How to Make Bone Broth

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.

homemade bone broth recipe bones ready to simmer — Place bones (beef, chicken, or turkey) in a large crockpot.

homemade bone broth recipe bones simmering crock pot — Add salt and apple cider vinegar to the pot. Fill the pot with water almost to the top. Cover with a lid and simmer on low for 12-24 hours.

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.

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 the 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. The 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.

Become a member of Thrive Market today and receive 30% off your first order and a FREE gift of up to %60 in value. (paid affiliate link).

Print Pin

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

Cook Time 12

Total Time 12 5

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.