The BEST Slow Cooker Turkey Broth Recipe | Montana Happy (2024)

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Slow Cooker Turkey Broth from Turkey Carcass is the perfect recipe for nourishing bone broth. So many of us throw the turkey carcass away after the holidays. Why not make your homemade turkey stock for pennies?

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth and Caramelized Cream of Onion Soup will make your taste buds happy!

The BEST Slow Cooker Turkey Broth Recipe | Montana Happy (1)

Making your own homemade turkey stock is incredibly easy to do. You simply chop up vegetable scraps you save, seasoning, the turkey carcass, and add water to your slow cooker. I like to cook my bone broth on low for 9-12 hours.

I think most of us are becoming more conscious of food waste. A good use of your whole turkey carcass is to make homemade broth that can be your base for your favorite homemade turkey soup recipe.

To make a more flavorful stock, leave some leftover meat on the bones. Experiment each year with different fresh veggies and fresh herbs from the carcass of your turkey dinner.

Is bone broth good for you? Bone Broth Benefits

Yes, it is! According to Healthline.com, bone broth has many health benefits. Animal bones are rich in magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It also may help improve inflammation and the immune system by helping aid the digestion of other foods.

How to use turkey stock?

You can use this slow cooker turkey broth in soups, gravy, and sauces. Some people even use it as a health drink.

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It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.

Here’s How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Broth from Turkey Carcass:

Ingredients for Easy Turkey Stock

Carcass of turkey (including legs and wings)

4 celery stalks cut up with leaves cut up in large pieces

4 medium unpeeled carrots, cut up in large pieces

1 large unpeeled onion, cut up in large pieces

5 unpeeled garlic cloves, halved

Small bunch fresh parsley

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon sea salt or coconut aminos

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Enough filtered water to fill slow cooker to the top

The BEST Slow Cooker Turkey Broth Recipe | Montana Happy (2)

Directions for Making Homemade Turkey Stock in a Slow Cooker

Cut the turkey wings at the joints into three pieces.

Place the leftover bones, vegetables, and the rest of the ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker or larger. Cover with cold water and set the cook time on low for 9-12 hours.

Strain your homemade turkey broth into a large bowl using a fine mesh strainer.

Throw away the vegetables, turkey bones, peppercorns, bay leaf, garlic, and other seasonings. Let the turkey stock cool to room temperature before refrigeration.

Place the slow cooker turkey bone broth in the refrigerator overnight and skim off the fat that has become hard on top of the broth in the morning.

You can store the homemade turkey stock recipe in Mason jars or freeze them in measured portions in freezer-safe containers.

The BEST Slow Cooker Turkey Broth Recipe | Montana Happy (3)

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Turkey Stock

  • You want to be moderate on the seasoning when making homemade stocks. The reason for this is when you use the broth to make homemade soup, adding more ingredients can make the flavor overpowering.
  • Avoid adding cabbage and turnips to the turkey broth. They will overwhelm the flavor of the stock.
  • Crack the turkey bones every inch or so before cooking for a richer soup stock.
  • Don’t skip adding the apple cider vinegar. It will help draw out the minerals and nutrients from the bones.
  • You can find a fine-mesh sieve here on Amazon.
  • Save your leftover turkey bones and vegetable scraps in the freezer until you’re ready to make the bone broth.
  • You can freeze turkey bone broth in ice cube trays when you only need a little stock. After the ice cubes freeze place them in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag.
  • This same recipe can be used for chicken broth.
  • You can make this delicious turkey bone broth in a large pot or large stock pot as well. It will also work well in your Instant Pot.
  • Fresh thyme can be used in place of dried thyme for flavor in this delicious broth.
  • Leave out the onions and garlic if you’ll be adding this homemade turkey broth to food for dogs.
  • Use this homemade stock to flavor rice, beans, or vegetables.

How long does Turkey Bone Broth in the Slow Cooker last in the refrigerator?

This slow cooker turkey bone broth recipe will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when properly stored.

How long does Turkey Bone Stock last in the freezer?

Strained broth will last up to six months in the freezer if it’s properly stored in an airtight container.

The BEST Slow Cooker Turkey Broth Recipe | Montana Happy (4)

How do I make turkey broth from the carcass?

