A practical Broth & Co recipe guide to homemade bone broth, bone broth powders, soups, stews, smoothies, breads and functional drinks.

 

Why Make Bone Broth at Home?

Bone broth has been enjoyed for centuries across cultures, from traditional chicken soup and Vietnamese pho to rich beef broths and slow-cooked stocks. If you are new to making it, the process can feel more complicated than it really is. The reassuring part is that bone broth is one of the most forgiving foods you can make.

A homemade batch gives you control over ingredients, flavour and concentration. It can be enjoyed warm in a mug or used as the base for soups, stews, sauces, rice dishes, noodles and slow-cooked meals.

Bone Broth Benefits: The Complete Guide to Gut Health, Protein, Recovery & Healthy Ageing explains the broader nutrition context, while Bone Broth, Collagen & Functional Nutrition gives a practical product overview.

5 Tips for Better Bone Broth

 

What Makes a Good Bone Broth?

A quality broth usually develops deep colour, rich savoury flavour, a pleasant aroma and, often, a jelly-like texture when chilled. That chilled texture comes from gelatin extracted from bones and connective tissue.

Bone broth is different from boiling vegetables and discarding the cooking water because the cooking liquid is the food. During simmering, collagen breaks down into gelatin, amino acids move into the liquid, minerals contribute to the broth and flavour compounds develop naturally.

The Amino Acids in Bone Broth: What They Are and Why They Matter, Bone Broth vs Collagen vs Protein and Collagen Peptides: Benefits for Skin, Joints, Recovery, Gut Health & Healthy Ageing explain how bone broth, collagen and amino acids differ.

Cooking, Nutrients and the Broth Liquid

Cooking can both reduce and improve nutrient availability. Some nutrients, including vitamin C, folate and certain B vitamins, are sensitive to heat and prolonged cooking. At the same time, cooking can improve digestibility and make some compounds easier to absorb, such as lycopene in tomatoes and beta-carotene in carrots and pumpkin.

Bone broth is designed around slow cooking because the liquid is consumed. Soups, stews, slow-cooked meals and broths allow flavour and nutrients released into the cooking liquid to remain part of the final meal.

Functional Hydration explains how savoury fluids can fit into everyday hydration, and Why Nutrition Is About More Than Calories: Understanding Food Quality, Nutrient Density & Long-Term Health gives broader food-quality context.

Why Add Apple Cider Vinegar?

Most traditional broth recipes include 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. It is added before cooking begins and is commonly used during the extraction process. The vinegar flavour softens during cooking, so the final broth should taste savoury rather than sharp.

The Best Bones for Bone Broth

 

For more flavour ideas, see How to Flavour Bone Broth: Herbs, Spices & Gut-Friendly Ingredients and The Health Benefits of Spice.

Part 1: How to Make Bone Broth

Slow Cooker Bone Broth

The easiest low-effort method. Start it in the morning or evening and let the slow cooker do the work.

Ingredients

·       2.5 kg beef bones

·       2 carrots, roughly chopped

·       2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

·       2 onions, quartered

·       4 garlic cloves, crushed

·       2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

·       2 bay leaves

·       1 tsp whole black peppercorns

·       Filtered water, enough to cover

Method

1.         Preheat the oven to 220 degrees C.
2.         Roast the bones for about 40 minutes, turning once, until browned.
3.          Transfer the roasted bones to the slow cooker.
4.          Add the vegetables, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves and peppercorns.
5.          Cover completely with water, leaving space at the top.
6.         Cook on LOW for 18-24 hours.
7.         Strain through a fine sieve, cool quickly, then refrigerate or freeze.

Pressure Cooker Bone Broth

A faster method for busy weeks when you want homemade broth without a full day of cooking.

Ingredients

·       2 kg beef bones

·       2 carrots, roughly chopped

·       2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

·       1 onion, quartered

·       2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

·       Filtered water, enough to cover while staying below the maximum fill line

Method

1.      Roast the bones first for deeper flavour, if time allows.
2.     Add the bones, vegetables and apple cider vinegar to the pressure cooker.
3.     Add water, making sure not to exceed the maximum fill line.
4.      Cook on HIGH pressure for 3-4 hours.
5.      Allow a natural pressure release.
6.      Strain, cool and store in the fridge or freezer.

Traditional Stovetop Bone Broth

The traditional method for people who enjoy slow cooking and want full control over the simmer.

