Turn Your Leftover Turkey Into the Best Bone Broth

The Best Turkey Bone Broth Recipe (Slow Cooker Method)

After a delicious turkey dinner, most people throw away the carcass.

That’s actually the best part.

With a slow cooker, you can turn those leftover bones into a rich, deeply flavored bone broth that tastes nothing like the thin boxed versions from the grocery store.

And the process couldn’t be easier.

If you want to learn why long cooking times help extract collagen and minerals from bones, check out our companion article explaining the science behind slow-cooked bone broth. READ MORE HERE

But if you’re ready to make it, here’s the simple method.

Canva- Bone Broth Gel

The Secret to Rich Homemade Bone Broth

One of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking bone broth is stripping every bit of meat from the bones first.

Leaving some meat, skin, and connective tissue on the carcass adds incredible flavor and richness to the broth.

Another helpful trick is adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar, which helps pull minerals and collagen from the bones during the long cooking process.

Slow Cooker Turkey Bone Broth Recipe

Ingredients

1 leftover turkey carcass (bones, skin, and any remaining meat)
Water (enough to completely cover the carcass)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
If the turkey seasoning included rosemary, remove it so it doesn’t make the broth bitter.

Optional additions: (I add whatever I have leftover from the meal)

Onion
Celery
Carrot
Garlic
Herbs

Instructions

Place the entire turkey carcass into a slow cooker. No need to pick the bones clean.
Cover everything with water.
Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
Set the slow cooker to low.
Cook for 24 hours.

The long cooking time allows collagen and minerals to slowly release from the bones, creating a richer broth. It is sooooooo good!

Finishing the Broth

Once the broth is finished cooking:

Remove the carcass and pull off any remaining meat.
Discard the bones.
Remove large chunks of fat and skin.
Strain the broth if desired.

What you’re left with is a golden, nutrient-rich broth that is perfect for soups, sipping, or cooking. You can then freeze in freezer bags, can the broth, or use immediately. (I do a little of each)

Why Homemade Bone Broth Is Worth It

Experts note that bone broth cooked for many hours can release collagen, amino acids, and minerals from bones and connective tissues.
https://www.forbes.com/health/nutrition/bone-broth-benefits/

That’s why homemade broth often becomes thicker and more flavorful, especially when it cools and forms natural gelatin.

And once you taste it, you may never want the boxed version again.