There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of a simmering pot of homemade bone broth on a chilly evening—it fills your kitchen with an inviting warmth that immediately puts you at ease. I remember the first time I tasted a rich, savory broth made from scratch, and it was a revelation! Unlike the bland store-bought options, this nutrient-dense elixir brims with flavor and vitality, making it perfect for sipping or as a base to elevate your soups and stews.
Creating your own bone broth isn’t just about flavor—it’s an adventure in simplicity. With just a few key ingredients—bones from your favorite meats, aromatic veggies, and a splash of vinegar—you can concoct a healing potion that’s as therapeutic as it is delicious. Whether you prefer the quick efficiency of a pressure cooker or the leisurely joy of a slow cooker, I’m excited to share two methods that fit seamlessly into any kitchen routine. Get ready to embrace this versatile, homemade treasure that’s not only nourishing for your body but also a source of culinary creativity. Let’s dive into this nourishing journey with a bone broth recipe from scratch!
Why choose this bone broth recipe from scratch?
Nostalgic warmth: There’s nothing like the comfort of homemade broth simmering away, filling your home with savory aromas.
Nutritious goodness: Packed with collagen and minerals, this broth offers health benefits that store-bought versions can’t match.
Two methods: Enjoy the speed of a pressure cooker or the leisurely approach of slow cooking—both result in glorious flavors!
Versatility: Use it as a warming drink or as a foundation for soups, stews, and risottos, bringing depth to any dish.
Simple ingredients: Just bones, vegetables, and a splash of vinegar combine to create this nutrient-dense elixir. You’ll savor the difference!
Bone Broth Recipe from Scratch Ingredients
Embrace the rich flavors of your homemade broth with these essential ingredients.
For the Broth
- Bones (3 to 4 pounds) – The heart of your bone broth; consider a mix of chicken, beef, or pork for a complex flavor.
- Vinegar (2 tablespoons apple cider or red wine vinegar) – Aids in drawing out minerals and nutrients from the bones.
- Onion (1, chopped) – Adds a foundational depth to the savory profile of your broth.
- Carrots (2 medium, chopped) – Introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors beautifully.
- Celery (2 ribs, chopped) – Offers a fresh, aromatic dimension, making your broth even more delightful.
- Garlic (3 cloves, crushed) – Enriches the broth with earthy flavors that warm the soul.
- Bay Leaves (2) – Infuses a fragrant herbal note that elevates the overall taste experience.
- Whole Peppercorns (1 teaspoon) – Provides a gentle warmth and spice that rounds out the flavors.
- Sea Salt (2 teaspoons or to taste) – Essential for seasoning—adjust to ensure all the flavors shine.
- Optional herbs (small bunch of parsley or dill, fresh thyme, unpeeled fresh ginger) – Add these for a fresh burst of flavor to customize your broth.
Now that you have everything you need, let’s transform these ingredients into a comforting and nourishing bone broth recipe from scratch!
How to Make Bone Broth from Scratch
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). This step ensures your bones will roast to rich browns, enhancing the overall flavor of your broth.
Roast Bones: Spread the bones on a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes. Look for a lovely golden-brown hue, which helps to intensify the broth’s flavor.
Combine Ingredients: In your pressure cooker or slow cooker, combine the roasted bones, chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, whole peppercorns, and vinegar. Don’t forget to cover everything with 12 to 14 cups of water!
Cook in Pressure Cooker: If you’re using a pressure cooker, seal the lid and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 3 hours (or 4 hours for mixed bones). The result will be a rich and nutrient-packed broth.
Natural Release: After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally. This gentle cooling method retains the flavors and nutrients, ensuring the broth is at its best.
Strain and Store: Once cooled, strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. Add sea salt to taste, cool it fully, and then skim off any surface fat before refrigerating or freezing.
Optional: For added flavor, toss in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley right before serving!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Bone Broth
Fridge: Store your homemade bone broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh and lock in flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the broth in airtight containers or freezer bags, where it can last for 3 months or longer. Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, defrost the broth in the fridge overnight or use a microwave on low. Heat gently on the stove until hot, being careful not to boil.
Skim Fat: After cooling, skim off any surface fat for a cleaner broth if you prefer a lighter finish in your dishes or sips.
Make Ahead Options
Homemade bone broth is a fantastic recipe for busy home cooks looking to save time while enjoying nutritional benefits! You can prepare the ingredients—such as chopping the vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, and garlic)—up to 3 days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Additionally, you can roast the bones a day before and refrigerate them to enhance their flavor before adding them to your pressure cooker or slow cooker. When you’re set to make your bone broth, just combine all the prepped ingredients, cover with water, and follow the cooking instructions for this heartfelt bone broth recipe from scratch. This way, you’ll have a soothing, nutrient-rich broth with minimal effort on the day of serving!
What to Serve with Homemade Bone Broth?
Building a cozy meal around your homemade broth can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Creamy Polenta: The velvety texture of polenta soaks up the savory broth beautifully, creating a comforting side dish. It adds a delightful creaminess that pairs perfectly with the richness of the broth.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring a natural sweetness and earthy flavors that complement the broth’s savory depth. Think of bright carrots and earthy potatoes, all enhanced by each sip of broth.