Ingredients

·       2 kg bones

·       2 carrots, roughly chopped

·       2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

·       2 onions, quartered

·       Fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme

·       1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

·       Filtered water, enough to cover

Method

   Roast the bones for extra flavour, if desired.

   Transfer the bones to a large stockpot.

    Add vegetables, herbs and apple cider vinegar.

    Cover with water.

    Bring briefly to a boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.

    Cook for 12-24 hours, topping up with water only if needed.

    Strain and cool before storing.

Common Bone Broth Mistakes

 

Part 2: Bone Broth Recipe Variations

Traditional Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth

This traditional beef bone broth is rich, savoury and full of depth. Slow cooking allows the bones, connective tissue and vegetables to develop a flavourful broth that can be enjoyed on its own or used as the foundation for soups, stews, sauces and gravies.

Makes: 4-5 litres | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 18-24 hours

Why you will love it

·       Rich savoury flavour

·       Deep colour

·       Useful base for soups, stews, sauces and slow-cooked meals

Ingredients

·       2.5 kg grass-fed beef bones, such as marrow bones, knuckle bones, joint bones or meaty soup bones

·       2 carrots, roughly chopped

·       2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

·       2 brown onions, quartered

·       4 garlic cloves, crushed

·       2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

·       2 bay leaves

·       1 tsp whole black peppercorns

·       Small bunch parsley stems, optional

·       Filtered water, enough to cover

Method

    Preheat the oven to 220 degrees C.

    Place the bones on a roasting tray and roast for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through.

    Transfer the roasted bones to a large stockpot or slow cooker.

    Add carrots, celery, onions, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns and parsley stems.

    Add apple cider vinegar and cover completely with filtered water, leaving a few centimetres from the top.

    Allow the mixture to sit for 20-30 minutes before heating.

   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce immediately to a very low simmer.

   Cook on the stovetop for 18-24 hours, in a slow cooker for 18-24 hours on LOW, or in

    a pressure cooker for 3-4 hours on HIGH pressure.

    During the first hour, skim any foam from the surface if desired.

   Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or container.

   Cool before refrigerating or freezing.

Serving ideas

·       Warm in a mug

·       As the base for soups and stews

·       In beef casseroles

·       In gravies and sauces

·       In beef pho

·       In slow-cooked winter meals

Tips

·       Use a mixture of marrow and joint bones.

·       Roast bones before cooking for deeper flavour.

·       Keep the simmer gentle rather than aggressive.

·       Freeze in portions for convenience.

·       A jelly-like texture when chilled is a sign gelatin has been extracted from the bones.

Beef Bone Broth with Ginger & Turmeric

A warming variation of beef bone broth for cooler months.

Ingredients

·       1 batch Traditional Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth ingredients

·       1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, sliced

·       1 tsp turmeric

·       Pinch black pepper

Method

     Prepare the beef bone broth ingredients as above.

    Add ginger, turmeric and black pepper during cooking.

    Simmer gently using your preferred method.

    Strain, cool and store.

Traditional Chicken Bone Broth

A lighter broth that works beautifully in chicken soup, ramen, rice dishes and family meals.

Ingredients

·       2 chicken carcasses

·       2 carrots, roughly chopped

·       2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

·       1 onion, quartered

·       2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

·       Parsley

·       Thyme

·       Filtered water, enough to cover

Method

     Add chicken carcasses, vegetables, apple cider vinegar and herbs to a large pot or slow cooker.

    Cover with water.

     Bring to a gentle simmer.

     Cook for 8-12 hours.

    Strain and cool before storing.

Turkey Bone Broth

Perfect after Christmas, family celebrations or any time you have leftover turkey bones.

Ingredients

·       1 turkey carcass

·       2 turkey wings

·       2 carrots, roughly chopped

·       2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

·       1 onion, quartered

·       Garlic

·       Thyme

·       Filtered water, enough to cover

Method

    Break the turkey carcass into smaller pieces so it fits comfortably in the pot.

   Add the turkey bones, vegetables, garlic and thyme to a large pot or slow cooker.

    Cover with water.

    Simmer gently for 12-18 hours.

    Strain, cool and refrigerate or freeze.

Venison Bone Broth

A rich game-style broth with deep flavour. Excellent as the base for winter soups and game stews.

Ingredients

·       2 kg venison bones

·       2 carrots, roughly chopped

·       2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

·       1 onion, quartered

·       Juniper berries, optional

·       Bay leaves

·       Apple cider vinegar

·       Filtered water, enough to cover

Method

    Roast the venison bones for 45 minutes.

