Turning Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey into Nourishing Bone Broth 🦃🍲

 Thanksgiving is over, but the delicious possibilities of your holiday feast are far from done! If you’ve got a leftover turkey carcass sitting in your kitchen, don’t toss it—turn it into a pot of rich, nourishing bone broth. This simple and sustainable practice makes use of every part of your turkey while creating a versatile base for soups, stews, or sipping on its own.

At Timber Lake Bluff, we love finding ways to extend the bounty of our meals, and making bone broth is a cozy, homestead-approved tradition. It’s packed with nutrients, simple to make, and a perfect way to savor every bit of that holiday bird. Here’s how you can transform your leftovers into a homemade pantry staple.

What Makes Turkey Bone Broth So Good for You?

Bone broth isn’t just delicious—it’s a powerhouse of health benefits:

1. Rich in Collagen: Collagen from the bones breaks down into gelatin, which supports skin, joints, and gut health.
2. Loaded with Nutrients: It’s full of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals.
3. Boosts Immunity: Bone broth is known for its immune-boosting properties, making it a comforting remedy during cold and flu season.
4. Gut-Friendly: The amino acids in bone broth, like glycine and glutamine, support digestive health.
5. Hydration: Warm and soothing, bone broth is an excellent way to hydrate during cooler months.

How to Make Turkey Bone Broth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making turkey bone broth is surprisingly easy and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra herbs and veggies from your Thanksgiving meal prep.

Ingredients:

1. 1 leftover turkey carcass (bones, skin, and any scraps)
2. 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
3. 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
4. 1 large onion, quartered (leave the skin on for extra color)
5. 3–4 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
6. 2–3 sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley
7. 1–2 bay leaves
8. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps extract nutrients from the bones)
9. 10–12 cups of water (enough to cover the bones)
10. Salt and pepper to taste (add at the end for better control)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carcass:
2. Break the turkey carcass into smaller pieces so it fits into your pot or slow cooker. Leave any skin, cartilage, and bits of meat attached—these add flavor and nutrition.
3. Combine Ingredients:
4. Place the carcass in a large stockpot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. Add the vegetables, herbs, garlic, and bay leaves.
5. Add Water and Vinegar:
6. Pour in enough water to cover the bones by about 2 inches. Add apple cider vinegar—this helps draw minerals from the bones into the broth.
7. Simmer Low and Slow:
8. Stockpot: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–24 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
9. Slow Cooker: Set on low and cook for 12–24 hours.
10. Instant Pot: Pressure cook on high for 2 hours, then allow natural pressure release.
11. Strain the Broth:
12. Once done, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the solids.
13. Cool and Store:
14. Let the broth cool completely. Skim off any fat that solidifies on the surface (optional). Store in jars or freezer-safe containers.

How to Use Your Turkey Bone Broth

Turkey bone broth is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for putting it to good use:

1. Sip It Hot: Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a soothing, nutrient-rich drink.
2. Make Soups and Stews: Use it as the base for hearty soups, like turkey and vegetable soup or turkey chili.
3. Cook Grains: Use it instead of water to cook rice, quinoa, or couscous for extra flavor.
4. Freeze for Later: Freeze in silicone ice cube trays or small containers for easy portioning.

Recipe: Leftover Turkey & Vegetable Soup 🍲

Here’s a quick and delicious way to turn your bone broth into a meal:

Ingredients:

1. 6 cups turkey bone broth
2. 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
3. 1 cup diced carrots
4. 1 cup diced celery
5. 1 cup diced potatoes or sweet potatoes
6. 1 cup cooked rice or noodles (optional)
7. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the bone broth to a gentle boil.
2. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Simmer until vegetables are tender (about 15–20 minutes).
3. Stir in the cooked turkey, rice or noodles, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve hot.

Why Composting the Scraps Matters

After you’ve strained your broth, don’t forget to compost the leftover bones and veggie scraps! Composting closes the loop on your meal, returning nutrients to the soil to grow your next harvest. At Timber Lake Bluff, we believe in making the most of every resource, and composting is a key part of our sustainable gardening practices.

Join the Movement for Sustainable Living

Making turkey bone broth isn’t just a way to stretch your Thanksgiving leftovers—it’s a step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. By repurposing every part of your turkey, you’re reducing waste, saving money, and nourishing your family with a wholesome, homemade staple.

Got your own favorite bone broth tips or recipes? Share them in the comments or tag us in your creations—because at The Blooming Sage, we’re all about sharing ideas that bring health, flavor, and sustainability to your table.

Happy Cooking! 🦃 Let’s turn those leftovers into something truly magical this season.