Okay, I truly do love Thanksgiving turkey, but honestly I’m more excited for the leftover bones, which I can use to make homemade turkey bone broth!
I love bone broth so much, and there is nothing quite like homemade bone broth (the flavor is so much better and you get way more bang for your buck!)
When it tastes this good, it makes such a great protein-rich sipper on it’s own (love it first thing in the morning or for a midday pick-me-up) but it also adds an abundance of flavor and gut-healthy nutrients to soups, stews, grains and ofc, bone broth hot chocolate!
While the process might seem intimidating, I promise you it is SO easy, especially when you already have everything you need from your Thanksgiving leftovers. Plus it’s so much less expensive than store bought bone broth.
Snag all of the details and tips for this super simple, super delicious, gut-healthy turkey bone broth recipe below.
Turkey bone broth is a nutritious and flavorful ingredient that can be used in many dishes. After making homemade turkey broth from the leftover bones of your holiday bird, you may wonder what to make with the resulting liquid gold. Have no fear – there are countless creative ways to transform your turkey bone broth into delicious meals and sides.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the tastiest options for using up every last drop of your broth From comforting soups to savory gravies, these recipes will help you get the most out of your homemade turkey bone broth
Soups and Stews
Rich and savory turkey bone broth makes an incredible base for hearty soups and stews. The deep turkey flavor elevates simple ingredients into crave-worthy bowls of goodness.
Turkey Noodle Soup
This classic soup features tender egg noodles simmered in turkey broth with vegetables. Dice up any leftover turkey meat to add for extra heartiness. The broth adds a mouthwatering depth of flavor
Creamy Potato Soup
For an indulgent twist, blend potatoes into the hot broth until smooth and velvety. Turkey bone broth adds a savory undertone to this cozy soup.
Turkey Chili
Bump up your regular chili recipe by using turkey bone broth instead of water or stock. It provides a seriously meaty backbone that chili was made for.
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Nutty wild rice pairs perfectly with herby turkey broth and chunks of cooked turkey in this robust soup. It’s deeply satisfying.
Lentil Soup
Protein-packed lentils shine when simmered in the savory goodness of turkey bone broth. It adds a wonderful richness.
Gravies and Sauces
With its built-in meaty notes, turkey bone broth makes an easy way to add flavor and moisture to gravies, sauces and pan drippings.
Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy
For the best holiday gravy, stir broth into your pan drippings before thickening it up with a roux. Flavor city!
Pan Sauces
After sautéing or roasting meat or veggies, deglaze the pan with a bit of broth for effortless, delicious sauces.
Mushroom Gravy
Sauté mushrooms in broth for an earthy base, then whisk in flour and simmer until thick. So savory.
Cream Sauces
Simmer broth with garlic and shallots, then blend in cream or milk for a restaurant-worthy cream sauce.
Rice and Grains
Turkey bone broth adds a big dose of savory flavor when used in place of plain water for cooking rice, grains and pasta.
Risotto
For creamy, dreamy risotto, ladle hot broth instead of water into the rice as it cooks. Such rich flavor!
Cooked Rice
Cook up white or brown rice in broth rather than water for a handy flavor boost.
Quinoa
Protein-packed quinoa turns out extra satisfying when simmered in turkey bone broth.
Pasta
When reheating leftover pasta, thin it out with warm broth instead of water for a flavor infusion.
Braised and Steamed Veggies
Turkey broth infuses a ton of extra flavor into cooked vegetables. Use it any time a recipe calls for water or stock.
Steamed Broccoli
For a quick veggie side, steam florets then drizzle with warm broth for a savory lift.
Braised Carrots
Simmer peeled carrots in broth with garlic and thyme until fork tender. Sweet and savory.
Sautéed Greens
Sauté spinach, kale or other greens in broth instead of oil or water for a flavor boost.
Roasted Veggies
Roast cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or any veggie, then toss with broth once done for moisture.
Casseroles and Bakes
In casseroles and baked pasta dishes, turkey broth makes everything extra moist and packs a tasty punch.
Green Bean Casserole
For this classic Thanksgiving side, use broth instead of canned soup for from-scratch flavor.
Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini
A baked pasta casserole benefits from a savory sauce made with broth for next-level moistness.
Turkey Pot Pie
Make a sauce for your pot pie by cooking veggies in broth, then thickening it up with a roux.
Stuffing or Dressing
For ultra moist stuffing, replace some of the liquid with rich, savory turkey bone broth.
Sipping Broth
With all its nutrients, sipping turkey bone broth straight is a soothing, healthy habit to get into.
