Bone broth has gained a well-deserved reputation as a nourishing, flavorful, and versatile addition to your kitchen. Whether you’re sipping it for its health benefits or using it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, homemade bone broth is a game-changer. It’s rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that can support everything from gut health to joint function. While store-bought versions are available, nothing beats the deep, savory flavor of a batch made from scratch. In this post, I’ll show you how to make your own homemade bone broth, step by step, so you can enjoy its countless benefits without leaving your kitchen.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones (often beef, chicken, or turkey) along with vegetables, herbs, and spices over an extended period of time, typically 12-24 hours. The slow simmering process breaks down the collagen and marrow in the bones, releasing beneficial minerals, amino acids, and gelatin into the broth. This results in a flavorful, hearty liquid that’s commonly used in soups, stews, or sipped on its own as a warming, nourishing drink.
Bone broth has been around for thousands of years and can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The practice of making broth by simmering bones to extract nutrients is believed to have originated with early humans who utilized every part of an animal for food. Some of the earliest records of bone broth use come from ancient cultures like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
In ancient Egypt, bone-based broths were part of their daily diet, believed to have health benefits, and were even used in religious offerings. Similarly, the Greeks and Romans valued broth as a source of nourishment and medicinal remedy, with famous figures like Hippocrates recommending it for its healing properties.
In many other cultures, bone broth became a staple food, especially in times when food resources were limited. It was used for both practical and medicinal purposes, providing essential nutrients from bones and connective tissue, which were often not otherwise consumed.
So, people have been making and using bone broth for at least several millennia, primarily for its nutritional value and therapeutic qualities.
The Bennefits
Bone broth is often praised for its health benefits, thanks to the nutrients it provides. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Supports Joint Health: Bone broth is rich in collagen, which breaks down into gelatin when simmered. Gelatin contains amino acids like proline and glycine, which are important for supporting healthy joints, reducing inflammation, and possibly helping to reduce the symptoms of joint pain or arthritis.
- Improves Gut Health: The gelatin in bone broth is also beneficial for gut health. It helps to repair the lining of the digestive tract, which can be helpful for people with leaky gut or digestive issues like IBS. The amino acids also support the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
- Boosts Immune Function: Bone broth contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which support overall immune function. The amino acids like arginine and glutamine found in the broth may also help modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation.
- Promotes Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails: Collagen, which is abundant in bone broth, plays a major role in skin elasticity and hydration. Regular consumption may improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Collagen also supports the health of hair and nails.
- Supports Detoxification: The amino acids in bone broth, particularly glycine, help the liver in detoxifying and processing waste products. This can contribute to overall detoxification and better liver health.
- Improves Sleep and Reduces Stress: Bone broth is a source of glycine, an amino acid that may have calming effects on the brain. Some studies suggest that glycine can improve sleep quality and help with relaxation, potentially reducing stress levels.
- Provides Protein and Minerals: Bone broth is a good source of protein and essential minerals, especially if it’s made with a variety of bones (like marrow or feet) that contain a higher concentration of nutrients. It’s an easy way to boost your intake of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other vital nutrients without consuming dairy or processed supplements.
- Aids in Weight Loss: Because bone broth is rich in protein and low in calories, it can help you feel full and satisfied, making it a great addition to weight-loss diets. Additionally, its amino acids may help to regulate metabolism.
Bone broth is considered a nourishing food that offers more than just comfort—it’s loaded with nutrients that can support overall health. However, it’s worth noting that the benefits can vary depending on the ingredients used and the length of time the broth is simmered.
Making Bone Broth at Home
Making bone broth at home is incredibly simple and offers several advantages over store-bought versions. Making it at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring you’re using high-quality, hormone-free, or grass-fed bones, which are often lacking in store-bought varieties. Homemade bone broth is also free from preservatives, added sugars, or unnecessary additives that are commonly found in packaged versions. Plus, it’s cost-effective, as you can use leftover bones from roasted meats, and the long cooking time ensures maximum extraction of nutrients. The end result is a healthier, more flavorful broth that’s packed with nutrients and free from the artificial ingredients often found in store-bought options. As a hunting family, we strive to make the most of every part of the animal. Utilizing the bones from deer, elk, moose, turkey, and game birds is just one more way we honor the whole animal and ensure nothing goes to waste.
