Turkey Stock
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
Making a homemade turkey stock is a rewarding way to ensure nothing goes to waste after a festive roast. This dairy-free recipe transforms a leftover carcass and simple root vegetables into a rich, golden liquid that serves as a superior base for soups, stews and risottos. By gently simmering the bones with aromatics like thyme and bay, you extract a deep, savoury depth that shop-bought cubes simply cannot replicate.
This versatile stock is an essential component for a healthy, flavourful kitchen, providing a nutritious foundation for your favourite post-holiday meals. Once prepared, it can be used immediately for a comforting turkey and vegetable soup or frozen in portions for future use. It is a simple, traditional method that makes the most of your ingredients while adding a professional touch to your home cooking.
In this article:
Continue reading below
Ingredients for Turkey Stock
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk with leaves, chopped
1 carcass with skin from one 12- to 6.8kg turkey
meat removed and reserved, carcass broken into pieces
3.8L (about) cold water
4 fresh Italian parsley sprigs
1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/4 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
How to make Turkey Stock
Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cover; cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
Place turkey carcass pieces in pot and add enough cold water to cover bones (about 3.8L ).
Bring mixture to boil and skim any foam from the surface.
Add parsley, thyme, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer 3 hours.
Strain stock into large bowl, pressing on solids in strainer; discard solids. Let stock stand 10 minutes; skim off fat. Boil to reduce to 2400ml or add water to measure 2400ml . Season with salt and pepper.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.