Making Bone Broth – A beginners guide & Tips for Better Results
Making Bone Broth – A beginners guide & Tips for Better Results

If you’re new to making bone broth, it can feel overwhelming at first—what bones to use, how long to cook it, and whether you’re doing it “right.”
The reality is much simpler.
Bone broth is one of the most forgiving, traditional, and nourishing foods you can make. It doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective.
👉 Learn more about the benefits of bone broth:
/pages/bone-broth-benefits
This guide breaks it down into five simple tips so you can get started with confidence.
Why Make Bone Broth at Home?
Homemade bone broth is valued for its:
- Collagen and gelatin for joints and skin
- Amino acids that support digestion
- Minerals that support hydration and overall health
- Deep, natural flavour
👉 Learn more about functional proteins:
/blogs/recipes/bone-broth-collagen-functional-proteins-repair-recovery
5 Tips for Making Better Bone Broth
1. Start Simple
You don’t need unusual cuts or ingredients to get started.
While collagen-rich parts like joints and connective tissue can enhance broth, you can begin with:
- A whole chicken
- Leftover bones from a roast
- Basic beef bones
The key is to start where you’re comfortable and build from there.
2. Follow a Simple Process
Most bone broths follow a similar flow:
Soak → Simmer → Skim → Strain → Store
- Soak (optional): Add a little vinegar to help draw out minerals
- Simmer: Cook gently over time
- Skim: Remove foam if desired
- Strain: Remove solids
- Store: Refrigerate or freeze
Once you understand this process, you won’t need a recipe.
3. Use a Slow Cooker for Convenience
A slow cooker makes the process simple:
- Add bones and water
- Set to low
- Let it cook for 12–24 hours
This method is ideal if you want a hands-off approach without needing to monitor the stove.
4. Don’t Overcomplicate It
Bone broth doesn’t need to be perfect.
- If it doesn’t gel → it’s still useful
- If you cook it for less time → it still has value
- If flavour is mild → you can adjust later
The goal is consistency, not perfection.
👉 Even a simple broth is more nourishing than highly processed alternatives.
5. Practice Builds Confidence
The more you make bone broth, the easier it becomes.
You’ll start to notice:
- Better flavour balance
- Improved texture
- Preferred cooking times
It quickly becomes a simple kitchen staple rather than a complex process.
What Makes a Good Bone Broth?
A well-made broth typically has:
- A rich, savoury aroma
- Deep colour
- Slightly gelatinous texture when cooled
These are signs of good collagen extraction—but they’re not essential for it to be beneficial.
When You Need a Faster Option
If you don’t have time to make your own, a high-quality ready-made option can help you stay consistent.
👉 Explore:
Broth & Co Bone Broth Range
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special bones to make bone broth?
No. You can start with basic bones and still get a good result.
How long should I cook bone broth?
Anywhere from 8–24 hours. Longer cooking generally creates a richer broth.
Do I have to roast the bones first?
No, but roasting adds more flavour and colour.
Why add vinegar to bone broth?
It helps draw minerals from the bones during cooking.
Why didn’t my broth gel?
This can happen if:
- There weren’t enough collagen-rich bones
- Cooking time was shorter
- Water ratio was too high
It’s still perfectly usable.
Is bone broth good for gut health?
Yes. It contains amino acids that support digestion and the gut lining.
👉 Learn more:
The Gut Brain Axis & aGut Health
Can I freeze bone broth?
Yes. Freeze in portions for easy use.
Final Thoughts
Making bone broth doesn’t need to be complicated.
Start simple, keep it consistent, and focus on building it into your routine. Over time, it becomes one of the easiest ways to add real nourishment to your day.
👉 Explore more:
The Ultimate Guide to Bone Broth
If you want next, I can:
- Turn this into a visual beginner guide
- Create a “bone broth mistakes to avoid” blog
- Or build a complete bone broth pillar page from this
Just let me know 👍
Here’s your visual beginner guide version of the bone broth article—designed for blog + Pinterest + lead magnet use. It’s structured as clear, scannable sections with strong visual cues.
How to Make Bone Broth (Beginner Visual Guide)
Simple, Nourishing & Easy to Start
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a slow-simmered liquid made from bones, extracting:
- Collagen & gelatin
- Amino acids (glycine, proline, glutamine)
- Minerals like calcium & magnesium
👉 Learn more:
bone-broth-benefits
Why Make Bone Broth?
✔ Supports gut health
✔ Helps joints, skin & recovery
✔ Easy to digest
✔ Adds flavour to meals
👉 Learn more:
What is Functional Protein?
The 5-Step Bone Broth Method
1. Add Bones + Water
- Use beef, chicken, or leftover bones
- Cover completely with water
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar
2. Simmer Slowly
- Cook on low heat
- 12–24 hours for best results
- Keep it gently simmering (not boiling hard)
3. Skim (Optional)
- Remove foam from the top if needed
- Helps create a clearer broth
- Optional step—don’t overthink it
4. Strain
- Remove bones and vegetables
- Strain into a clean container
- Keep the liquid only
5. Store
- Fridge: 5–7 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
- Should gel when cold (a good sign!)
What Makes a Great Bone Broth?
✔ Deep colour
✔ Rich aroma
✔ Slightly gelatinous texture when chilled
Beginner Shortcut
If you want convenience without losing quality:
👉 Try:
Broth & Co Bone Broth Range
How to Use Bone Broth
- Drink it warm
- Use in soups and stews
- Add to sauces or grains
👉 Try recipes:
mediterranean-beef-stew-spinach
Sweet-potato-leek-bone-broth-soup
Quick FAQ
Do I need special bones?
No—start simple.
How long should I cook it?
12–24 hours is ideal.
Does it need to gel?
No—but it’s a good sign if it does.
Is it still good if it’s simple?
Yes—consistency matters more than perfection.
Final Thought
Bone broth doesn’t need to be complicated.
Start simple. Keep it consistent.
Over time, it becomes one of the easiest ways to add real nourishment to your day.