Making Greek yogurt in the Instant Pot has just gotten easier. To get the thickness of Greek yogurt, you need to strain the processed yogurt. In my previous yogurt making tutorial, I showed you how to strain the yogurt using a nut milk bag. It works great and gets good results; however, it can be messy and is challenging to transfer the yogurt into the bag without it getting all over the place. Doing it that way is a two man job.
I have found a way to strain the yogurt without all that mess. Some of you may already be doing it this way, but for those of you, who haven’t tried this, give it a whirl.
If you haven’t yet tried making yogurt and you have an Instant Pot, GET ON IT! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, I highly recommend you get one and start making yogurt. (You will absolutely love making all kinds of things in this wonder machine)
*****By the way, the 7 in One Instant Pot (that is what I have) is on sale right now on Amazon. Best price I have seen $79.95.
Making yogurt can seem very intimidating; however, it seriously is very easy to do. Once you make it and taste how yummy it is, you will never go back to store bought. Homemade yogurt is so much better for you. There are only TWO ingredients, THREE if you choose to add a little vanilla flavoring.
- Milk
- A little starter yogurt
- Vanilla (optional)
That’s it!
Here is a little video clip showing the new process of straining using your steam basket and a few coffee filters.
What you will need
- Regular large bowl strainer
- Steam basket
- Large bowl
- 4 Large coffee filters
- Cheese cloth can also be used instead of coffee filters
Straining yogurt

Set the steam basket inside the bowl strainer and set on top of large bowl. The only reason I am using two strainers, is the bowl strainer is not big enough to hold all the yogurt. If you have a strainer large enough you will NOT have to use the steam basket.

Place four coffee filters inside steam basket, at an angle and overlapping to fully cover the inside of the bowl. If you have a bigger strainer, you may need more filters.
I recommend only making a half batch (1/2 gallon of milk instead of a full gallon), if using a small strainer.

Pour the processed yogurt into the lined strainers and let it sit 1-2 hours. You can leave it on the counter top or place in the refrigerator.
Once the yogurt is at the consistency that you prefer, transfer the yogurt to another bowl. The longer you strain, the thicker it will be. AHHHHH, this is SO much easier than squeezing the yogurt from the nut milk bag.
Remove the coffee filters and throw them away.
***** update 2/27/23
I have found a new strainer that is my favorite so far. You can get it HERE.

Yogurt can be stored in single serving containers or one large dish with a lid. These are the once I prefer.

Pint jars with a lids work great.
Here are a few other yogurt related posts to check out.
For the latest post on HOW TO MAKE YOGURT, go HERE.
Enjoy!

Jan Howell
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Jan Howell
Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.