How To Make Turkey Stock From Carcass Recipe (2024)

Wondering how to make turkey stock from carcass now that Turkey dinner is over? Here’s the EASIEST way to get it done. You won’t regret it, because this will make the most delicious, rich soup! Grab that turkey carcass and throw it into a saucepan!

Why This Recipe Works

Homemade Turkey Stock might seem like a pretty boring food topic. Unless you have tasted it. My mother-in-law offered this year’s Thanksgiving turkey carcass to me and I squealed with excitement. I was oddly giddy about our poor turkey’s torn-apart, disfigured remains.

If you ever have the carcass of a turkey on your hands, you absolutely cannot pass up the opportunity to make a delicious batch of homemade turkey stock. It is mouth-wateringly delicious on its own and can also be an incredible base for other soups such as this Chicken Noodle Soup or this Turkey Barley Soup or this delicious Crockpot Turkey Rice Soup.

Recipe Ingredients

Turkey carcass– The larger the turkey, the better. It can be cut into pieces to fit the sauce pan or in the slow cooker too.

Onion– Cut into chunks and let it compliment flavors pulling out of the turkey and spices.

Bay leaves – This ingredient will really help bring an extra level of flavor to your stock. Toss it when it’s done cooking.

How To Make Turkey Stock From Carcass

Step 1

You will need an extra large saucepan, preferably 20-quart size. Break apart and/or cut the turkey carcass into smaller portions so it will fit in the pan. Squish every bit of that carcass in there. Add an onion, 2 bay leaves, 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, salt, pepper and 3 to 4 quarts of water. Make sure the carcass is completely covered by liquid.

Step 2

Bring to a boil and reduce heat to Low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.

Step 3

Using tongs, remove all parts of the carcass from the pan and place on a cutting board to cool.

Step 4

Now, you have a decision to make. Do you want a thinner stock or a chunkier one? I LOVE thick stocks, but the downside is that you risk bones slipping in. For a thin stock, strain all of the liquid into a bowl that will hold 12 cups (3 quarts). For a chunky stock, ladle the liquid into a bowl, checking each scoop for bones with your fingers. Discard the bay leaves.

Once the carcass has cooled, pull off the meat left on the bones and add it to the stock. This part is optional, again depending on how chunky you want it to be.

Step 5

Allow the stock to cool in the bowl and pour it into air tight, sealable containers. It can be frozen for up to 6 months or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Use this as a base for your favorite soup and you will have a very happy tummy.

Happy soup making!

FAQs About Turkey Stock

Enjoy more turkey recipes!

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