Did you know that even after Thanksgiving dinner you can still use your Turkey? Instead of tossing it, you can turn it into homemade turkey bone broth. This is a simple, cost-effective way to extract maximum nutrition from your meal while saving money and skipping an extra grocery trip.
Why Turkey Bone Broth Is Worth Making
Bone broth isn’t just a flavorful way to use leftovers—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Slowly simmering a turkey carcass releases:
Collagen and gelatin – Support joint health, skin elasticity, and gut lining integrity.
Amino acids like glycine, proline, and glutamine – Aid in digestion, sleep, and tissue repair.
Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium – Essential for bone strength, heart function, and overall wellness.
Protein – Adds a subtle, savory boost to your diet without extra fat or carbs.
Homemade bone broth also allows you to control sodium and avoid preservatives found in store-bought versions. Each cup is a nutrient-rich addition to your daily routine, perfect for sipping or using in cooking.
Ingredients
1 leftover turkey carcass, including any remaining bones, wings, or neck
12–16 cups water (enough to cover the carcass)
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Carcass:
Remove any leftover meat (save it for sandwiches or salads). Break up larger bones if needed to fit your pot.Simmer Slowly:
Place the carcass in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Cover with water and add a splash of apple cider vinegar if using.Stovetop: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Simmer 8–12 hours.
Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 12–24 hours.
Strain and Store:
Remove the carcass and strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve. Let cool before transferring to airtight containers. Broth will keep up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Tips for a Richer, More Nourishing Broth
Roast First: Optional, but roasting your carcass at 400°F for 20–30 minutes adds deeper flavor.
Season Later: Add salt after simmering to maintain flexibility in how you use your broth.
Freeze Portions: Ice cube trays are perfect for small servings you can easily add to recipes or sip straight.
The Benefits of Making Your Own Bone Broth
Saves Money: Homemade broth costs just pennies compared to store-bought cartons.
Reduces Waste: Every bit of your turkey is used, making your holiday meal more sustainable.
Convenient & Versatile: Skip another grocery store run—your broth is ready whenever you need it.
Nutritionally Rich: Supports joint, gut, and skin health while providing essential minerals and protein.
By turning your turkey carcass into bone broth, you’re unlocking every bit of nutrition from your meal in a way that’s simple, cost-effective, and deeply nourishing.
If you want a recipe for a delicious bone broth soup check out our recipe for Lemon Chicken Soup. Sub out the chicken with your leftover turkey to save some time!