    Transfer the bones to a stockpot or slow cooker.

    Add vegetables, juniper berries if using, bay leaves and apple cider vinegar.

    Cover with water.

    Simmer gently for 18-24 hours.

    Strain and cool before storing.

Part 3: Recipes Using Bone Broth

Beef Pho Bone Broth

A fragrant Vietnamese-inspired beef noodle soup using bone broth as the foundation.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

·       1 litre beef bone broth

·       300 g thinly sliced beef sirloin

·       200 g rice noodles

·       1 onion, sliced

·       1 thumb-sized piece ginger, sliced

·       1 cinnamon stick

·       2 star anise

·       1 tbsp fish sauce

·       Bean sprouts

·       Fresh coriander

·       Lime wedges

Method

    Char the onion and ginger in a dry pan.

    Add them to the bone broth with cinnamon, star anise and fish sauce.

    Simmer for 20 minutes.

    Cook rice noodles according to packet directions.

   Divide noodles between bowls.

   Place raw beef slices on top.

    Pour over boiling broth so the beef cooks in the bowl.

   Garnish with coriander, bean sprouts and lime.

Hearty Beef & Vegetable Bone Broth Soup

A simple family-friendly soup packed with savoury flavour.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

·       1 litre beef bone broth

·       500 g diced beef chuck

·       2 carrots, diced

·       2 celery stalks, diced

·       1 onion, diced

·       2 potatoes, diced

·       1 tbsp tomato paste

·       1 tsp thyme

·       Sea salt and pepper

·       Fresh parsley, to serve

Method

    Brown the beef in a large pot.

    Add onion and cook until softened.

     Stir through tomato paste.

     Add vegetables and bone broth.

     Simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until the beef is tender.

     Serve with fresh parsley.

Slow-Cooked Venison & Bone Broth Stew

Perfect for cooler weather and game meat lovers.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

·       800 g venison shoulder, diced

·       1 litre venison or beef bone broth

·       2 carrots, chopped

·       2 celery stalks, chopped

·       1 onion, diced

·       200 g mushrooms

·       2 bay leaves

·       1 tsp thyme

·       Sea salt and pepper

Method

    Brown venison in batches.

    Add vegetables and herbs.

     Pour over bone broth.

     Simmer gently for 2-3 hours, or cook in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours.

     Season before serving.

Bone Broth Ramen

A simple umami bowl that works with shredded chicken or beef.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

·       1 litre bone broth

·       200 g ramen noodles

·       2 boiled eggs

·       200 g shredded chicken or beef

·       100 g mushrooms

·       Spring onions

·       Tamari

Method

    Simmer the broth until hot.

   Cook noodles separately according to packet directions.

    Divide noodles between bowls.

    Top with shredded chicken or beef, mushrooms and boiled eggs.

    Pour over hot broth.

    Finish with spring onions and tamari to taste.

Mediterranean Chicken & Bone Broth Soup

A bright chicken soup finished with lemon and parsley.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

·       1 litre chicken bone broth

·       500 g chicken thighs

·       2 carrots, sliced

·       2 celery stalks, sliced

·       1 zucchini, diced

·       Lemon juice

·       Fresh parsley

Method

    Add chicken, vegetables and bone broth to a large pot.

    Simmer together for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

    Remove chicken and shred.

    Return shredded chicken to the soup.

   Finish with lemon juice and parsley.

For more meal ideas, browse our collection of nourishing recipes, including Mediterranean Bone Broth Recipes, From Australia to Asia: A Journey Through Traditional Soups, Broths & Nourishing Recipes and Healing Soups & Nourishing Broths: Bone Broth Recipes for Recovery.

Part 4: Creative Ways to Use Bone Broth Powder

Freeze-dried bone broth powders are useful when you want the flavour and convenience of bone broth without simmering a pot. They can be stirred into smoothies, pancakes, bread, sauces and warm drinks. Use these recipes as flexible everyday ideas.

Berry Bone Broth Smoothie

A quick breakfast-style smoothie with berries, banana and hemp seeds.

Serves: 1

Why you will love it

·       Quick breakfast

·       Easy protein boost

·       Family friendly

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Broth & Co Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1/2 cup mixed berries

·       1/2 banana

·       1 tbsp hemp seeds

·       1 cup coconut water

·       Ice cubes

Method

    Add ingredients to a blender.

