Leftover Turkey Broth

This simple Leftover Turkey Broth recipe from Justin Chapple provides a simple method to making broth from scratch using your leftover roasted turkey carcass.

This is the perfect broth to get the most out of your Thanksgiving turkey carcass
Photo: Getty Images
Active Time:
55 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 25 mins

This is the perfect broth to get the most out of your Thanksgiving turkey carcass. Alongside classic aromatics like onion and garlic, two small chiles de árbol add mild piquancy to this rich infusion. Leave those onions, garlic, and carrots unpeeled — their skins deepen the flavor, color, and texture of the broth and simplify prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 roasted turkey carcass (from 1 [12- to 14-pound] roasted whole turkey)

  • 2 medium-size yellow onions (about 11 ounces each) (unpeeled), halved

  • 2 small (2-ounce) carrots (unpeeled)

  • 2 celery stalks (about 3 ounces)

  • 2 small garlic heads, halved

  • 1 small (1-ounce) bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 1 small (1/4-ounce) bunch fresh thyme

  • 2 small dried chiles de árbol

  • 2 fresh or dried bay leaves

  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

  • 6 quarts water

Directions

  1. Combine turkey carcass, onions, carrots, celery stalks, garlic heads, parsley, thyme, chiles, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a large stockpot; add 6 quarts water. Bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, skimming fat from top of liquid occasionally, until stock is golden and very flavorful, about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

  2. Carefully pour broth through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a large heatproof bowl; discard solids. Divide broth evenly among 4 (1-quart) airtight containers. Let cool completely, uncovered, about 1 hour. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Make Ahead

Refrigerate broth up to 1 week or freeze up to 6 months.

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