Homemade Bone Broth Recipe: Simple Steps and Flavorful Variations
Create nourishing bone broth at home with easy instructions, tasty variations, and nutritional insights for healthy cooking.
Bone broth has gained immense popularity in health and culinary circles for its nutritional value, savory flavor, and versatility in recipes. This guide offers a comprehensive approach to preparing bone broth at home, highlights key variations to customize taste, and details its nutritional benefits—all designed to support a healthy, delicious lifestyle.
Whether you’re seeking to improve gut health, sneak more protein into your diet, or simply reduce sodium compared to store-bought products, making bone broth from scratch is a practical and rewarding endeavor.
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a rich, savory liquid made by simmering animal bones—often with herbs, vegetables, and spices—for an extended period. The slow cooking process extracts protein (mainly collagen), minerals, and nutrients from the bones, resulting in a flavorful base commonly used for soups, sauces, or enjoyed as a standalone beverage.
Compared to traditional stocks or broths, bone broth cooks longer and achieves a deeper, more concentrated flavor and nutrient profile.
Why Make Bone Broth at Home?
- Lower sodium: Homemade broth lets you control salt levels, which is ideal for heart-healthy diets.
- Customize flavors: Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices for unique results.
- Utilize kitchen scraps: Repurpose bones and veggie peels, reducing food waste.
- Maximize nutrition: Slow simmering draws more protein, collagen, and minerals from bones.
- Clean ingredients: Select organic bones or grass-fed meat for the purest broth possible.
Essential Ingredients for Basic Bone Broth
- Bones: Chicken, beef, or mixed (roasted or raw).
- Vegetables: Onion, celery, carrot, garlic.
- Herbs & Seasonings: Bay leaf, parsley, thyme, and optional extras like peppercorns or ginger.
- Acidic Ingredient: A splash of apple cider vinegar or wine pulls minerals from bones.
- Water: Enough to cover bones and vegetables.
- Salt & Pepper: Added toward the end, to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bone Broth
- Preheat (optional): For richer flavor, roast raw bones in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until well-browned.
- Combine Ingredients: Place bones, chopped vegetables, herbs, and acid in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Cover with filtered water so everything is fully submerged.
- Simmer Slowly: Bring liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Let broth simmer uncovered—or with the lid slightly ajar—for maximum flavor extraction.
Chicken bones: Simmer for 6 to 24 hours
Beef bones: Simmer for 12 to 48 hours
For richer broth, up to 48 hours is recommended. - Skim Impurities: Occasionally skim off any foam, fat, or impurities that rise to the top using a spoon or ladle.
- Season: Add salt and pepper during the last hour of simmering. Additional herbs may be added for flavor.
- Strain: When the broth reaches desired flavor and richness, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain broth into a large bowl or container, discarding solids.
- Store: After cooling, refrigerate broth. A layer of fat will rise to the top and can be skimmed off. Store in the refrigerator up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Bone Broth Variations: Creative Flavors
To add depth and international flair, try these three delicious bone broth variations. For each, stir the suggested ingredients into 3 cups of finished bone broth and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain before serving if desired.
1. Spiced Ginger Bone Broth
- 1 thinly sliced, 2-inch piece fresh ginger
- 6 whole star anise
- 6 sliced scallions
This variation infuses warmth and subtle spice, ideal for sipping or as a base for noodle soups.
2. Lemon-Rosemary Bone Broth
- 1 3-inch Parmesan rind
- 1 small sprig rosemary
- 3 Tbsp fennel seeds
- 3 strips lemon zest
Enjoy Mediterranean brightness, nutty aroma, and herbal notes—perfect for risotto or hearty grain bowls.
What others are reading
3. Tangy Coconut Bone Broth
- 3/4 red chile, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
This tropical-inspired twist is creamy, lightly spicy, and excellent for Thai-style soups or sipping solo.
Nutritional Information (Per Cup of Plain Bone Broth)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars (added) | 0 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 6 mg |
| Sodium | 310 mg |
This nutrition profile highlights bone broth as a low-calorie, high-protein option with minimal carbohydrates and fats. The sodium content is significantly lower than most prepared commercial broths, supporting heart health.