     Blend until smooth.

     Serve immediately.

Tropical Bone Broth Smoothie

A fruity smoothie with pineapple, mango and chia seeds.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1/2 cup pineapple

·       1/2 cup mango

·       1 tbsp chia seeds

·       Coconut water, enough to blend

Method

     Add all ingredients to a blender.

     Blend until smooth.

     Serve immediately.

Chocolate Bone Broth Smoothie

A chocolate-inspired smoothie with banana, cacao and almond butter.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1 banana

·       1 tbsp cacao

·       1 tbsp almond butter

·       1 cup almond milk

Method

     Add ingredients to a blender.

     Blend until smooth and creamy.

     Serve chilled.

Protein Pancakes with Bone Broth Powder

Simple banana pancakes with bone broth powder stirred into the batter.

Ingredients

·       2 eggs

·       1 banana

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1/4 cup almond meal

·       1/2 tsp cinnamon

Method

     Blend all ingredients until smooth.

     Heat a lightly greased pan over medium heat.

     Pour small rounds of batter into the pan.

     Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side.

     Serve with berries.

Savoury Bone Broth Bread Rolls

A savoury roll option to serve with soup.

Ingredients

·       2 cups almond meal

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1 tsp baking powder

·       3 eggs

·       2 tbsp olive oil

Method

     Preheat oven to 180 degrees C.

     Mix ingredients until combined.

     Shape into rolls.

      Place on a lined baking tray.

      Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Bone Broth Tomato Pasta Sauce

A savoury tomato sauce for pasta, zucchini noodles or vegetables.

Ingredients

·       2 cups prepared bone broth

·       2 jars tomato paste

·       2 garlic cloves, crushed

·       1 tsp oregano

·       1 tsp basil

Method

          Combine ingredients in a saucepan.

          Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

          Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles or vegetables.

Keto Bone Broth Bread

This grain-free bread is a simple way to incorporate bone broth powder into everyday meals.

Ingredients

·       2 1/2 tbsp psyllium husk powder

·       3 tsp Broth & Co Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1/4 tsp sea salt

·       2 tsp baking powder

·       1/2 tbsp chia seeds

·       1 tsp sesame seeds, for topping

·       1/2 cup Greek yoghurt or coconut cream

·       3 large free-range eggs

·       1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Method

       Preheat oven to 160 degrees C.

       Line a 20 cm x 10 cm loaf tin with baking paper.

        In a food processor, beat eggs until fluffy.

        Add yoghurt or coconut cream and apple cider vinegar.

       Blend until smooth.

       Add all dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.

        Pour mixture into prepared loaf tin.

        Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.

        Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

        Insert a skewer into the centre; if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.

        Cool completely before slicing.

Serving ideas

·       Toasted with avocado

·       Served alongside soup

·       Used for sandwiches

·       Topped with eggs for a high-protein breakfast

Part 5: Bone Broth Lattes & Functional Drinks

Bone broth may be one of the original functional beverages. Long before modern wellness drinks became popular, broths were used as part of everyday nourishment across many food cultures. These drinks are warming, savoury or gently sweet, and easy to adapt.

Energy Performance Bone Broth Powder is a functional food explains one functional bone broth powder option, while Good Health Starts on Your Plate brings the focus back to everyday meals.

Golden Turmeric Bone Broth Latte

A warming combination of turmeric, coconut and bone broth.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Broth & Co Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1/4 tsp turmeric powder

·       Pinch black pepper

·       Pinch sea salt

·       1 tbsp coconut oil

·       1/2 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup hot water

Method

             Add all ingredients to a blender.

             Blend until smooth and frothy.

             Serve warm.

Mushroom Bone Broth Elixir

Featuring Broth & Co Energy Performance Bone Broth.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Energy Performance Bone Broth Powder

·       Pinch sea salt

·       Pinch nutmeg

·       Pinch black pepper

·       1/2 cup hot water

·       1/2 cup coconut milk

Method

   Combine ingredients.

    Blend until frothy.

    Serve immediately.

Turmeric Five Spice Bone Broth Latte

A warming blend inspired by Asian flavours.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1/4 tsp turmeric

·       Pinch black pepper

·       Pinch Chinese five spice

·       1/2 cup hot water

·       1/2 cup coconut milk

Method

  Add all ingredients to a blender.

 Blend until smooth.Serve warm.

