How to Make Bone Broth

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Homemade Bone broth has become very popular in recent years due to its believed health benefits. I researched bone broth during my journey with allergies and healing and started making it. You can READ MORE ABOUT MY STORY HERE. I personally find bone broth soothing, and for me, it seems to improve any digestive discomfort. I like to drink it in the winter months.

Bone broth is made simply by simmering the bones and connective tissues of animals. You make it in a crockpot or instant pot. I use my crockpot since I let mine simmer for at least 12 + hours. It is a nutrient-rich liquid that is used for soups, sauces, and recently as a health drink. Make bone broth in large batches, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze it for up to a few months.

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Homemade Bone Broth

This recipe for nutrient-rich bone broth is simple and allergy-free.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword allergy-free, bone broth, crockpot recipe, healthy, homemade

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 12 hours

Total Time 12 hours 5 minutes

Servings 24

Calories 40kcal

Author Laura Kersting

Equipment

• Standard Crockpot with a lid (6-8 quarts)
• Measuring spoons
• Large Spoon
• Large, mesh, strainer
• Glass containers with lids for storing

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Bones (beef, chicken, turkey, etc.)
• 2 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp. Salt
• 6 quarts Filtered water

Instructions

• Place bones in a 6-8 quart crockpot
• Add 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
• Add 2 teaspoons of salt
• Fill the pot with filtered water almost to the top (about 6 quarts)
• Place the lid on the pot and simmer on low for approximately 12-24 hours.
• When finished, turn off crockpot and cool the broth completely.
• Scoop the bones out with a large spoon and discard.
• Using a mesh strainer, strain the broth into large glass containers. Discard any particles and fragments.
• Place the lids on the containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

Calories are approximate and based on 1 cup serving

OPTIONAL: Add vegetables to your bone broth for extra nutrients and flavor. The most commonly used vegetables are carrots, celery, onions. 

Tip for adding vegetables: Add the vegetables in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Remove the vegetables before storing and serving. 

OTHER ADD-INS: Add in 1/4 tsp each of ginger and/or turmeric for additional health benefits. 

Once you put your bone broth in the refrigerator, as it sits any fat will rise to the top. Remove this layer of fat before serving.

What is Bone Broth Good For?

Bone broth is considered by many as nutritious for various reasons. The broth contains many important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals. The animal bones and connective tissues also contain the protein collagen, which turns into gelatin when it’s cooked and provides important amino acids. The gelatin in bone broth is also believed to support healthy digestion, and it may be beneficial for individuals with digestive problems. The amino acids found in bone broth may help fight inflammation in the body.

The health information in this post is provided for general education purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for a diagnosis and should never be used for specific medical advice. Please consult a health care professional for questions, concerns, or treatment.

Where Can I Get Bones for Bone Broth?

My family buys grass-fed beef from a local farm here in Missouri and I often purchase bones from them. I understand not all families are able to do this. I also use bones from other meals I make. For example, when I roast a whole chicken instead of throwing the bones away, I save them, freeze them, and use them to make bone broth. This also works if you make a turkey for Thanksgiving. Save the bones and make them into bone broth. Another easy way to get bones is to check with the meat department at your local grocery store. They are usually more than willing to give you the bones. You just have to ask. Many times they give you the bones, but sometimes you may purchase them at little cost. Also, consider checking with a local butcher or farmer’s market.

Is Bone Broth the Same As Stock?

Bone broth and stocks are somewhat similar, but there are specific differences in the ingredients, cook time, and seasonings.

Stocks contain animal bones, and a mixture of onions, carrots, celery, and water. They do not use seasonings. The cooking time for stock is approximately 2-8 hours.

Bone Broth is also made with animal bones and connective tissues, vegetables (optional), and water. It also may contain seasonings such as salt and apple cider vinegar. The biggest difference is the length of cooking time. Bone broth cooks for approximately 12-24 hours.

Where to Buy Bone Broth?

Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and most local grocery stores sell packaged bone broth. Online you can purchase bone broth from Amazon, and Thrive Market. Some of the most popular brands include Kettle and Fire, Bare Bones, (paid affiliate links), and Vital Proteins. Thrive Market (paid affiliate link) and Trader Joe’s also have their own brands.

I have been a member of Thrive Market for over 5 years. A friend told me about it early in my allergy journey and I am so glad I joined. Thrive Market is an online membership-based market. Its mission is to make healthy living easy and affordable for everyone. Shopping online at Thrive Market I find so many organic, healthy, and allergy-free ingredients at a fraction of the cost.

Right now when you become a member of Thrive Market, you receive 25% off your order and a free gift (1 year and 1-month memberships available) (paid affiliate link). Why not join today and get your favorite allergy-free foods delivered right to your door?

As always, I hope you enjoy this recipe. Leave me a comment and let me know how it turned out.

And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

Blessings, Laura xo

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