Savory Risotto: Made with arborio rice, a risotto cooked in bone broth becomes incredibly creamy and packed with flavor, tying the meal together seamlessly. Enjoy the luxurious mouthfeel that adds a touch of indulgence to your dining table.
Fresh Herb Salad: A light salad consisting of fresh greens, herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to your warming broth. The bright herbaceous notes awaken your palate and introduce a fresh crunch!
Crusty Bread: Serve a warm, crusty loaf alongside your bone broth for dipping. The bread’s texture and the broth’s warmth create a heartwarming bite that’ll have everybody going back for more.
Wine Pairing: A robust red wine balances the richness of the broth, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Choose something bold—like a Cabernet Sauvignon—that ensures your meal feels elegantly complete.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a rich chocolate mousse offers a sweet finish without overwhelming the palate. The lightness of the mousse contrasts beautifully with your savory starter, making for a harmonious end to your meal.
Bone Broth Variations
There’s so much room to make this nourishing broth your own and elevate your culinary creations!
- Bone Mix: Combine different bones like beef, pork, and chicken for layered flavors and richness.
- Vinegar Swap: Trade apple cider vinegar for lemon juice to add a bright, zesty twist to your broth.
- Aromatic Enhancer: Boost the flavor by adding fresh ginger or lemongrass for an intriguing, aromatic depth.
- Spice it Up: Introduce whole spices like star anise or cloves for an exotic hint that transforms your broth.
- Vegetable Medley: Get creative with vegetables—leeks, parsnips, or mushrooms can intensify the savory flair.
- Herb Garden: Experiment with various fresh herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to customize the scent and taste experience.
- Heat Level: Add a dash of crushed red pepper or a sliced jalapeño for a warming kick that adds depth.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked bones or add a bit of liquid smoke for an alluring smoky profile.
Enjoy these variations and let each batch reflect your taste and creativity!
Expert Tips for Bone Broth Recipe from Scratch
Roasting Matters: Roasting the bones before adding them to your pressure cooker or slow cooker greatly enhances the flavor, resulting in a more savory bone broth.
Covering Water Level: Ensure that your bones are completely submerged in water, but do not exceed the fill line on your cooker. This prevents potential overflow and ensures full flavor extraction.
Season Smartly: Start with 2 teaspoons of sea salt and adjust to taste after straining. It’s easier to add more than to fix an overly salty broth.
Check for Doneness: The bones should be soft enough to fall apart easily after cooking. If they seem firm, give them additional time for a nutrient-rich bone broth recipe from scratch.
Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with aromatic herbs or spices like fresh ginger. This adds depth and personalizes your bone broth to suit your taste!
Storing Wisely: If you plan on freezing your broth, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags for longer shelf life.
Homemade Bone Broth Recipe FAQs
What kind of bones should I use for bone broth?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, use a mix of bones, such as chicken, beef, or pork. Consider including marrow bones, oxtails, or chicken necks, as they are gelatinous and nutrient-dense. A combination of different bones will give you complexity and depth in flavor.
How long can I store homemade bone broth?
Your homemade bone broth can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Be sure to store it in airtight containers to maintain its freshness and flavor. If you’re not going to use it within that timeframe, I recommend freezing it for longer storage.
Can I freeze bone broth? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze bone broth! To do this, allow it to cool completely. Then, pour it into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months or longer. When ready to use, defrost it in the fridge overnight or warm it gently on the stove.
How can I tell if my bone broth is done cooking?
Very good question! The bones should become tender and fall apart easily — that’s a perfect sign! If they’re still tough, simply return them to the cooker for more time. For pressure cooking, you can initially aim for 3 hours, but feel free to extend it by 30-minute increments if needed.
Is bone broth safe for pets?
Yes, homemade bone broth can be a nutritious treat for pets! Just ensure it’s free of onions and excessive salt, as these can be harmful to them. You can offer small amounts to dogs or cats for added hydration and joint support.
What should I do if my broth turns out too fatty?
If your broth has too much fat, don’t worry! After it cools, you can easily skim off the excess fat from the surface. For a lighter finish, you might want to strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer to remove leftover solids and excess fat before serving or storing.
Ultimate Bone Broth Recipe from Scratch for Cozy Comfort
Equipment
- pressure cooker
- - Slow cooker
- - Baking sheet
- - Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
For the Broth
- 3 to 4 pounds bones mix of chicken, beef, or pork
- 2 tablespoons vinegar apple cider or red wine vinegar
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 2 ribs celery chopped
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons sea salt or to taste
- 1 small bunch optional herbs parsley or dill, fresh thyme, unpeeled fresh ginger
Instructions
How to Make Bone Broth from Scratch
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Spread the bones on a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes.
- In your pressure cooker or slow cooker, combine the roasted bones, chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, whole peppercorns, and vinegar. Cover with 12 to 14 cups of water.
- If using a pressure cooker, seal the lid and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 3 hours (or 4 hours for mixed bones).
- Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. Add sea salt to taste and cool it fully before refrigerating or freezing.