Minty Cacao Bone Broth Latte

A rich chocolate-inspired latte.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1 tsp raw cacao powder

·       1-2 drops peppermint essence

·       Pinch sea salt

·       1/2 tsp honey

·       1/2 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup hot water

Method

  Blend until creamy and frothy.

  Serve warm.

Beetroot Cacao Bone Broth Latte

A colourful latte combining beetroot and cacao.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1/2 tsp beetroot powder

·       1 tsp raw cacao powder

·       Pinch cinnamon

·       Honey or monk fruit to taste

·       1/2 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup hot water

Method

   Blend until smooth.

  Serve warm.

Spiced Cacao Chilli Bone Broth Latte

For those who enjoy a little heat.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1 tsp cacao powder

·       Pinch chilli

·       Pinch cinnamon

·       1/2 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup hot water

Method

  Blend until smooth.

  Serve immediately.

Matcha Vanilla Bone Broth Latte

A gentle alternative to traditional coffee.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp matcha powder

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1 tsp maple syrup

·       Few drops vanilla extract

·       1/2 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup hot water

Method

  Blend until frothy.

 Serve warm.

Orange Turmeric Bone Broth Latte

Bright, warming and aromatic.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1/2 tsp turmeric

·       Zest of half an orange

·       1 cardamom pod, crushed

·       Pinch black pepper

·       1 tsp honey

·       1/2 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup hot water

Method

  Blend until smooth.

 Serve warm.

Beetroot & Ginger Bone Broth Latte

A vibrant latte perfect for cooler mornings.

Ingredients

·       1 tsp Naked Bone Broth Powder

·       1/4 tsp beetroot powder

·       1/4 tsp ginger powder

·       Pinch cinnamon

·       1/2 cup coconut milk

·       1/2 cup hot water

Method

           Blend until smooth and frothy.

           Serve warm.

Mediterranean Herb Bone Broth

A simple savoury broth inspired by Mediterranean flavours.

Ingredients

·       1 cup prepared bone broth

·       Juice of 1/2 lemon

·       Fresh parsley

·       Pinch oregano

Method

             Warm the broth.

             Stir through herbs and lemon.

             Serve immediately.

Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

A rich and satisfying alternative to traditional hot chocolate.

Ingredients

·       1 cup prepared Naked Bone Broth

·       1 tbsp raw cacao powder

·       Pinch cinnamon

·       1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Method

                Warm ingredients gently.

                 Blend until smooth and frothy.

                Serve warm.

Evening Calm Bone Broth

A simple warming drink for cooler evenings.

Ingredients

·       1 cup prepared bone broth

·       Fresh ginger slices

·       Fresh parsley

·       Pinch turmeric

Method

               Warm ingredients together for 5 minutes.

                Strain if desired.

               Serve warm.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bone Broth Latte

·       Use a blender or milk frother for a cafe-style finish.

·       Adjust spices to suit your taste.

·       Sweeten naturally with honey or monk fruit if desired.

·       Coconut, almond and oat milk all work well.

·       Simmer ingredients for 2-3 minutes before blending for a richer flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my broth not gel?

Common reasons include not enough collagen-rich bones, too much water or a shorter cooking time. It is still perfectly usable.

Do I need special bones?

No. Start with quality bones you have available, such as chicken frames, roast chicken leftovers, beef soup bones or turkey carcasses.

How long should I cook bone broth?

As a general guide, beef takes 12-24 hours, chicken takes 8-12 hours, turkey takes 12-18 hours and venison takes 18-24 hours. A pressure cooker can shorten the process.

Can I freeze bone broth?

Yes. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Is homemade bone broth better?

Homemade broth gives you control over ingredients and flavour. Ready-made options are useful when convenience matters.

Can I use bone broth powder in recipes?

Yes. Bone broth powder can be stirred into smoothies, sauces, breads, pancakes, lattes and warm drinks, depending on the flavour profile.

Summary

Bone broth can be as simple or as creative as you want it to be. Start with the method that suits your kitchen, keep the simmer gentle, store it safely and use it in meals you already enjoy. From slow cooker beef broth to chicken soup, pho, ramen, smoothies, breads and warming lattes, bone broth is a flexible kitchen staple that can make everyday food more satisfying.

Signs of Gut Dysbiosis: Symptoms, Causes & How to Support Gut Health Naturally and The Gut-Brain Axis Explained provide broader digestive wellbeing context.