Slow Cooker Turkey Stock

Nov 25, 2023

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Don’t throw away those turkey bones and make a rich flavorful turkey stock in the slow cooker, use this stock for soups and stews. Also, this is delicious as a turkey bone broth to sip on.

Broths and stocks are simple to make in the slow cooker. Try my slow cooker chicken stock if you need a chicken version. Also, try my Beef Bone Broth next time you have beef bones. We love to use use crockpot turkey stock in slow cooker turkey and dumplings.

Have you ever tried whipping up some homemade magic with that leftover turkey carcass in the form of Slow Cooker Turkey Broth? I used to think it would be a bit of a hassle, but turns out, it’s a piece of cake. And guess what? You probably already have most of the stuff you need in your fridge and pantry! Also, try my slow cooker chicken stock recipe if you have a chicken carcass.

Letting those leftover turkey bones, meat, and veggies mingle in the slow cooker is like creating liquid gold. The result? A rich and hearty turkey broth with a flavor profile that’s deep and downright amazing – perfect for crafting some delicious homemade soup.

I was in the kitchen, and my husband strolls in, teasing me about turning into my Grandma and not letting anything go to waste. But you know what? It’s not just about being frugal; it’s about whipping up some top-notch liquid gold for our homemade soups!

And let me tell you, this crock pot turkey stock is a game-changer. It’s a versatile base for all sorts of goodies like soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. Adds that extra oomph and richness to your dishes, making them taste out-of-this-world good.

Recipe Ingredients

turkey pieces, vegetables, bay leaves, peppercorns and water on a table.

Turkey carcass (bones): Start by carefully removing all the leftover turkey meat and set it aside for later use. Toss in the turkey body, drumstick bones, and wings into the mix. Even if the wing meat seems a bit overdone, it’s all good—it adds a nice depth to the flavor.
Vegetables: Throw in a mix of veggies to amp up the flavor. Carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and fresh parsley will team up to give your broth a tasty and aromatic kick. Feel free to use any vegeatble scraps you have on hand.
Bay Leaves: Don’t forget to add a couple of bay leaves—they’re like the secret ingredient that adds a subtle piney flavor, taking your homemade stock to the next level.
Peppercorns: Go for whole peppercorns to give your broth a gentle peppery vibe. Using these instead of ground pepper keeps your broth clear and free of those little pepper specks.
Water: Pour in enough water to cover everything, but make sure to leave about half an inch of space at the top. This helps prevent any messy spills, especially if your slow cooker tends to run hot. It ensures a smooth cooking process while keeping your broth looking clear and delicious.

Step-by-Step Directions

Turkey pieces, parsley, carrots, celery, onion, water and bay leaves in a slow cooker

Step One – Fill half of the slow cooker with the roasted turkey carcass pieces. Add the vegetables, peppercorns, and bay leaf.

Step Two – Pour over the water, but leave an inch of room at the top.

Step Three – The longer this cooks, the better and richer flavor your stock will have. Cook on LOW for 12 hours. Keeping the lid on the entire time. You can cook longer if desired; I’ve heard of others cooking stock for 16+ hours. Of course, you’ll want to check on your pot and make sure there is plenty of liquid throughout the cooking time if you cook for a long duration.

cooked turkey stock with veggies and bones still in it.

Recipe FAQs

How many cups of stock does this make?

I can not give an exact amount of how many cups of stock this makes. It depends on how much water is added to your slow cooker, along with the other ingredients. You can estimate how much your batch will make by measuring the cups of water added.

Should I add salt to my stock?

I do not add salt to my stock. Instead, I add salt to the recipe I use the stock in; that way, I can control how much salt is in my soup recipe.

How do I store turkey stock?

Refrigerate and use within a few days. Or place into freezer-safe containers leaving an inch of room at the top to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months—Thaw in the fridge before use.

4 jars of turkey stock on a white table.

Soups to use up this stock:

You can use this stock in turkey, chicken, or ham soup (or even slow cooker baked potato soup); here are my favorite ways to use it. Or you can heat and sip this soup; it’s basically turkey bone broth! You can use this homemade turkey stock in place of chicken broth or chicken stock.

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