Homemade Turkey Bone Broth Recipe

If you’re craving a deeply comforting and nourishing kitchen staple, look no further than this Homemade Turkey Bone Broth Recipe. It’s a magical blend of leftover turkey bones, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs gently simmered for hours to unlock rich, savory flavors and healing nutrients. Making your own bone broth might sound like a big commitment, but trust me, it’s incredibly simple and rewarding. This broth adds a soulful depth to soups, stews, or even sipped on its own when you need a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward broth brilliance. Each component plays a unique role — from the turkey bones giving body and richness, to the herbs and vegetables layering in fresh, vibrant notes that make this broth sing with flavor.

• Turkey carcass (12-15 pounds): The star of the show packed with collagen and flavor to create a hearty base.
• Turkey neck (optional): Adds extra richness and gelatin for that silky mouthfeel.
• Giblets (optional): Bring added depth and traditional flavor nuances to the broth.
• Leftover turkey drippings (optional): Intensify the savory notes with those flavorful pan juices.
• Onion (1, peeled and quartered): Contributes sweetness and a subtle aromatic foundation.
• Garlic cloves (4, smashed): Infuses gentle warmth and complexity without overpowering.
• Carrots (2 large, chopped into thirds): Add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery (about 1/3 head with leaves): Provides a fresh, slightly peppery crunch.
• Parsley (1 large bunch, roughly chopped): Brightens the broth with a fresh herbal lift.
• Sage (1/2 bunch, torn): Adds earthiness and that classic turkey-sidekick flavor.
• Rosemary (3-4 sprigs): Brings piney, fragrant notes that deepen the broth’s aroma.
• Thyme (5 sprigs): Enhances the savory herbal layers with subtle floral tones.
• Bay leaves (3): Impart a mild, slightly minty warmth that rounds out the flavor.
• Peppercorns (8-10 whole): Add gentle heat and spice without overwhelming.
• Water (about 4 quarts): The canvas that brings all these components together for the perfect simmer.

How to Make Homemade Turkey Bone Broth Recipe

Step 1: Load the Pot with Turkey Bones and Extras

Start by placing your turkey carcass into a large stockpot — one with at least a 6-quart capacity to give everything room to simmer beautifully. If you have the turkey neck, giblets, or drippings on hand, toss them in too. Don’t worry if you don’t; the carcass alone will make an incredible broth full of flavor and nutrients.

Step 2: Add Your Aromatics and Vegetables

Next, bring in your onion quarters, smashed garlic, and chopped carrots for sweetness and depth. Then add the celery pieces, leaves and all, since the leaves carry a fresh, slightly peppery punch that complements the broth perfectly.

Step 3: Toss in the Herbs

Now it’s time for the magic herbs — a large bunch of parsley, half a bunch of sage, rosemary sprigs, and thyme. Tear the herbs up a bit before adding to the pot to help them release their aromatic oils faster and infuse the broth with layers of flavor.

Step 4: Season with Bay Leaves and Peppercorns

Add your bay leaves and whole peppercorns. These little flavor bombs infuse the broth with subtle complexity, balancing the bright and savory tones in the mix.

Step 5: Cover Everything with Water

Pour in about 4 quarts of water, or enough just to submerge all your ingredients mostly. It’s okay if a few bones peek above the surface; just keep an eye as it simmers and add water if needed.

Step 6: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer

Crank up the heat to bring everything to a rolling boil. Once it bubbles vigorously, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer with soft bubbles—the perfect environment for coaxing all the glorious flavors out without clouding the broth.

Step 7: Let It Simmer Low and Slow

Simmer your broth for at least 2 hours, though 4 hours will give you a wonderfully rich, velvety stock that’s truly special. Check in occasionally to skim off any foam or scum that collects on the surface, and add water as needed to keep your ingredients submerged.

Step 8: Strain the Broth

When you’re satisfied with the simmering time, pour the broth through a colander into a large bowl or pot to separate out bones and vegetable bits. This step ensures your broth is silky smooth.

Step 9: Remove Excess Fat

If you have a gravy fat separator, now’s the time to use it to easily remove the fat layer that floats on top. Otherwise, let the broth cool or refrigerate it until the fat solidifies, then skim it off with a spoon for a lighter broth.

Step 10: Cool and Store

Allow your delicious broth to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Mason jars are great for refrigeration, while quart-sized freezer bags are perfect if you want to freeze the broth for longer storage.

Step 11: Enjoy or Use as a Base

At this point, your Homemade Turkey Bone Broth Recipe is ready to shine! Use it as a comforting sip on chilly days, or as a flavorful base for soups, stews, sauces, and so much more.

How to Serve Homemade Turkey Bone Broth Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving adds a cheerful pop of color and freshness that complements the rich broth beautifully. You can also swirl in a little lemon juice or drizzle a hint of olive oil for added brightness and mouthfeel.

Side Dishes

This broth pairs wonderfully with hearty bread like a crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls perfect for dipping. It also acts as a cozy companion to salads or roasted vegetables, balancing the meal with warmth and depth.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine serving your broth in rustic mugs, turning it into a casual sipping broth for a chilly afternoon chat. Alternatively, use it as the flavorful base for an autumn-inspired grain bowl, pouring it over cooked farro or quinoa with roasted veggies and fresh herbs for an irresistible meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your bone broth to airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy it in various dishes or simply sip a warm cup whenever you like.

Freezing

For longer storage, freezing is a fantastic option. Store broth in freezer-safe containers or Ziplock bags, ideally in 1 to 2-cup portions for easy thawing. It will keep well in the freezer for about 3 months without losing its delicious flavor or nutritional benefits.

Reheating

Reheat your turkey bone broth gently on the stove over low to medium heat to preserve its delicate flavors. Avoid boiling vigorously as that can affect the taste. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up, or use a gentle defrost setting in the microwave for convenience.

FAQs

Can I use a roasted turkey carcass for this broth?

Absolutely! A roasted carcass adds extra caramelized depth and richer flavor to your broth, making your Homemade Turkey Bone Broth Recipe even more delicious.

Do I need to add salt while making the broth?

It’s best to hold off on adding salt during cooking since the broth reduces and concentrates flavors. Adjust salt to taste after simmering or when using it in recipes.

Why simmer for such a long time?

Slow, low heat breaks down the collagen and connective tissues in the bones, extracting gelatin and nutrients that give your broth body and that comforting richness.

Can I use frozen turkey bones?

Yes, frozen bones work just as well. Just thaw them slightly to fit comfortably in your pot and follow the same steps for a fantastic broth.

What if I don’t have all the herbs listed?

No worries! Use whatever fresh or dried herbs you have on hand. Parsley, thyme, and bay leaves are great defaults, but even a simple broth with just turkey bones and veggies will be tasty.

Final Thoughts

Making this Homemade Turkey Bone Broth Recipe is like giving your kitchen a warm, loving hug that keeps on giving. It’s simple, nourishing, and incredibly versatile, making it a must-have recipe to master for every home cook. I can’t wait for you to try it out and enjoy the cozy comfort that only a homemade broth can bring!

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