Hot Mug
Heat up a mug of turkey broth for a warming drink, maybe with a squeeze of lemon.
Broth Cubes
Freeze broth in ice cube trays for easy “cubes” to pop into meals or hot drinks.
Cold Remedy
At the first sign of a sore throat, warm up a steaming cup of broth to soothe throat pain.
Post-Workout
Replenish nutrients after exercise with a cup of turkey bone broth. The protein helps muscles recover.
Creative Uses
If you still have leftover turkey broth, get creative with these unique ideas:
- Deglaze a pan with it after cooking meat for instant flavor
- Use instead of water when making boxed rice mixes
- Cook beans or lentils in it for extra protein
- Simmer chiles in it for a savory turkey-infused hot sauce
- Poach fish or seafood in broth for extra moisture and flavor
- Add to bread dough or batter for a savory, moist kick
- Freeze in ice cube trays to pop into future recipes
As you can see, turkey bone broth is endlessly versatile in the kitchen. With its rich, meaty notes, it effortlessly enhances soups, grains, veggies, sauces and more. Get creative to use up every last drop of your homemade broth – nothing should go to waste! From cozy comforting meals to simple sides, these recipes will help you enjoy the flavors of your turkey bone broth from Thanksgiving through the holidays and beyond.
+ Don’t Skip The Apple Cider Vinegar
This is an important step to making any homemade bone broth, as it helps to break down the collagen and draw nutrients out of the bones.
HOW TO MAKE TURKEY BONE BROTH (3 WAYS!)
Making turkey bone broth is super simple, and you can do it in a variety of ways. Here’s how to make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker or an instant pot!
1) Add the turkey carcass (bones and skin) to a large dutch oven or stockpot (you may need to break them down into smaller parts to fit). Cover with filtered cold water, around 3 quarts or 12 cups. Add in apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a low simmer for 10-12 hours.
2) If adding in garlic and vegetables, add them to your slow cooker 1 hour before finishing.
3) If using additional herbs, place them in 30 minutes before finishing cooking.
4) Once finished, season with sea salt, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or strainer into a large bowl or container. Quickly cool with an ice bath to room temp (see tips under storage) then transfer into wide mouth glass jars. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze.
1) Add the turkey carcass (including skin and fat) to your slow cooker (you may need to break them down into smaller parts to fit). Cover with filtered cold water, around 3 quarts or 12 cups, then add in apple cider vinegar.
2) Cook on low heat for 7 hours, then add in vegetables and garlic if using and cook for 1 hour (cook 8 hours total).
3) Add in herbs, if using, the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4) Once finished, season with sea salt, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or strainer into bowls or containers. Quickly cool via an ice bath (see tips under storage) and transfer into wide mouth glass jars. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze.
1) Add the turkey carcass (including skin and fat) to your instant pot. Cover with filtered cold water, around 3 quarts or 12 cups, then add in apple cider vinegar, and optional vegetables and garlic.
2) Seal and pressure cook manually on high for 120 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally.
3) Open and toss in the herbs, allowing them to steep for 10 minutes.
4) Once finished, season with sea salt, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or strainer and quickly cool via an ice bath (see tips under storage). Transfer into wide mouth glass jars. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze.
*Please note, this method will not be as effective as using the stovetop or slow cooker as you really need to simmer it low and slow for hours to obtain the ideal bone broth texture and taste. That being said it’s still a relatively good alternative if short on time.
How to Make Roast Turkey Bone Broth on the Stove Top – Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
FAQ
What is turkey bone broth used for?
Consider freezing the broth and using it to make turkey gravy. You can also use it in place of water when cooking rice, beans, or braising vegetables.Oct 2, 2023
What to do with my turkey broth?
Seriously, it can be used in just about any way you use chicken or vegetable stock. From turkey noodle soup to turkey pot pie, there are so many ways to use it. Turkey stock freezes wonderfully well.
What to do with turkey bones after making bone broth?
“Don’t throw away the turkey bones after you’ve demolished your bird! Save them to make a fantastic turkey stock, which you can then use to flavor all sorts of soups and gravies. After you strain the stock you can freeze it in small Tupperware tubs, or even in ice cube trays, very handy to have in the kitchen!”
What can you do with bone broth?
Using as a base for soups & stews Bone broth is great for quick chicken noodle soup! I keep bone broth on hand in the freezer or fridge. I also try and keep pre-cooked chunked or shredded chicken on hand as well leftover from a roast chicken. Then it’s easy to throw together a quick soup!