How to make Turkey Stock (2024)

Don’t throw away your turkey carcass! Turn it into a flavorful turkey broth that can be used in soups, sauces and gravies. I’ve got a great method for getting maximum flavor!

Turkey Carcass Stock: stock made from turkey bones!

Every year after the holidays, I make homemade turkey broth. I love using it in different recipes and will often use it in place of chicken broth. Roasting the bones intensifies the flavors and adds beautiful color to the broth.

Making broth is a low and slow process. You just want to simmer your broth and not boil it. The simmering helps break down all the ingredients and brings out the best flavors. Simmering also helps keep your broth clear and not cloudy.

Once your broth is made, you can use it right away, store it in the freezer or make it shelf stable by pressure canning it.

Turkey Broth Ingredients

• Turkey Bones - Use the whole carcass, legs, and wings. It's okay to have some meat left on the bones. I also use any skin leftover and any little bits left behind.
• Onion - Use the onion skin and any trimmings or use a whole onion
• Garlic - You'll use a whole head of garlic. I like to slice it in half through the center
• Celery - Use the tops or use a couple of celery stalks
• Carrots - Whole carrots. No need to peel them, just wash them well
• Seasoning - Bay leaves, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, black peppercorns, red peppercorns (optional)

How to make Turkey Stock

1. Place bones and carcass in a roasting pan. Place in a 350°F oven for 30-45 minutes until nicely browned

2. Put roasted turkey bones into a large stockpot along with all other ingredients
3. Fill pot with cool water

4. Heat over low heat until it comes to a simmer
5. Simmer for 4-8 hours. If water runs too low, replace it with hot water
6. Remove large bones and strain stock. Cool in the refrigerator and remove any fat that is floating on the top.

Recipe tips

• This recipe is very forgiving. Add what you have and don't worry too much about the measurements of each ingredient
• Cook over low heat and try to avoid boiling, just allow it to simmer
• You can simmer anywhere between 4-8 hours. The longer you cook it, the richer the broth becomes.
• Keep the bones covered with water. If needed add additional hot water throughout cooking time.
• If you prefer a very clear broth, first strain in a colander and then strain a second time using a fine mesh strainer. I usually just strain once, which leaves a few small particles in the broth.

How long does turkey broth last in the fridge

Use within 3-5 days or freeze or pressure can the remaining broth

How to freeze turkey stock

If you make a large pot of turkey broth, you'll probably end up with extra broth. Freezing the broth is a great way to preserve it.

• Choose freezer safe containers
• Leave a bit of headspace for the broth to expand when frozen
• Label contents and date
• Freeze for up to a year
• To use, simply thaw and add to a recipe

How to can turkey broth

When I have time, I like to can my turkey broth. This makes the broth shelf stable and is ready to use at any time.

Canning turkey broth requires a pressure canner and follows the same steps as my canned chicken broth.

1. Fill canning jar with hot broth leaving a 1 inch headspace
2. Wipe down rim of jar and add a lid and ring
3. Place jar in pressure canner filled with 2 inches of simmering water
4. Once all jars are filled, place lid on pressure canner and lock into place
5. Turn up heat and allow steam to vent for 10 minutes. Then place vent cover on and allow pressure to build.
6. Quart jars are processed for 25 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure (adjust pressure for your elevation!) Pint jars are processed for 20 minutes.
7. Allow pressure canner to fully return to zero pressure before opening canner
8. Remove jars and let them fully cool for 12-24 hours before testing seal
9. Once cool, test seal, remove rings and wash outside of jars
10. Label and store in a cool, dark place

What to make with Turkey Stock

Use in any recipe calling for chicken stock or broth.

• Turkey tortilla soup
• Creamy chicken noodle soup - use leftover turkey and the turkey broth
• Turkey pot pie
• Wild rice stuffing

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my delicious soup recipes!

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