To make turkey broth from the carcass, start by placing the carcass in a large stockpot. Add aromatics like carrots, celery, onions, and herbs. Cover with cold water and use your crockpot to simmer for several hours. Bring broth to room temperature and strain.

What ingredients should I use to make turkey carcass broth?

Ingredients for homemade turkey broth typically include the turkey carcass, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns. These ingredients add depth and extra flavor to your broth.

Can I use the giblets and neck to make turkey broth?

Yes, you can add the turkey giblets and neck in your turkey broth for extra richness. Just be sure to remove excess fat or membrane from the giblets before adding them to the pot.

What can I use the turkey broth from carcass for?

Turkey broth is versatile and can be used in various dishes like soups, stews, gravies, sauces, risottos, turkey gravy, and more. It adds a delicious turkey flavor to your recipes and can be a valuable kitchen staple.

We’ve reached the end of Slow Cooker Turkey Broth Recipe. I hope you enjoyed it.

If you tried this turkey stock recipe, let me know in the comments how you liked it.

Don’t forget to join the Creating a Cozy Life Group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!

I created a pin for this homemade turkey broth recipe below for you to put on your Pinterest board and refer back to. This will be one of your favorite recipes when you cook your next Thanksgiving turkey. It’s a great way to use your leftover carcass and not waste food.

You can follow me here on PINTEREST for more delicious recipes to make your own stock. They have so much flavor and are better for you than store-bought stock. If you make this recipe and take a photo, be sure to tag me here on INSTAGRAM.

Thanks for stopping by! I’m so happy you found us.

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Recipe Card for Homemade Turkey Bone Broth with Nutrition Facts

The BEST Slow Cooker Turkey Broth Recipe | Montana Happy (5)

Yield: 10 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 9 hours

Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes

Slow cooker turkey broth couldn't be easier to make. You simply save your turkey carcass and vegetable scraps. Add them to your slow cooker along with some seasonings.

Ingredients

  • Carcass of turkey (including legs and wings)
  • 4 stalks celery, cut up in large pieces with leaves
  • 4 medium carrots with skin still on, cut up in large pieces
  • 1 large unpeeled onion, cut up into four sections
  • 5 garlic cloves with skin still on, halved
  • Small bunch fresh parsley
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt or coconut aminos
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Enough filtered water to fill the slow cooker to the top

Instructions

  1. Cut the turkey wings at the joints in three pieces.
  2. Place the turkey carcass, vegetable scraps, and the rest of the ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker or larger. Cover with water and cook on low for 9-12 hours.
  3. Strain your turkey broth over a large bowl using a fine mesh strainer.
  4. Throw away the turkey bones, vegetables, and seasonings. Let the turkey stock cool.
  5. Place the turkey broth in the refrigerator overnight. Skim off the fat that has become hard on top of the broth in the morning.
  6. You can store your turkey stock in Mason jars in the refrigerator or freeze the broth.

Notes

You want to be moderate on the seasoning when making homemade stocks. The reason is when you add the broth to make homemade soup, adding more ingredients can make the flavor overpowering.

Crack the turkey bones every inch or so before cooking for a richer stock.

Avoid using cabbage and turnips to the turkey broth. They will overwhelm the flavor of the stock.

Don't skip adding the apple cider vinegar. It will help draw out the minerals and nutrients from the bones.

Save your leftover turkey bones and vegetable scraps in the freezer until you're ready to make the bone broth.

You can freeze turkey bone broth in ice cube trays when you only need a little stock. After the ice cubes freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

This same recipe can be used for chicken stock.

Fresh thyme can be used in place of dried thyme for flavor.

Leave out the onions and garlic if you'll be making this bone broth to add to your dog's food.

Use this homemade stock to flavor rice, beans, or vegetables.

Nutrition Information

Yield

10

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 40Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 12mgSodium 258mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 4g

The BEST Slow Cooker Turkey Broth Recipe | Montana Happy (2024)

FAQs

Which is better turkey stock or turkey broth? ›

We like using stock for soups where the liquid is the star, like chicken and dumplings, lemony turkey rice soup and French lentil and carrot soup. Since broth is thinner, it's better suited for dishes where you want other flavors to shine, like tomato soup, chili and slow cooker sweet potato soup.

Why is my turkey broth so thick? ›

Stock also tends to have a longer cook time in order to pull all of the nutrients and collagen out of those bones, and can therefore have a thick, gelatinous texture once it's cooled.

