Learn how to make Instant Pot cold start yogurt. This saves money and gives an incredible flavor with about 15 minutes of prep work.

I use a lot of yogurt. We eat it as a breakfast or snack, and I use it in cooking. I had always wanted to try to make my own, but I didn't want to buy another appliance.

To be honest, making my own yogurt looked complicated. If it's complicated, it's probably not happening on a regular basis.

Then I got my Instant Pot with the yogurt function. I didn't have to buy a new appliance, so of course I had to try making an Instant Pot cold start yogurt recipe.

We like yogurt, but we don't like sour yogurt. With the Instant Pot, I can make my own to our taste, so I can get a mild yogurt.

I only make unflavored yogurt. We like different flavors, so we can add flavoring by the cup.
I also use the plain yogurt in cooking, so this way I only have to make one batch. I use the unflavored yogurt in place of sour cream and cream cheese in certain recipes.

Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 16 h
Total time: 16 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 52 ounces Fairlife Ulta Filtered and Ultra Filtered milk; 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with active cultures; 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk or 16 ounces flavored coffee creamer (optional)

What is Cold Start Yogurt?

When you make yogurt with the traditional method, you need to heat the milk to a certain temperature, then cook the milk before you make yogurt. With cold start yogurt, also called no-boil yogurt, you do not need to boil the milk.

The cold start method is almost foolproof. I've never had a batch fail, and I make it about once a month.

You will need to use Fairlife milk. There are no other milk substitutions for the milk in Instant Pot cold start yogurt.

Why Make Homemade Yogurt?

I make homemade yogurt for two reasons: taste and price. Homemade yogurt is cheaper to make, and it's really easy to make.

It tastes so much better than store bought! This isn't as tangy, so my kids like it better.

How Long Does Cold Start Yogurt Last?

Your Instant Pot cold start yogurt will last 7 days in the fridge.

Can You Make Yogurt With Cold Milk?

Yes, it's called the cold start method. Be aware that you have to use a special kind of milk. I use Fairlife Milk because it's pasteurized at a higher temperature than regular milk. Do not try this method with other brands of milk except for Ultra Pasteurized Milk.

What is Fairlife Milk?

I normally just grab the store brand and go on without even looking at other milks. Fairlife Milk is sold in 50 ounce containers. It's ultra filtered, so it removes impurities and makes a more concentrated milk.
Since it's concentrated, it's higher in protein and calcium than regular milk. It also has less sugar and is lactose free.

Don't try the Instant Pot cold start yogurt method with regular milk or any milk that is not ultra filtered. It can grow bacteria and cause illness.

Yogurt Starter

You'll have to use a yogurt starter to make yogurt for the first time. I use 2 tablespoons on Fage, Oikos, or Oui plain Greek yogurt. I use what's on sale.

Check to make sure that whatever starter you use has active bacterial cultures or this recipe will not work.

You can also use a yogurt starter. I've never used one, but this brand is highly recommended.

How Long Does it Take to Make Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt?

The longer you incubate the yogurt, the tangier it is. We prefer less tangy yogurt, so I cook mine for 8 hours. You can cook it 10 or 12 hours for tangier yogurt.

Many people start their yogurt before bed and let it incubate all night. This keeps your Instant Pot free for cooking the next day.

I bought a second Instant Pot, so I don't have to worry about having one free. I only cook my yogurt for 8 hours, so I start mine in the morning and let it incubate all day.

How to Flavor Homemade Yogurt

Many people add coffee creamer or sweetened condensed milk to their milk for flavoring. They add it to the milk and starter at the beginning of the yogurt making process to add flavor.

I prefer to make mine plain with no flavoring and add flavoring later. I made my own Instant Pot strawberry jam and peach jam, so I use it to flavor my homemade yogurt.

You can either add flavor to the entire batch or to each serving. Here are some ideas to try:

Fresh fruit or preserves (1 tablespoon per cup)
Sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste
Flavor extracts (add 2-3 drops per cup)
Unsweetened cocoa powder (add a sweetener too)

Other Uses for Homemade Yogurt

Since I leave my Instant Pot cold start yogurt plain, I can use it for other things. It makes a good substitution for sour cream or cream cheese.

It has almost the same consistency as sour cream, but it doesn't taste exactly the same. It is softer than cream cheese, so it will affect the texture.

You can also add it to Alfredo sauce in place of the heavy cream to lighten it up. I also add a few tablespoons to marinara sauce to add some protein without anyone knowing.

Use it to spread on fish or chicken and then season. It gives it a little bit of a different flavor. The lactic acid helps break down the protein for a juicy cut of meat.

If you have some to use up before it goes bad, add some fruit or chocolate and make freezer pops.
Yogurt is also really good for your hair. I use some to make a DIY yogurt hair mask for incredibly soft hair.

Instant Pot

I have the 6 quart Instant Pot Duo. It's just the right size for a family of 5, but I do wish I had the 8-quart sometimes.

This model does have the yogurt function. I've heard that you can make yogurt without the button, but I have not tried it.

Check out my best Instant Pot accessories to see what I use and love.

Instant Pot Yogurt Tips

You must use an ultra pasteurized milk to make Instant Pot cold start yogurt. I only use Fairlife brand.
You can use 2 percent or whole milk. I use whole milk for a creamy yogurt.

Freeze a few tablespoons of yogurt in an ice cube tray. You can use them to make your next batch. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before using.

For mild yogurt, incubate for 8 hours. Incubate for 10 hours for tangy yogurt.

Your homemade Instant Pot cold start yogurt recipe will last 10 to 14 days in the fridge.

Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt Ingredients

52 ounces Fairlife Ulta Filtered and Ultra Filtered milk
2 tablespoons plain yogurt with active cultures
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk or 16 ounces flavored coffee creamer (optional)

Directions

Step #1

It's important to start with a clean Instant Pot liner and ring. Wash your liner and then wipe with vinegar on a clean cloth. Rinse and let dry.

If your sealing ring smells like dinner, you might consider a dedicated ring just for making yogurt.

Step #2

Add 1 cup of Fairlife milk and your starter to the Instant Pot. Use a whisk to combine.

Step #3

Add the remaining milk. Stir well. Add sweetened condensed milk or coffee creamer if using.

Step #4

Place the lid on your Instant Pot. You do not need to seal it since it will not build up pressure.

Press the yogurt button and set the timer to 8 hours (8:00). Be sure that the normal light is on. If it is on low, you will have to switch to normal.

Step #5

Do not remove the lid for at least 6 and a half hours so the yogurt can incubate property. When it is done, remove the liner and place in the fridge for 8 hours. Cover with plastic wrap.

Step #6

It is now ready to eat. Some water separates, so I just stir it back in. You can also strain your yogurt with a yogurt strainer or cheesecloth for thicker yogurt.

A lot of people store their yogurt in 8 ounce yogurt jars. I work from home and the kids are homeschooled, so I leave it in a large container.

If you like this Instant Pot cold start yogurt recipe, then you'll love these recipes:

yogurt, instant pot

side dish

American

Yield: 10

Author: Cari @ Koti Beth