Slow Cooker Turkey Broth from your 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?
Slow cooker turkey broth couldnt be easier to make. Save your turkey carcass and vegetable scraps and add them to your slow cooker along with some seasonings.
You want to be moderate on the seasoning when making homemade stocks. The reason is that when you add broth to make homemade soup, adding more ingredients can overpower the flavor.
Avoid using cabbage and turnips in the turkey broth. They will overwhelm the flavor of the stock.
Make sure to add 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 can make the bone broth.
When you only need a little stock, you can freeze turkey bone broth in ice cube trays. After the ice cubes freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
If youre making this bone broth to add to your dogs food, leave out the onions and garlic.
Making turkey stock in a crockpot is one of the easiest ways to get rich, flavorful homemade broth from your leftover turkey bones. While stovetop turkey stock requires monitoring and stirring, using a crockpot lets you just walk away while it simmers for hours, extracting all the nutrients and flavors.
The process only requires a few simple ingredients beyond the turkey carcass. Here is a step-by-step guide to making incredible turkey stock in a crockpot with minimal effort for Thanksgiving or any time you have turkey bones handy.
Benefits of Crockpot Turkey Stock
There are several advantages to using a slow cooker for homemade turkey broth:
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Hands-off cooking Once the ingredients go into the crockpot, no further monitoring or effort is needed It cooks low and slow by itself for up to 12 hours.
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Fuller flavor The long cooking time draws out more rich, concentrated turkey flavor from the bones
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Convenience: You can prep it at night and wake up to ready-to-use turkey stock. No need to watch a simmering pot.
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Budget-friendly: Uses leftover bones and scraps that would otherwise get discarded. The flavor rivals store-bought stock.
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Versatile uses: The stock makes an amazing base for turkey soup, gravy, risotto, stew and more. It also freezes beautifully.
Ingredients Needed
Turkey stock is simple to make with just a few ingredients:
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Turkey carcass and bones: This forms the base flavor. Neck, wings, back, legs work well.
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Aromatic vegetables: Onion, carrot, celery provide a savory backbone. Garlic, leeks, herbs and tomato paste also work.
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Herbs and spices: Bay leaves, peppercorns, parsley, thyme, allspice berries add depth.
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Apple cider vinegar: Helps draw minerals and gelatin from the bones (1-2 Tbsp).
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Water: Enough cold water to cover bones by 1-2 inches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for amazing crockpot turkey broth:
Prep the Ingredients
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Chop aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery into large pieces. Smash unpeeled garlic cloves.
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Rinse turkey bones under water and pat dry with paper towels. Break down large bones as needed.
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Optional: Roast bones and vegetables at 400°F for 30 mins for deeper flavor and color.
Assemble in the Crockpot
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Place turkey bones into the crockpot. Pile them in leaving space for liquid.
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Add chopped veggies, garlic cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns and any other herbs.
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Pour in enough cold water to cover bones by 1 inch below the rim.
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Add 1-2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Cook the Stock
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Cook on LOW setting for 8-12 hours. Longer time equals more extraction.
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Occasionally skim away foam and fat from the surface with a spoon.
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Taste and season with salt and pepper at the end if needed. Go easy at first.
Finish and Store
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Strain stock through a mesh sieve into a large bowl or pot. Discard solids.
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Let cool, then portion into containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 4 months.
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Remove the solidified fat layer before use. Then use as broth base in your favorite recipes!
Turkey Stock Crockpot Tips
Follow these tips for best results:
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Use bones with connective tissue like necks, wings, and drumsticks for gelatin.
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Roast bones/veggies first for deeper color and caramelized flavor (optional).
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Simmer stock for a full 12 hours on low to extract the most flavor and nutrition.
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Add chicken feet or pig trotters to boost collagen content (optional).
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Use a 6+ quart crockpot to fit bones. Break up the carcass as needed.
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Keep liquid level 1-2 inches below rim to prevent boiling over.
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Skim fat/foam occasionally for a clearer broth.
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Add salt only at the end to control level. Stock may already be somewhat salty.
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Strain well through cheesecloth before use or freezing for pure stock.
FAQs
How long does crockpot turkey stock take?
8-12 hours on LOW yields the best flavor extraction. Maximum time is 24 hours.
Does the stock need salt and pepper?
You can add them to taste at the end, but it’s better unseasoned for versatile uses later.
What’s the best way to use crockpot turkey stock?
Soups, gravies, stews, risotto and sauces! Also drink as a nourishing hot broth.
Can you freeze crockpot turkey stock?
Yes, it freezes beautifully for 4-6 months. Portion into sealed freezer bags or containers.
Is a whole turkey too big for crockpot stock?
You may need to break down the carcass a bit with kitchen shears but it can fit!
Recipes to Use Turkey Stock
Homemade crockpot turkey stock is the perfect base for many dishes:
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Classic turkey noodle soup
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Pot pies
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Risotto
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Gravy
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Sauces
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Chili
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Stews like beef bourguignon
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Congee
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Any recipe calling for chicken or turkey broth
Conclusion
Making turkey stock in the crockpot extracts incredible flavor and nutrition from leftover bones with zero effort. Just toss the ingredients in and walk away! Use this easy method for rich, nourishing homemade turkey broth to elevate your soups, stews, gravies and more. With the right preparation, ingredients, and cook times, you’ll have delicious turkey stock ready for anything.
How long does the broth last in the refrigerator?
When properly stored, this turkey bone broth recipe will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when properly stored.
Ways to Use Turkey Stock
Turkey bone broth is versatile and can be used in various ways to enhance dishes with its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. Here are some different ways to use turkey bone broth:
- Soups and Stews: Use turkey bone broth as a base for soups liketurkey noodle soup, vegetable soup, turkey chili, or hearty stews. The broth adds depth and savory notes to the dish.
- Risotto or Rice Dishes: When cooking risotto or rice, substitute water or regular broth with turkey bone broth. This adds a delicious turkey flavor and makes the dish more nutritious.
- Gravy: Use the broth to make flavorful gravy for roasted turkey or mashed potatoes. It enhances gravy with a richer taste.
- Braising and Braised Dishes: Use turkey bone broth to braise meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. The broth adds moisture and infuses the meat with its savory flavors.
- Sauce and Reductions: Reduce turkey bone broth to create a concentrated sauce or glaze for roasted meats or vegetables. It adds depth to the dish.
- Cooking Legumes: Use turkey bone broth instead of water when cooking dried beans or lentils. It enhances the beans’ flavor.
- Drinking Broth: Enjoy turkey broth as a nourishing beverage. Season with salt and pepper, or add herbs for extra flavor.
- Freezing for Future Use: Freeze turkey bone broth in ice cube trays or larger containers for later use in recipes. It’s convenient to have on hand whenever you need a flavorful broth.
