There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming mug of Turkey Bone Broth, especially when it’s made from scratch in your own kitchen. Not only does this golden elixir transform holiday leftovers into liquid gold, but every spoonful is brimming with rich flavor and nourishing goodness. Whether you’re sipping it straight for a cozy lunch, using it as the base for your favorite soups, or simply enjoying the nostalgia of family gatherings, Turkey Bone Broth is a soul-warming staple every home cook should master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list to create a deeply flavorful Turkey Bone Broth—all it takes are a handful of honest, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, from drawing out rich flavors to lending a beautiful color and subtle aroma. Here’s what you’ll need:

Turkey carcass: The star of the show, with bones and leftover meat providing hearty flavor and nourishing collagen.
Carrots: Chopped carrots add natural sweetness and a lovely golden hue.
Celery: Brings a savory, aromatic note that rounds out the flavor.
Onion: A quartered large onion lets its sweet and pungent flavors infuse gently into the broth.
Garlic: Four smashed cloves lend a subtle depth and aromatic warmth.
Bay leaves: These are essential for that hint of earthy herbal flavor in every bowl.
Whole peppercorns: A teaspoon is enough to bring a gentle heat without overpowering the broth.
Apple cider vinegar: Just two tablespoons help extract minerals and savory essence from the bones.
Water: Twelve cups create the perfect balance—not too thin, not too thick.
Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or thyme at the end add bright, fresh, herby notes.
Salt: Season to taste for perfect savory balance.

How to Make Turkey Bone Broth

Step 1: Prepare Your Pot

Place the turkey carcass (bones and any leftover meat) right into a large stockpot or your trusty slow cooker. Don’t worry about stripping every last bit of meat—those little morsels will only enrich your Turkey Bone Broth even more.

Step 2: Add Your Veggies and Seasonings

Toss in the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns. Each veggie and spice will gradually surrender its flavor as the broth simmers, building those complex, layered notes we all love.

Step 3: Pour in Water and Apple Cider Vinegar

Pour in 12 cups of water, making sure to cover the bones completely. Add the apple cider vinegar—this kitchen secret draws out more minerals and nutrients from the bones for a richer, more nourishing result.

Step 4: Slow Simmer Magic

Set your pot over medium-high heat and bring everything up to a gentle boil. As soon as you see bubbles, turn the heat down low. Let the Turkey Bone Broth simmer away for at least 8 hours, but up to 24 hours if you have the time. This low-and-slow approach is what makes the flavor so irresistible. Skim off any foam that floats to the top for a clear, clean broth.

Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs (Optional)

Have fresh parsley or thyme on hand? Toss them in during the last hour of cooking. These fresh herbs add a final flourish of color and brightness that lifts the entire broth.

Step 6: Strain and Season

Carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or container, discarding all the solids. Now’s the time to taste and season with salt until you reach your perfect savory balance.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Allow the Turkey Bone Broth to cool completely before ladling it into jars or storage containers. Pop it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze some for those days when you crave something genuinely comforting and delicious.

How to Serve Turkey Bone Broth

Garnishes

Brighten up your bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon. These little touches bring out the broth’s flavor and add a cheerful pop of color that makes each serving feel special.

Side Dishes

A piece of warm crusty bread for dunking, a crisp side salad, or a light turkey sandwich are all fantastic companions. Turkey Bone Broth is also wonderful served alongside a slice of savory quiche or a platter of roasted veggies for a cozy, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party spin, serve your Turkey Bone Broth in elegant mugs as a clever appetizer, or pour it into little shot glasses for a fun amuse-bouche. You can even transform it into a noodle or rice soup for a savory, slurp-able bowl everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the broth has cooled, transfer it into jars or containers with tight-fitting lids. Tuck them in the fridge and enjoy your Turkey Bone Broth for up to five days. The flavors will continue to meld, getting even richer over time.

Freezing

To have nourishing broth always ready, freeze it in portions (ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers work great). Label each batch and use within three months for ultimate freshness. You’ll be so glad to have it on hand for quick soups, sauces, or sipping.

Reheating

Simply pour the broth into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it’s steaming hot—no need for a rolling boil. Add a splash of water if it’s thickened after chilling, and always check the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt if needed.

FAQs

Can I use raw turkey bones instead of cooked?

Absolutely! While leftover roasted bones give a lovely depth, using raw bones is perfectly fine. For an even richer Turkey Bone Broth, you might want to roast the bones in the oven first to develop extra flavor.

How long can I simmer the broth?

The longer you simmer, the more flavor and nutrients you’ll extract. Eight hours is a great minimum, but 12 to 24 hours will result in the richest, most gelatinous Turkey Bone Broth.

Can I reuse the bones for a second batch?

You can! The second batch will be lighter in flavor and color, but it’s still delicious. Add some fresh veggies and simmer it again with new water for another pot of nourishing broth.

Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

Yes, Turkey Bone Broth is naturally gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for a wholesome diet.

What can I do if my broth gels when chilled?

That’s the sign of a wonderfully collagen-rich Turkey Bone Broth! It will liquefy again when heated, but the gelled consistency is actually a badge of quality and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Turkey Bone Broth at home, you’re in for such a treat. Give it a try with your next holiday leftovers or anytime you crave something simply wholesome—your kitchen will smell wonderful, and your future soups (and taste buds) will thank you!

Turkey Bone Broth Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 12 hours 10 minutes
Yield: About 10 cups 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a nourishing Turkey Bone Broth with this easy recipe. Utilize your leftover turkey carcass to create a flavorful broth that can be used as a base for various dishes or enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Bone Broth:

1 turkey carcass (bones and leftover meat)
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
12 cups water
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional)
Salt to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Broth: Place the turkey carcass in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and apple cider vinegar. Cover with water.
Cooking: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 to 24 hours. Skim off any foam and add fresh herbs if desired.
Strain and Season: Strain the broth, discard solids. Season with salt to taste.
Storage: Cool, store in jars in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze.