If you have leftover turkey bones and want to transform them into something truly nourishing and flavorful, this Turkey Bone Broth Recipe is a must-try. It’s a simple way to capture every bit of goodness from roasted turkey bones, enhanced by fresh vegetables and a splash of apple cider vinegar that helps draw out minerals and nutrients. The rich, comforting broth you’ll create is perfect for sipping on its own, adding depth to soups, or boosting any recipe that calls for a robust base. This Turkey Bone Broth Recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to reduce waste and make the most of every meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Turkey Bone Broth Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the roasted turkey bones lending a deep, savory foundation to the fresh vegetables adding subtle sweetness and aromatic layers. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’re set to create something magical in your kitchen.
- Roasted turkey bones (1 1/2 to 2 1/2 lbs): The star of the show, packed with flavor and nutrients.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 Tbsp): Helps extract minerals from the bones, enriching the broth’s nutrition.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances and balances the flavors in the broth.
- Celery stalks with leaves (2, cut into thirds): Adds a fresh, herbal note and subtle earthiness.
- Medium onion (1, peeled and halved): Brings natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Carrots (2, peeled and halved): Lend a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Garlic cloves (2, smashed): Infuse an aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Bay leaf (1, optional): Adds a slight herbal bitterness that rounds out the flavors.
- Filtered water: Essential for purity—16 cups for a stock pot, 12 cups for a 6-quart slow cooker, or 10 to 11 cups for an Instant Pot.
How to Make Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Turkey Bones and Vegetables
Start by gathering your roasted turkey bones—they provide the incredibly rich base—and roughly chop your vegetables. Leaving the onion halved and the celery and carrots in larger chunks allows them to slowly release flavor without becoming mushy. Smashing the garlic cloves lets their aroma infuse deeply without overpowering the broth later on.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Your Cooking Vessel
Place the turkey bones into your stock pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, then add the vegetables, apple cider vinegar, salt, and bay leaf if using. Pour in the filtered water, ensuring everything is submerged but not overcrowded. The vinegar will help pull nutrients from the bones during cooking, so don’t skip this key ingredient.
Step 3: Simmer Gently to Extract Flavor
Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer. For a stock pot, keep it just below a boil and let it cook for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. With a slow cooker, set it on low for the same duration. If using an Instant Pot, seal the lid and cook on the broth setting for around 90 minutes. This slow, steady heat is vital to coax out every bit of flavor and gelatin, which gives your broth that silky, nourishing texture.
Step 4: Strain and Store Your Broth
Once the cooking time is up, carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or container. Discard the bones and vegetables—they’ve done their job! Let the broth cool, then refrigerate or freeze according to your needs. Before storing, skim off any fat that rises to the surface if you prefer a leaner broth.
How to Serve Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can elevate your Turkey Bone Broth Recipe to a cozy, inviting experience. A few freshly cracked black peppercorns or a squeeze of lemon can add brightness, making each sip satisfying and refreshing.
Side Dishes
This broth pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a light salad to balance its richness. You could even use it as a base for a hearty stew or as a warm, comforting drink served alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving this Turkey Bone Broth Recipe in a rustic mug, topped with crispy shallots or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick. You can also freeze it into ice cubes to add bursts of flavor into your future recipes. The possibilities for enjoying this broth are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Turkey Bone Broth Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its nourishing goodness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your turkey bone broth in portions. Using freezer-safe jars or zipper bags, you can keep it for 3 to 6 months. This allows quick access whenever you want a boost of flavor and nutrition without extra prep.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the broth on the stovetop or microwave until hot but not boiling, preserving its delicate flavors. Stir well and enjoy straight from the cup or use as a savory broth base for cooking.
FAQs
What is the benefit of using apple cider vinegar in the Turkey Bone Broth Recipe?
Apple cider vinegar helps break down the bones during cooking, releasing valuable minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium into the broth, which makes it more nutritious and nourishing.
Can I use raw turkey bones instead of roasted ones?
Yes, you can, but roasted bones give the broth a richer, deeper flavor due to the caramelization of the bones and meat during roasting, which enhances the overall taste.
Is it necessary to add vegetables to the broth?
While not absolutely required, vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion add natural sweetness and complexity, balancing the savory richness of the bones beautifully.
How do I know when my Turkey Bone Broth Recipe is done?
The broth is ready when it has a rich, golden color and a deep, satisfying aroma after simmering for at least two hours. If it gels when cooled, that’s a great sign of good collagen extraction.
Can I reuse turkey bones to make broth again?
It’s best to use fresh bones or bones that haven’t been boiled multiple times because most of the collagen and flavor are extracted during the first simmer. Reusing bones can produce a weaker broth.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Turkey Bone Broth Recipe enough—it’s a simple way to turn humble leftovers into a delicious, comforting staple for your kitchen. Whether you’re sipping it solo or using it as the base for your favorite soups and stews, it’s sure to bring warmth and nourishment to your table. Give it a try and let the rich flavors inspire your cooking adventures!
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Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8.8 cups of bone broth
- Category: Broth/Soup Base
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and flavorful turkey bone broth made by simmering roasted turkey bones with vegetables and apple cider vinegar to extract maximum nutrients and collagen. Perfect as a base for soups, stews, or enjoyed on its own as a nourishing drink.
Ingredients
Turkey Bones
- 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 lbs of roasted turkey bones
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 celery stalks with leaves attached, cut into thirds
- 1 medium onion, peeled and halved
- 2 carrots, peeled and halved
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- Filtered water (16 cups for stock pot, 12 cups for 6-qt slow cooker, 10-11 cups for Instant Pot)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather roasted turkey bones along with celery stalks, onion, carrots, smashed garlic cloves, and optional bay leaf. Cut the celery into thirds and peel and halve the onion and carrots.
- Add to Cooking Vessel: Place the turkey bones, vegetables, and aromatics into your chosen cooking vessel—either a large stock pot, a 6-quart slow cooker, or an Instant Pot. Sprinkle in the salt and pour in the apple cider vinegar followed by the filtered water according to the capacity of your pot.
- Simmer the Broth: If using a stock pot, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and maintain for about 2.5 hours (150 minutes). For a slow cooker, set on low and cook for the same amount of time. If using an Instant Pot, cook on the soup or broth setting for about 2 hours under pressure to extract maximum flavor and nutrients from the bones and vegetables.
- Strain and Store: Once cooking is complete, carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large container to remove the solids. Allow broth to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
Notes
- Apple cider vinegar is essential as it helps break down the collagen in the bones, resulting in a richer broth.
- Use roasted turkey bones for deeper flavor; you can roast raw bones in a 400°F oven for 30-40 minutes if starting from scratch.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking; you can add more salt or herbs as desired when using the broth in recipes.
- Broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for several months.
- Optional additions to enhance flavor include peppercorns, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
