The Ultimate Slow Cooker Bone Broth Recipe: Nourishing & Delicious

Bone broth, a rich and flavorful liquid made by simmering animal bones, has gained immense popularity for its purported health benefits and delicious taste. While traditionally made on the stovetop, a slow cooker offers a convenient and hands-off method for creating this nutritious elixir. This guide provides a foolproof slow cooker bone broth recipe, ensuring you achieve a deeply flavorful and healthy broth every time.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Bone Broth?

Using a slow cooker for bone broth offers several advantages:

• Convenience: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker allows for long, low-temperature simmering without constant monitoring, perfect for busy schedules.
• Even Cooking: The slow, consistent heat ensures the bones break down completely, releasing maximum nutrients and flavor.
• Less Mess: No need to constantly check or stir the pot – the slow cooker minimizes mess and cleanup.
• Flavor Infusion: The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer, more complex broth.

Ingredients for the Perfect Slow Cooker Bone Broth

This recipe is adaptable to your preferences and available ingredients. Feel free to experiment with different bone types and vegetable additions!

• Bones: 2-3 lbs. A mix of bones is ideal – beef marrow bones, chicken backs/necks, pork knuckle bones, etc. The more marrow, the richer the broth! Avoid bones from butcher shops that have been frozen. Fresh is always best.
• Water: Enough to cover the bones by about 2 inches. Filtered water is recommended for the best flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. This helps extract minerals from the bones.
• Onions: 1 large, roughly chopped.
• Carrots: 2 large, roughly chopped.
• Celery: 2 stalks, roughly chopped.
• Garlic: 4-6 cloves, smashed.
• Bay Leaves: 2-3.
• Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon.

(Optional additions for extra flavor):

• Ginger: 1-inch piece, sliced
• Parsley stems: a small bunch
• Sea Salt (add at the end to taste)

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Bone Broth Recipe

1. Prep the Bones: Rinse the bones thoroughly under cold water. If using frozen bones, allow them to thaw completely before proceeding.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients (bones, water, apple cider vinegar, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns) into your slow cooker.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 24-48 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful the broth will become.
4. Strain the Broth: Once cooked, carefully remove the bones and vegetables using a large spoon or slotted ladle. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth lined colander into a large bowl or container. Discard the solids.
5. Cool and Store: Allow the broth to cool completely before storing. You can store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Tips for the Best Bone Broth

• Bone Selection: A mix of bone types yields the best results. Marrow bones are especially rich.
• Roasting the Bones (Optional): Roasting the bones before adding them to the slow cooker adds a deeper, more caramelized flavor.
• Salt: Add salt only at the end, to taste, after straining the broth.
• Fat Layer: A layer of fat will naturally form on top of the broth as it cools. This is perfectly normal and can be easily skimmed off.

Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Bone Broth

• Soup Base: Use it as the foundation for soups, stews, and sauces.
• Sipping Broth: Enjoy it warm on its own as a nourishing beverage.
• Cooking Ingredient: Add it to recipes for extra depth of flavor.
• Boosting Nutrition: Incorporate it into smoothies or use it to cook grains.

This slow cooker bone broth recipe is a perfect starting point. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find your perfect blend of flavors and nutrients. Enjoy the delicious and healthy results of your homemade bone broth!