Make smooth, creamy homemade lactose free yogurt using lactose free milk and a yogurt starter culture. This easy yogurt maker method produces reliable results, with notes for incubating yogurt in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven proof setting.
Warm the milk to 110°F if using ultra-pasteurized milk. If using regular pasteurized milk, heat to 160°F, then cool to 110°F.
64 oz whole lactose free milk (1 half gallon)
In a small bowl, mix the starter with a few tablespoons of the warm milk until smooth.
1 envelope yogurt starter cultures
Whisk the starter mixture back into the warm milk.
Pour the cultured milk into the jars of a yogurt maker.
Incubate for 8 to 12 hours, depending on how mild or tangy you want the yogurt.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Save 3 tablespoons of yogurt as starter for your next batch.
Alternate Incubation MethodsInstant Pot: Use the yogurt setting and incubate for 8–12 hours.Slow cooker: Use the warm setting with jars raised off the bottom.Oven proof setting: Use only an oven proof setting around 110–120°F.
Notes
Alternate incubation options: Instant Pot, slow cooker, or an oven with a proof setting.
Milk choice: Whole lactose free milk makes thicker yogurt, but lower-fat lactose free milk also works.
Starter: Use plain unsweetened yogurt with live cultures or a dehydrated yogurt starter.
Incubation time: Longer incubation makes tangier, firmer yogurt.
Save starter: Freeze small portions if needed so you always have some on hand.