long does Instant Pot yogurt last in the fridge?
Homemade fermented yogurt lasts 2–3 weeks in the fridge. Always use clean utensils to prevent contamination.
Can I use non-dairy milk to make Instant Pot yogurt?
Yes, but results vary. Use coconut or soy milk with added thickeners. You'll also need a dairy-free starter culture or probiotic capsules.
Why did my yogurt not thicken?
Common causes: 1) Milk not heated to 180°F, 2) Too much or too little starter, 3) Fermentation interrupted, 4) Starter had no live cultures. Use a fresh starter and keep the pot undisturbed.
📥 Get Your Free Printable: "Yogurt Fermentation Timeline"
I’ve created a **free downloadable guide** with:
- ✅ Step-by-step fermentation schedule
- ✅ Temperature chart (boil, cool, ferment)
- ✅ Starter tips (how to save & reuse)
- ✅ 5 bonus fermented recipes (kefir, labneh, yogurt bowls)
📅 More Easy Meals? Try Our Monthly Planners
Love quick, high-protein meals? Explore our free monthly guides:
- Full Year Index: All 12 Months
- January — New Year Reset
- September — Back-to-Routine Batchers
- December — Cozy, Festive, Freezer-Smart
🍳 More Instant Pot Hacks You’ll Love
Want more genius tricks?
- Instant Pot Rice Recipes That Don’t Burn
- Instant Pot Vegan Meal Prep (Freezer-Friendly)
- Creamy Sauces in the Instant Pot (No Stirring!)
Craving more fermented foods?
Check out the 82 Essential Instant Pot Fermentation Recipes — just $0.99! Make yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and probiotic foods at home.
— Rossi Voss | Author of the $0.99 Cookbook Series
rossivoss.blogspot.com