Making bone broth at home is not only rewarding but also deeply satisfying. There’s something special about watching simple ingredients transform into a rich, nourishing liquid over time. Knowing you’re creating something both comforting and health-boosting, adds an extra layer of joy to the process. It’s a sense of accomplishment to see how much you can get out of something as simple as leftover bones, and the result feels like a gift you’ve made with your own hands. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your broth and that it’s made with care makes it all the more enjoyable.
What You’ll Need:
- Bones (beef, chicken, turkey, or wild game)
- Vegetables (onion, carrots, celery)
- Herbs and spices (garlic, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, etc.)
- Acid (apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, etc.)
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choosing Your Bones:
- Marrow bones are the large bones from animals, typically beef, that contain a soft, fatty substance known as bone marrow. Marrow is found in the center of the bone, particularly in the long bones like the femur or shank. It’s a rich source of nutrients, including healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and collagen.
- Chicken bones make a fantastic bone broth. I like to save several carcasses in the freezer and do large batches of chicken broth at a time.
Raw bones from larger animals can be cut down into smaller pieces. The smaller you cut them the more marrow is exposed and easier to extract. These bones can also be roasted in your oven for enhanced flavor and maximum nutrient extraction.
2. Prep the Veggies: addition of vegetables to your broth is an option that adds additional nutrients and improves the overall flavor of your broth
- Chop onion, carrots, and celery into large pieces (no need to peel them, just wash). I like to keep a bag in my freezer and add end pieces of carrots, onions, celery that I would otherwise toss into the compost.
- Optionally, you can roast the vegetables to deepen the flavor of the broth
3.Fill the Pot:
- Place your bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker, instant pot, or pressure cooker (time to cook will be much shorter for an instant pot or pressure cooker)
- Add your vegetables, herbs, and spices. I choose to keep my broths very simple in flavor. Excluding salts and aromatics like garlic, onions, or herbs from your bone broth gives you the flexibility to use it in a wider range of dishes. By keeping the base neutral, you can easily incorporate the broth into both savory and even some sweet recipes without worrying about overpowering flavors. When you’re ready to use the broth, you can season it or add aromatics based on the dish you’re making, whether it’s a rich soup, a risotto, or a sauce. This approach ensures your broth remains versatile, and you’re able to customize the flavor profile for each meal, rather than being limited by pre-seasoned broth. Plus, it lets you control the amount of salt and seasoning, which is especially helpful if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- Pour in water to cover the bones, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from the bones).
4. Simmer:
- Bring the broth to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. If you’re using a stovetop, let it simmer for 12-24 hours. If using a slow cooker, let it go for 24 hours or more. If you are using an instant pot or pressure cooker (my preferred method) pressure cook the bones for about 2 hours and allow a natural release and cool in the pot.
I will warn you while bone broth is packed with nutrients and flavor, the smell while it’s simmering can sometimes be a bit off-putting, especially during the initial stages of cooking. As the bones break down and release their collagen and marrow, it can produce a strong, somewhat gamey odor that might not be very pleasant to everyone. However, this smell typically fades as the broth continues to cook and the flavors deepen. If you’re concerned about the smell, you can try adding some aromatic herbs or spices, like bay leaves, thyme, or peppercorns, to help mask or balance out the odor. Some people find that a splash of vinegar can also help neutralize any off smells.
- Skim the surface occasionally to remove impurities and foam.
- The longer you simmer on the stove top or slow cooker, the more flavorful and rich your broth will be.