Tips for Perfect Bone Broth Every Time
- Roast the bones (especially beef) to enhance depth of flavor.
- Use organic or pasture-raised bones for pure taste and maximum nutrition.
- Include a bit of acid (like vinegar) to help extract calcium and minerals.
- Slow-cooking yields the richest, most gelatinous texture; aim for a long simmer on low heat.
- Store in reusable glass jars and freeze in individual portions for convenience.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Uses for Bone Broth
- Drink it straight as a warming beverage—just pour into a mug!
- Use as a base for soups, stews, and grain bowls for added flavor and nutrition.
- Replace water in recipes—try cooking rice, quinoa, or pasta in bone broth for savory depth.
- Make sauces or gravies with broth as the foundation.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for quick flavor boosts in stir-fries and sautés.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What bones are best for making broth?
A: Chicken feet, beef knuckle, neck, oxtail, and marrow bones are rich in collagen and flavor. You can also use a mix of leftover roasted bones and raw bones for complexity.
Q: How long should bone broth simmer?
A: Simmer for a minimum of 6 hours for chicken, and ideally 12–48 hours for beef. The longer, the better, to extract nutrients and flavor.
Q: Can I make bone broth in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker, set on LOW, and cook for 24–48 hours for hearty beef bones or 12–24 hours for chicken.
Q: Does bone broth need to be refrigerated?
A: Refrigerate immediately after cooling. It keeps up to 1 week in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q: Why add vinegar to bone broth?
A: Acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar help extract minerals—including calcium—from the bones, enhancing nutritional value.
Q: How can I reduce sodium even further?
A: Skip salt until just before serving or use low-sodium vegetable scraps. Season individual portions to taste.
Expert Tips for Flavor and Nutrition
- Boost collagen: Add chicken feet, pig’s trotters, or beef tendons for ultra-gelatinous broth.
- Herb infusions: Introduce fresh thyme, oregano, or basil toward the end of cooking to preserve their aroma.
- Vegetable variations: While onions and celery are staples, carrots, parsnips, or leeks add subtle sweetness.
- Spice blends: Try adding turmeric, black pepper, or cumin for anti-inflammatory boosts and unique flavors.
Bone Broth: Reader Recommendations
Many people experiment with bone broth to help fit dietary goals, improve overall health, and expand recipe possibilities. Readers also explored related topics like using broccoli for added nutrition, consuming foods that relieve constipation naturally, and incorporating magnesium-rich foods into their diet. Some community favorites include:
- Adding bone broth to protein-forward diets
- Using broth as a base for gut-friendly meals
- Combining bone broth with fiber-rich vegetables for better digestion
Related Healthy Eating Ideas
- Broccoli Every Day: See how adding broccoli can improve health outcomes.
- Iron-Rich Foods: Sneak more iron into your diet for improved energy and immunity.
- Protein Foods: Include diverse sources of protein for balanced nutrition.
- Magnesium Sources: Explore magnesium-rich options for muscle and nerve health.
- Liver Health: Learn which foods naturally support liver function.
Additional Resources
- How to make bone broth in a slow cooker or pressure cooker for efficient cooking.
- Tips for incorporating bone broth into everyday recipes—like smoothies, sauces, or baked grains.
- Information on collagen supplements versus natural bone broth.
With its adaptable flavor profile and impressive nutritional benefits, homemade bone broth remains a staple for anyone seeking delicious, healthy, and satisfying foods. Try the basic recipe, then experiment with variations and practical uses to make bone broth a valued part of your wellness journey!
References
- https://www.mtih.org/about/latest-news/bone-broth
- https://articles.bodyecology.com/recipes-bone-broth-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmh43Gt_1Ec
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a30679774/bone-broth-recipe/
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-bone-broth
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bone-broth-benefits
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20440382/bone-broth-facts/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/savoring-the-benefits-of-bone-broth-worth-a-taste
- https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a20431415/healthy-winter-dinner-ideas/
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