Why is my turkey broth bland? ›

Try adding salt. For my taste buds, the majority of the flavor in broth comes from the salt and the roasted bones/veggies. If it is bland it may need salt.

Why did my turkey broth turn to jelly? ›

It turns out, if your turkey stock turns into a jelly-like consistency after it's been cooled, you've made your stock perfectly. The bones (especially the wings) have collagen inside of them, and when you simmer them for a long time, it breaks down into gelatin and makes a very rich and delicious stock.

Is it healthy to drink turkey broth? ›

The carcass's connective tissue can also add collagen, which can be beneficial to joint health. And bone marrow can be rich in iron, vitamins A and K and other nutrients. Adding vegetables to the broth can also add nutrients.

Should you use the skin when making turkey stock? ›

Turkey stock: Easy, economical way to use more of the bird. Making turkey stock is a great way to use what you have on hand post-Thanksgiving. It's easy and economical: Almost all leftover parts of the bird can be put to use, including the bones, the skin, and small bits of meat attached to the carcass.

Can you overcook turkey stock? ›

Can you overcook turkey stock? Yes, especially if it's at a rolling boil. To ensure your stock doesn't overcook, make sure it simmers over low heat for an extended amount of time. Cooking over a high heat for a long time emulsifies the fat, making it nearly impossible to separate and remove.

How do you make broth taste richer? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

Can you overcook turkey bone broth? ›

Yes, you can overcook turkey bone broth. If it simmers much longer than 3 hours, it will begin to turn milky and lose its silky texture.

What must you not do when cooking stock? ›

To avoid a cloudy stock do not stir while it is cooking because the impurities will get trapped in the liquid. Replenish liquid as needed if it evaporates but avoid diluting the flavor and body of the stock. Simmer the stock gently – never allow it to boil.

Can you simmer broth too long? ›

If you've added vegetables to the broth, it is possible to overcook chicken broth. Carrots, celery and onion add wonderful flavor, but if they're left to simmer too long, they can leave a strong, bitter flavor that takes over the broth.

Why is my turkey broth so greasy? ›

MISTAKE #1: TOO HOT IN HERE

Boiled stock will be cloudy, greasy and have a lower yield. To avoid that, start with cold water and your bones (or veggies, if you're going vegetarian) and put over high heat.

What should you not put in bone broth? ›

However, do not add onions, carrots, celery or herbs to your initial pot of simmering bone broth. Instead, enjoy the pure, rich flavor that comes from just the bones, fat, connective tissue and any small amount of meat that may still be on the bones; it is not something that needs or wants amending.

Why isn't my turkey broth clear? ›

Generally speaking, the cloudy nature of stock is simply due to impurities or particles in the stock. Stock should always be started with cold water and cooked, uncovered, at a simmer, without ever coming to a full boil. If the stock does boil, some of the fat will emulsify into the liquid, which can make it cloudy.

How do you fix bland turkey stock? ›

Make sure you season your turkey stock/broth with herbs (save your carrot tops from making Glazed Carrots), fresh parsley, herbs, peppercorns and bay leaf. If you add too much water, it can water down the stock making it bland (in this case, once you strain it, simmer it to reduce and intensify flavor).

Is turkey broth the same as turkey stock? ›

Turkey Stock is made from primarily from bones while broth is made from more meaty pieces. I find broth usually has more flavor and to be honest, I make both the same way. Either can be done on the stove or in the slow cooker.

Which is better stock or broth? ›

As a result, stock is usually a healthier product, delivering a richer mouth feel and deeper flavor than broth. Stock is a versatile culinary tool that can deliver taste to any number of dishes. Darker in color and more concentrated in flavor than broth, it's ideal for use in soups, rice, sauces and more.

Is stock or broth better for turkey gravy? ›

Stock simmers for longer and has a richer flavor and darker color than broth. What is the secret to good gravy? The secret to a good turkey gravy is using high-quality turkey stock. Generally, homemade stock has better flavor than anything you'll buy at the supermarket.

Which is better for sipping broth or stock? ›

Stock is thicker than broth due to the viscosity from collagen, it also contains more calories, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals than you will find in broth. Over the past few years, stock has gained popularity as a sipping drink, commonly known as bone broth, due to the rise of the Paleo, Whole30 and keto diets.

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