Slow Cooker Bone Broth: Sip Your Way to Better Health
Bone broth has gained widespread popularity in recent years, and for good reason. This soothing, nutrient-dense elixir is not only delicious, but it also offers a wealth of health benefits. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, support joint health, or simply enjoy a comforting cup of warmth, slow cooker bone broth is the answer.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a homemade bone broth masterpiece right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Simmered low and slow, this recipe unlocks the full potential of the bones, extracting a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and collagen to nourish your body from the inside out.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Bone broth has become a staple in many households, and for good reason. Not only is it deeply satisfying, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients that can support overall health and well-being. This slow cooker version takes the guesswork out of the process, allowing the flavors to meld together seamlessly over several hours of gentle simmering.
What sets this slow cooker bone broth apart is the depth of flavor and the ease of preparation. By using a combination of beef and chicken bones, you’ll create a rich, well-rounded broth that can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into a variety of dishes. The long, slow cooking process extracts the maximum amount of collagen, gelatin, and other beneficial compounds from the bones, making this broth a true powerhouse of nutrition.
Additionally, the slow cooker method ensures that the broth retains its delicate aromas and flavors, without the risk of scorching or overcooking that can sometimes happen on the stovetop. With minimal hands-on time required, you can simply set it and forget it, allowing the broth to simmer away while you attend to other tasks.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Slow Cooker Bone Broth ❓
• 3-4 lbs chicken bones (backs, necks, wings, etc.)
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 3 carrots, roughly chopped
• 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp whole peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Filtered water, to cover
The beauty of this slow cooker bone broth is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of beef and chicken bones creates a well-rounded flavor profile that has made bone broth recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Slow Cooker Bone Broth Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Pour in the apple cider vinegar and add the peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary.
• Step 3: Cover the ingredients with filtered water, making sure the bones are fully submerged.
• Step 4: Cook the bone broth on low heat for 24-48 hours, skimming any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
• Step 5: Once the cooking time is up, carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids.
• Step 6: Allow the broth to cool slightly, then portion it into airtight containers or mason jars. Refrigerate or freeze for later use.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 24-48 hours
• Total time: 24-48 hours, plus cooling time
Compared to traditional bone broth recipes that can take up to 72 hours to prepare, this slow cooker version saves you a significant amount of time while delivering similar, if not better, flavor and nutrient profiles.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 322mg
These slow cooker bone broths provide approximately 20% of your daily protein requirements and 14% of your daily collagen needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the carrots and reduce the amount of onion used.
• Dairy-free adaptation: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, as it does not contain any dairy ingredients.
• Added protein: Stir in a scoop of grass-fed collagen powder or bone broth protein powder for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced mushrooms, kale, or other nutrient-dense vegetables to the slow cooker for a more complete and balanced broth.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the slow cooker bone broth.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Use the bone broth as a base for hearty soups, stews, or risottos.
• Sip the broth on its own as a nourishing, gut-healing drink.
• Incorporate the bone broth into your favorite recipes, such as sauces, gravies, or marinades.
• Create an elegant brunch or appetizer spread by serving the bone broth in individual cups or mugs, accompanied by crusty bread, avocado, or soft-boiled eggs.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overcooking the broth: While long simmering is essential for extracting the maximum nutrients, overcooking can lead to a bitter, overly concentrated broth. Stick to the recommended 24-48 hour cooking time.
• Forgetting to skim the fat: Regularly skimming the foam and fat that rise to the surface ensures a clear, clean-tasting broth.
• Not using a variety of bones: Using a combination of beef and chicken bones, as well as different bone cuts, creates a more complex and balanced flavor.
• Not adding the acid: The apple cider vinegar helps to extract the beneficial minerals from the bones, so don’t skip this important ingredient.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These slow cooker bone broths retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: Pour the bone broth into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply transfer the desired amount of frozen broth to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Then, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, being careful not to boil.
❓ FAQs
Can I make bone broth ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, bone broth is an excellent make-ahead recipe. You can prepare the broth up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it for up to 6 months. The longer cooking time actually enhances the flavor and nutrient profile of the broth, so feel free to make a large batch and enjoy it over several weeks.
Can I substitute the beef and chicken bones?
Yes, you can use a variety of bone types to create your slow cooker bone broth. In addition to beef and chicken bones, you can also use pork bones, turkey bones, or a combination of different animal bones. The key is to use a mix of bone types to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, this slow cooker bone broth recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet. To further reduce the carb content, you can omit the carrots and use a lower ratio of onions in the recipe.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can still make this bone broth recipe on the stovetop. Simply combine all the ingredients in a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 24-48 hours, skimming the surface as needed. Keep in mind that the stovetop method may require more hands-on attention to prevent the broth from simmering too vigorously.
Can I add more vegetables or herbs to the broth?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables, such as mushrooms, kale, or spinach, or try different herb combinations like parsley, oregano, or dill. Just keep in mind that the more ingredients you add, the more complex the flavor profile will become. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preferences.
Conclusion
These slow cooker bone broths represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re sipping them on their own for a comforting and restorative drink or incorporating them into soups, stews, and other dishes, they’re sure to impress with their rich, velvety texture and depth of flavor.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this slow cooker bone broth demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of time. So grab your slow cooker, gather your bones, and get ready to experience the nourishing power of homemade bone broth.
