How to make raw milk Greek yogurt in the instant pot

May 29, 2023

Want to learn how to make raw milk Greek yogurt in the instant pot? Follow this easy recipe to make a thick, creamy Greek yogurt that turns out perfect every time!

raw milk Greek yogurt made in the instant pot in a white bowl with a wooden spoon

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Homemade Greek yogurt is a great way to use up raw milk and it makes a great breakfast prep that the whole family will enjoy!

About a year ago, I started to purchase raw milk from a local Amish family. I have been really enjoying learning new recipes and skills using raw milk. I know that raw milk is a taboo subject. But as for me and my family, we enjoy the positive benefits of raw milk.

I especially love this recipe because I can use my instant pot to make a good quality delicious yogurt with little hands-on work! ….The instant pot does most of the work for you! This is the BEST way to make homemade Greek yogurt.

How to make raw milk Greek yogurt in the instant pot

sometimes yogurt in the instant pot can turn out to be too runny, to make a thicker yogurt I strain it using a cheesecloth to let some of the whey out to make a thick Greek yogurt. Then I flavor it using raw organic honey. And I serve it with fresh berries and granola, which turns out delicious! My kids love it and it’s a great way to sneak in good bacteria that have live cultures into my children’s tummies! Or of course, you can leave it unflavored to make plain yogurt.

raw milk Greek yogurt straining the whey out using a flour sack towel tied on a island bar

You can skim the cream from the raw milk and then make the yogurt or leave it and the cream will float to the top while in the instant pot and you stir it into the yogurt or you can collect it after to make sour cream.

This recipe has become a part of my weekly rotation in my kitchen. Along with my sourdough and water kefir. In my kitchen, there is always something fermenting and growing at this farmhouse!

What is the difference between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt?

For years, Greek yogurt has been the go-to variety for optimum health. But what’s the difference? Greek yogurt is yogurt that has been strained to remove its whey, resulting in a thicker consistency than that of unstrained runny yogurt.

raw milk thick Greek yogurt in a white bowl with a wooden spoon

Is raw milk Greek yogurt healthy?

It is one of the healthiest foods on this planet! Raw milk yogurt has tons of beneficial bacteria that are good for your gut health. Homemade raw milk Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Raw milk yogurt may be one of the earth’s most perfect foods. The probiotics in yogurt can benefit the gut microflora and help boost the immune system.

How long can homemade Greek yogurt last in the fridge?

Homemade raw Greek yogurt can last up to 14 days. That’s if it’s not all gone by then! Our household has homemade yogurt for breakfast and as a snack in between meals!

How long should the yogurt culture?

Yogurt should culture for at least 8 hours. Within 8-24 hours of the yogurt culturing the milk becomes rich in good bacteria that is beneficial for the gut allowing it to digest easier. Also, allowing the raw milk Greek yogurt to culture for at least 8 hours helps the yogurt to thicken up and get the consistency of store-bought yogurt that we all love so much!

What kind of yogurt culture can you use?

For the very first time when I made yogurt, I used 1/2 cup of organic yogurt from Walmart that had live cultures in it. After my first batch, I made sure to save 1/2 cup of yogurt for my next batch.

Why is it easier to use the instant pot to make yogurt?

The yogurt setting on the instant pot holds a consistent temperature between 106 to 113 degrees which is the heat that you need to make yogurt. Using an instant pot also ensures that you get the perfect outcome every time!

instant pot with a white lid on it with the yogurt setting on

Tips for making raw milk yogurt in the Instant Pot

Strain the whey from the yogurt to make a thick Greek yogurt
It is important that for best results you use live active cultures. Do not use yogurt that does not have them. Or buy a starter culture
You do not need to use the silicone seal from the instant pot lid. You can use a lid from any pot that you have that fits over the instant pot
Use the yogurt function on the instant pot for 11 hours

Where can I buy yogurt jar lids?

wooden oui yogurt jar lids

Yogurt jar with lids

Ingredients to make raw milk Greek yogurt

1 Gallon of whole raw milk
1/2 cup live culture yogurt or a yogurt culture
OPTIONAL – raw honey to sweeten or maple syrup

Tools you may need to make Greek yogurt

Step-by-step how to make Raw milk Greek yogurt in the instant pot

Shake up 1 gallon of raw whole milk to disperse the cream

Pour the milk into the instant pot and add 1/2 cup of live cultured yogurt from a previous batch or follow the instructions of the yogurt culture you are using

Mix the cultures into the milk using a whisk till there are no visible chunks

Place a lid on the instant pot. You can use a lid from a pot that fits or the instant pot lid but without the silicone ring. The silicone ring absorbs the smells of previous meals that you have made in the instant pot.

Turn on the yogurt button setting on the instant pot for 11 hours (or up to 24 hours for more health benefits)

let the raw milk yogurt cool down then give it a mix to incorporate the cream that has risen to the top

clobbered yogurt in the instant pot with a wooden spoon mixing in the cream into the yogurt

Pace a flour sack towel or a cheese cloth over a large bowl and pour the yogurt into it

yogurt in a bowl covered with a tea towel

Tie the towel with the yogurt on some sort of bar in your house for 4-6 hours. Place a large bowl underneath it to catch the extra whey. This makes a thick Greek yogurt. Skip this step if you want regular yogurt instead of thick yogurt.

honey drizzled over raw milk Greek yogurt made in the instant pot

Transfer the thick raw milk yogurt into a glass jar and give it a good mix to make it smooth. Flavor it with honey to taste or leave it unflavored. Both ways are divine! Store in the fridge for up to 10-14 days. Don’t forget to save 1/2 cup for your next batch.

raw milk Greek yogurt made in the instant pot in a glass yogurt jar with fresh blue berries on top

Enjoy raw milk Greek yogurt with some homemade granola and fresh fruit for breakfast or as a snack! If you make this recipe please come back and leave me a comment down below and a star rating! 🙂

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