The simplest turkey stock recipe is one that you can make in your slow cooker by just adding some water and leftover turkey to it.
If you havent tried making turkey stock in your slow cooker, youre in for a real treat. It’s the quickest and most straightforward way to clean up after a large turkey dinner—practically hands-off!
The lengthy, gentle cooking process extracts all the delicious flavor from the bones and keeps the stock clean (no gross foam to spoon off the top). Cooking the stock in your slow cooker also keeps your house from becoming a hot turkey steam room. Big bonus.
The list of ingredients is so short that it feels a bit silly to even talk about it. Heres what you need:
That’s it! We don’t add any veggies or seasonings to the stock because the flavor from the roasted bones is so strong already. Additionally, it means you won’t have to do the labor-intensive task of chopping vegetables after supper by adding them directly to your slow cooker.
Are you looking to elevate your culinary creations with rich, homemade turkey stock? Look no further than your trusty crock pot! This versatile kitchen appliance makes crafting flavorful stock a breeze, transforming leftover turkey bones into a culinary treasure.
This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about making turkey stock in your crock pot, from gathering ingredients to perfecting the cooking process Get ready to embark on a journey of culinary exploration, where every sip of your homemade stock will be a testament to your kitchen prowess.
Gather Your Ingredients: A Shopping List for Flavorful Success
Before embarking on your stock-making adventure let’s gather the essential ingredients that will form the foundation of your culinary masterpiece:
- Turkey Carcass: The star of the show, the leftover turkey carcass, will provide the base for your flavorful stock. Don’t discard those bones just yet! They hold the key to unlocking a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Vegetables: A medley of vegetables will add complexity and richness to your stock. Carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and fresh parsley will work their magic, infusing your stock with a symphony of flavors.
- Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves will impart a subtle, piney note to your stock, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity.
- Peppercorns: Whole peppercorns will provide a gentle peppery kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your stock.
- Water: The lifeblood of your stock, water will provide the liquid base for extracting all the deliciousness from the turkey bones and vegetables.
The Art of Crock Pot Turkey Stock: A Step-by-Step Guide
With your ingredients assembled, it’s time to transform your crock pot into a flavor factory. Follow these simple steps to create a stock that will elevate your soups, stews, and sauces to new heights:
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Start by filling your crock pot halfway with the turkey carcass pieces. Add the vegetables, peppercorns, and bay leaves, creating a flavorful foundation for your stock.
- Embrace the Power of Water: Pour water over the ingredients, ensuring they are fully submerged. However, leave about an inch of space at the top to prevent any messy spills, especially if your crock pot tends to run hot.
- Time is of the Essence: The longer your stock simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. Set your crock pot to LOW and let it work its magic for 12 hours. Keep the lid on throughout the cooking process to trap all the deliciousness.
- Unveiling the Flavorful Treasure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the broth to cool for about an hour on the counter to prevent burns. Then, remove all the solids and discard them. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, a dishtowel, or a coffee filter into a large bowl. Your homemade turkey stock is now ready to elevate your culinary creations!
Frequently Asked Questions: Unraveling the Mysteries of Turkey Stock
How much turkey stock does this recipe yield?
The exact yield of your turkey stock will depend on the amount of water you add to your crock pot and the specific ingredients you use. However, you can estimate the amount by measuring the cups of water added.
Should I add salt to my turkey stock?
Adding salt directly to the stock is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer to control the salt content in your recipes, you can add salt to the dishes you use the stock in.
How do I store my homemade turkey stock?
Refrigerate your turkey stock and use it within a few days for optimal freshness. Alternatively, you can freeze the stock in freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of headspace for expansion. Frozen turkey stock can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw the stock in the refrigerator before using it.
Unleash Your Culinary Creativity: Delicious Ways to Use Turkey Stock
Your homemade turkey stock is a versatile ingredient that can transform countless dishes into culinary masterpieces. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Soups: Breathe life into your soups with the rich flavor of turkey stock. Use it as a base for turkey, chicken, or ham soup, or even for a comforting slow cooker baked potato soup.
- Chowders: Elevate your chowders with the depth of flavor that turkey stock provides. Try a slow cooker turkey chowder or a creamy corn chowder for a taste sensation.
- Risotto: Add a touch of elegance to your risotto with the rich flavor of turkey stock. The creamy texture of risotto pairs perfectly with the savory notes of the stock.
- Gravies and Sauces: Enhance the flavor of your gravies and sauces with the addition of turkey stock. It will add depth and richness, making your dishes truly unforgettable.
Making turkey stock in your crock pot is a simple yet rewarding experience. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a culinary treasure that will elevate your dishes to new heights. So, embrace the power of your crock pot and embark on a journey of flavor exploration. Your taste buds will thank you!
What to make with leftover turkey
If you have any leftover turkey (lucky you!), try one of these recipes:
Or for more inspiration, check out all of our turkey dinner leftovers recipes!
Once youve cooked and completely cooled your turkey stock you can transfer it to mason jars or airtight storage containers – we LOVE these reusable Stasher freezer bags.
In the fridge: crockpot turkey stock will last 2-3 days.
In the freezer: crockpot turkey stock keeps for at least 6 months in your freezer.
How to make crockpot turkey stock
We LOVE making turkey stock in our slow cooker after Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey dinner. The main reason we adore it so much is that creating the stock integrates into cleaning up rather than being a separate chore. Usually, you have to keep the turkey bones in your fully stocked refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. But instead, ‘store them in your crockpot and the next day youll have stock. Two birds, one stone.
- Remove as much meat as possible from the turkey bones. (And check out some recipe suggestions for leftover turkey below!)
- Don’t worry, these bones break easily. Just break them into pieces small enough to fit inside your slow cooker. Now place the bones in your crockpot and add water to cover. At least two inches of water should be covering the bones.
- Place your crockpot on low heat and program it to run for however long it says. The stock can be left to gently simmer for up to 24 hours, but it will be ready in 8 hours. You have a lot of flexibility with this regarding when to finish the stock.
- When you’re ready, strain the stock twice: once through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any tiny gritty bits, and again through a colander to remove any large bones. Thats it! Youve just made slow cooker turkey stock!.