If you’re craving something deeply nourishing that soothes to your bones and impresses everyone at your table, this Bone Broth Recipe is truly a timeless classic. It’s a slow-simmered potion, packed with wholesome, simple ingredients that transform into a golden elixir absolutely loaded with flavor, protein, and comfort. Whether you sip it solo by the mug, ladle it over noodles, or use it as the starting point for soups and stews, this Bone Broth Recipe is the ultimate secret weapon for home cooks looking for both taste and nutrition in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of essential ingredients to whip up a rich and satisfying Bone Broth Recipe. Each one plays its part, layering in savory notes, natural sweetness, color, and those magic nutrients you can feel from the inside out.

Beef or Chicken Bones (2-3 pounds): Roasting adds extra depth, but any good-quality, marrow-rich bones give body and rich flavor.
Onion (1, quartered): Boosts sweetness and rounds out the savory undertone.
Carrots (2, chopped): Lends gorgeous color and a subtle earthy sweetness.
Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Provides aromatic freshness that pairs beautifully with slow-cooked flavors.
Garlic (4 cloves, smashed): Adds gentle spice and tons of aroma.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Essential for coaxing all the minerals and goodness out of those bones.
Water (10 cups): The canvas that soaks up all the flavors and nutrients, so use plenty.
Black Peppercorns (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle heat and depth.
Bay Leaves (2): Unmistakable aroma and delicate herby flavor.
Salt (to taste): Wait until the end—this helps you perfectly balance the flavors.
Fresh Herbs (parsley or thyme, optional): Sprinkle these in for added brightness right at the finish.

How to Make Bone Broth Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by assembling all your ingredients for the Bone Broth Recipe. If you want an especially deep, complex flavor, roast your beef or chicken bones in the oven at 425°F for 30 minutes until golden. Chop the veggies, smash the garlic, and line up your seasonings so everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Build the Broth Base

Place the bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker, then layer in the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Pour in enough water to cover the bones by about an inch—this gives you plenty of broth and the perfect concentration.

Step 3: Let It Sit

Don’t turn on the heat just yet! Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes. The apple cider vinegar needs time to work its magic, drawing vital minerals from the bones into your Bone Broth Recipe for maximum nutrition.

Step 4: Start Cooking

Bring everything to a boil over high heat, but don’t walk away. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to the lowest possible simmer. As you go, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour—this step ensures crystal-clear broth.

Step 5: Let It Simmer Low and Slow

This is where the patience pays off! Simmer your Bone Broth Recipe gently for a minimum of 12 hours for beef bones, or 6-8 for chicken. If you can, let beef bones go up to 24 hours. The longer the simmer, the richer and more nourishing your broth. In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle in salt to taste and, if you like, fresh herbs for a lovely finish.

Step 6: Strain, Cool, and Store

Remove your pot from the heat and carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or container. Discard the solids—they’ve given their all! Allow the broth to cool, refrigerate it, and once chilled, skim off the solidified fat. Now you’re ready to serve, store, or freeze your Bone Broth Recipe.

How to Serve Bone Broth Recipe

Garnishes

A warm mug of Bone Broth Recipe is even more inviting with the right finishing touch. Top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a pinch of flaky sea salt, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a spoonful of finely sliced scallions. Each garnish elevates the aroma and adds a pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Bone Broth Recipe with a thick slice of crusty sourdough, homemade crackers, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted veggies or a protein-packed egg white omelette—simple flavors that let the broth shine as the star of your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to think beyond the bowl! Pour your Bone Broth Recipe into a thermos and bring it for a midday pick-me-up, use it as the foundation for homemade ramen, or freeze in ice cube trays to add instant flavor to stir-fries and sautés. It’s the kind of secret ingredient that makes every recipe more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Bone Broth Recipe has cooled, transfer it to airtight jars or containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days—it’s easy to reheat whenever you need a comforting sip or a quick soup base on hand.

Freezing

This broth is perfect for meal prep! Pour cooled Bone Broth Recipe into freezer-safe containers or silicone molds; freeze for several months. Defrost portions as needed for easy meal upgrades or an instant boost of nourishment.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour your desired amount of Bone Broth Recipe into a pot and warm gently over medium heat until steaming. Avoid boiling for too long after reheating, as this can dull the fresh flavors you worked so hard to create.

FAQs

Can I use any type Broth, Base

Absolutely! This Bone Broth Recipe is wonderfully flexible—beef, chicken, turkey, or even a mix will work. Just make sure to include some bones with marrow and connective tissue, as that’s where the nutrient-rich gelatin comes from.

Why add apple cider vinegar?

The apple cider vinegar is a secret weapon in this Bone Broth Recipe—it helps break down the bones and pulls all those vital minerals into your broth, making it both more nutritious and flavorful.

How do I get a clear broth instead of a cloudy one?

For the clearest Bone Broth Recipe, don’t skip the step where you skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top during the first hour of simmering. Starting with cold water and a gentle simmer also keeps the broth clear.

Do I have to roast the bones first?

Roasting is optional but highly recommended, especially for beef bones. It deepens the color and taste, lending a rich, toasty note that makes this Bone Broth Recipe unforgettable. If you’re short on time, the broth will still be delicious without roasting!

What should I do with the leftover fat layer?

After your Bone Broth Recipe chills, you’ll notice a layer of fat on top. Skim it off and save it! This rendered fat (sometimes called schmaltz or tallow) is fantastic for frying eggs, roasting vegetables, or adding that cozy, old-fashioned flavor to other dishes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about simmering your own Bone Broth Recipe at home—it’s a simple pleasure and a gift of pure nourishment to yourself and everyone you care about. Give it a try and let it become the base for your coziest meals all year long!

Bone Broth Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 12-24 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8–10 cups 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a nourishing bone broth at home using beef or chicken bones, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This slow-cooked recipe yields a flavorful and nutrient-rich broth that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for soups and stews.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bone Broth:

2–3 pounds beef bones or chicken bones (with marrow and some meat attached)
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
10 cups water
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
Salt to taste
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Bone Broth: Place bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Pour in water to cover the bones by about an inch. Let sit for 30 minutes before cooking to allow vinegar to extract minerals from the bones.
Cook the Broth: Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour. Simmer gently for at least 12 hours, up to 24 hours for beef bones (6-8 hours for chicken bones) to extract maximum flavor and nutrients.
Season and Strain: Add salt to taste during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or container. Discard solids.
Chill and Store: Let broth cool, then refrigerate. Once chilled, remove any solidified fat from the surface before using or storing.

Notes

Use roasted bones for a richer flavor.
Bone broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for several months.
Drink as a warm nourishing broth or use as a base for soups and stews.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-24 hours
Category: Broth, Base
Method: Simmering, Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American