5. Strain and Store:
- Once the broth has reached the desired richness, allow it to cool and strain out the bones and vegetables using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Let the broth cool. I place my broth into a large container and place it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once the broth has completely cooled you will find that the fat will have hardened on the top layer of your broth. Personally, I do not care for the smell or flavor of the fat. So, while it is perfectly safe to consume I always scrape off and discard the hardened fat at this point. I find that removing the fat allows the end product to have minimal flavor and smell. It is also safer to remove the fat for canning purposes.
- When bone broth is properly simmered for a long enough period, the nutrients, collagen, and gelatin from the bones are fully extracted. Once the broth has been strained and allowed to cool in the fridge, it should naturally gel as the gelatin solidifies. This gel-like consistency is a sign that the broth is rich in collagen, which is a key indicator of a well-made, nourishing broth. The gelling effect not only adds to the texture but also means you’re getting all the beneficial nutrients from the bones, making it even more nutritious and satisfying.
- Then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days, freeze it for longer storage, or you can can the broth for a shelf-stable product that will last several years.
After making a large batch of bone broth I prefer to can my homemade broth. Home-canned bone broth, when properly sealed and stored, can last for about 1 to 2 years in a cool, dark place. However, it’s crucial to follow safe home canning practices to avoid spoilage or contamination. Make sure to pressure can the broth (since it’s low in acid) to ensure it’s sealed properly and free of bacteria. If the jar seal is intact and there are no signs of spoilage (like bulging lids or foul smells), the broth should stay safe to consume for up to a year or more.
Once you open a jar of home-canned bone broth, refrigerate it and use it within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety.
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Add-Ins: Experiment with different herbs, vegetables, and spices to find your perfect flavor.
- Bones and Collagen: For an extra collagen boost, use parts like chicken feet or beef knuckles.
How to Use Bone Broth
Bone broth is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor and nutrients to your meals. Here are some ideas:
- Soup Base: Bone broth makes an excellent base for soups and stews, enhancing the flavor and adding depth to the dish.
- Cooking Grains: Use bone broth to cook rice, quinoa, or other grains for an extra layer of flavor and nutrients.
- Sauces & Gravies: Bone broth can be incorporated into gravies, sauces, and reductions to provide richness and body, such as in a savory brown sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce.
- Sipping: Simply heat up a mug of bone broth on its own for a nourishing and comforting drink. It’s particularly satisfying when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a cozy pick-me-up.
- Ramen or Noodle Dishes: Use bone broth as the base for ramen, pho, or other noodle dishes, adding flavor and nutrition to the broth and making the meal more filling.
- Mashed Potatoes: Use bone broth instead of milk or cream when making mashed potatoes for a richer, heartier flavor.
- Vegetable or Meat Braising: Use bone broth to braise vegetables or meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It adds moisture and flavor as the ingredients cook slowly.
- Smoothies: For a savory smoothie, you can blend a small amount of bone broth with leafy greens, avocado, and a bit of seasoning.
- Gravy: Bone broth is perfect for making homemade gravy. Combine it with a roux (butter and flour) for a rich, flavorful addition to roasted meats or mashed potatoes.
- Casseroles & Bakes: Add bone broth to casseroles or baked dishes like lasagna to make them more moist and flavorful.
- Egg Dishes: Bone broth can be incorporated into scrambled eggs or omelets for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Risotto: Use bone broth in place of regular stock or water to make a creamy, flavorful risotto.
- Pasta Dishes: Use bone broth to create a quick and delicious sauce for pasta, or cook the pasta directly in it for added flavor.
With its rich, savory taste and high nutritional value, bone broth can be incorporated into almost any dish, providing both flavor and health benefits!
Homemade bone broth is a simple, cost-effective way to elevate your meals and provide a boost of nutrition. It’s easy to make, using leftover bones and basic ingredients, and can be customized to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re using it as a base for soups, stews, or even sipping it on its own, the health benefits it offers are undeniable. I encourage you to give it a try and experiment with your own variations—whether adding different herbs, spices, or using a mix of bones. The process is rewarding, and once you experience the richness and depth homemade bone broth brings to your cooking, you’ll never look back!
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