How to make turkey stock- this is the perfect way to use up every last bit of your turkey. Homemade stock has so much flavor and is packed full of nutrients!
Once the turkey dinner is over, it’s time to get rolling on that homemade turkey stock!
I will admit that sometimes it takes a little push to get me back in the kitchen, but homemade turkey stock is so simple to prepare, you can return to your turkey coma in no time! I’m always glad I made the effort to make this turkey stock recipe from the carcass.
Not only is homemade turkey stock perfect to use up in soup (like the leftover turkey detox soup I’ll be posting tomorrow), but it has so. much. flavor. It really puts the store bought stuff to shame!
Reasons to love this leftover turkey stock recipe
- you can use up the whole turkey carcass
- it is nutrient-dense, hydrating and helps battle off a cold
- it’s the perfect post-turkey-dinner detox
MY LATEST VIDEOSHow to make turkey stock
This turkey stock recipe is really kind of a ‘non-recipe’, because you can take what you happen to have and throw it in. I like to save the veggie scraps while I’m prepping turkey dinner and stash them in the freezer. I store vegetable peels, leftover herbs, the ends of celery and onions, etc.
Here’s how to make turkey stock:
- get a LARGE stockpot- if you have 8-12 quarts, that’s great! If, like me, you don’t own one, you can use two smaller 4 quart pots.
- Fill with turkey bones- I recommend 2 lbs at least.
- add leftover herbs and veggie scraps. You can supplement with carrot, celery and onion as well.
- cover with water (roughly 8 cups)
- simmer for 2 hours- I leave the lid ajar so it doesn’t over-reduce
- cool, then strain off the solids and collect the liquid
Can I use the giblets and neck when making this turkey stock recipe? Absolutely! You can stash them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to get making turkey stock.
Is turkey stock good for you? Yes! Turkey stock is full of vitamins and minerals from the turkey, veggies and herbs. It’s great to support your immune system, which is why stock or broth are traditionally offered when you’re sick.
Does turkey stock contain collagen? If you want collagen-rich bone broth, check out this Leftover Turkey Bone Broth (Instant Pot) recipe! In order to extract collagen from the joints and bones of the turkey, you must either simmer it for an incredibly long amount of time, or you can use a pressure cooker.
How long is this turkey stock recipe good for? I would keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days. Longer than that, freeze it!
How can I use this turkey stock recipe up? You can use this turkey stock recipe in SO many different ways!
- sip it
- make it into soup (stay tuned for my leftover turkey detox soup recipe!)
- to cook your rice or grains
- use it in a casserole
- to any pureed foods for a baby
Recipes to use your homemade turkey stock
- One of these 7 Easy Rice Recipes, or this Cranberry Almond Rice Pilaf
- Anti-Inflammatory Broccoli, Ginger & Turmeric Soup, Thai Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup, Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
- In this Baked Ravioli with Butternut Squash
- in this Creamy Parmesan Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower recipe
- in this Sundried Tomato Chickpea Pasta recipe
Tips & Equipment for leftover turkey stock
- I have my eye on this 8 quart stockpot
- Storage- I used 2 quart mason jars (yes, I freeze right in the jars, just leave 1/4 of the volume empty so there’s room for it to expand!). If you’d prefer, I also like these re-usable Bernardin Plastic Freezer Jars
- Looking for more “how to” recipes? Check out these Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs, this post on How to Bake Sweet Potatoes and How to Cook Perfect Rice
(yes, I freeze right in the jars, just leave 1/4 of the volume empty so there’s room for it to expand!). If you’d prefer, I also like these re-usable 
How to make turkey stock- this is the perfect way to use up every last bit of your turkey. Homemade stock has so much flavor and is packed full of nutrients!
- 1-2 lbs turkey bones
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 celery rib chopped coarsely
- 1 carrot chopped coarsely
- 1 onion quartered
- scraps from turkey dinner prep: carrot peels celery leaves, etc.
- leftover herbs from turkey dinner prep
- 8 cups water or to cover all ingredients
Combine all ingredients in a 8-12 quart stockpot (or you can divide this between two 4 quart pots).
Simmer (partially covered) for 2 hours. Add more water as needed to keep ingredients covered.
Cool slightly, then pour through a colander, collecting the turkey stock in a large bowl or a jar. Toss all solids in the compost.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months
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