One of my favorite things about cooking for the holidays is the leftovers. Our Thanksgiving tradition is to roast a turkey much larger than we need for our Thanksgiving dinner and use our turkey leftovers to make turkey tetrazzini and turkey noodle soup with a homemade turkey broth.
As I don’t roast turkeys too often, I always make sure to make turkey broth from the leftover turkey bones. Homemade turkey broth is far more flavorful than anything you can find in stores and is very simple to make. As an added bonus, it makes your house smell amazing while it’s simmering.
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What is Turkey Broth
Turkey broth is made by combining turkey, almost always on the bones but can be by itself, with carrots, celery, onions (often referred to as mirepoix), aromatic spices (bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, sage, peppercorns, garlic and parsley) and water. This combined broth is then simmered on low heat for anywhere from 2-4 hours.
What’s the Difference Between Turkey Broth and Turkey Stock
Broth and stock are often used interchangeably, especially when making turkey broth. A simple difference between the two is turkey broth is made with turkey meat (often on the bones) where stock is made with turkey bones that have been cleaned of all meat. As most roasted turkey carcasses are not stripped clean of all meat, most of the “turkey stock” recipes out there are actually turkey broth recipes.
Pure stocks are much more common with the meat of larger animals, such as beef, where the meat can be cleanly taken off of the bone.
How to Make Turkey Broth
Making turkey broth is an easy way to use get full use out of your holiday turkey and the results are certainly worth the effort.
1. Add the leftover bones and meat to a large pot. If you still have the giblets and neck you can add as well as they would both help to add flavor to your broth.
2. Add enough water to cover bones along with the remaining ingredients. Gently mix all the ingredients in so everything is soaking in the water.
4. After the broth is done simmering, remove from heat. Remove larger bones and vegetable pieces with a wire strainer or tongs. Then strain the rest of broth into a large bowl.
5. Once the broth has cooled, skim any fat that may have settled on the top of the broth. The broth will last in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to six months.
Turkey Broth Recipe
Savory Turkey Broth Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
Ingredients
- 1 Roasted turkey carcass
- 1 Onion Quartered
- 4 Large carrots Peeled and chopped into 2 inch pieces
- 4 Celery stocks Chopped into 2 inch pieces
- 1 tsp Whole Peppercorns
- 8 Whole cloves of garlic Smashed
- 8 Bay leaves
- 1 Bundle of fresh parsley
- 1/2 Oz Fresh rosemary stocks
- 1/2 Oz. Fresh thyme
- 1/2 Oz. Fresh Sage
- Water Enough to cover everything
Instructions
- Add the leftover turkey bones and meat to a large pot. You may need to break the carcass apart a bit to fit into your pot. If you still have the giblets and neck you can add as well as they would both help to add flavor to your broth.
- Add enough cold water to cover bones. Then add the carrots, celery, onions, spices, and herbs to the pot and gently mix all the ingredients in so everything is soaking in the water.
- Bring the water to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 2-4 hours (the longer the better).
- Once the broth is done simmering, remove larger bones and vegetable pieces with a wire strainer or tongs. Then strain the rest of broth into a large bowl (you may need a couple bowls depending on how large your turkey).
- Allow your broth to cool for a bit at room temperature then put in the fridge overnight.
- The next morning, remove the broth from the fridge and skim any fat that may have floated to the top of the broth.
- Your broth is ready! You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to six months. Enjoy!
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Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between turkey broth and turkey stock?
Turkey broth is made with turkey meat (often still on the bones of a roasted turkey carcass) whereas turkey stock is made with just the bones. Turkey stock and broth are used somewhat interchangeably. As most roasted turkey bones have some meat on them, most “turkey stock” recipes are actually broths.
Is turkey broth gluten-free?
Yes. All of the ingredients found in turkey broth are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Turkey Broth
Using your leftover turkey bones to make a savory broth is an essential part of our holiday cooking plans. Once you try it once, you’ll never go back. We hope that you have found this recipe fun and helpful. Happy cooking!
Check out the following articles for more great recipes:
How to Make Authentic Japanese Dashi
Authentic Miso Ramen: Step-by-Step Instructions
The 15 Best Substitutes for Beef Broth
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