What To Do With Beef Marrow Bones: 10 Delicious Ideas

Beef marrow bones are one of those underutilized ingredients that can transform your cooking. Inside these bones lies a trove of flavor and nutrition just waiting to be unlocked.

The rich, fatty marrow has a meaty, umami taste that can instantly add a boost of richness At the same time, bone marrow is chock full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, collagen, and other nutrients vital for bone and joint health

While beef marrow bones were once rare outside of high-end eateries, they are now widely available at many butchers and grocers. But what exactly should you make with these nutritious bones? Here are 10 delicious ways to put beef marrow bones to use at home

1. Make Bone Broth

One of the most popular uses for beef marrow bones is to make bone broth. The marrow helps create a rich, gelatinous broth ideal for soups, stews, sauces and more.

To make bone broth:

• Roast beef marrow bones at 450°F for 15-20 minutes until fragrant and starting to brown.

• Place bones in a pot and cover with water. Add aromatics like onions, carrots, celery, garlic and herbs.

• Simmer for at least 8 hours, up to 48 hours for maximum extraction. Top off with water as needed.

• Strain out solids and use the collagen-rich broth for soups, risottos, gravies and more! Can be frozen too.

2. Make Bone Marrow Butter

Once roasted, bone marrow can be scooped out and mixed into softened butter along with fresh herbs, lemon, shallots or garlic. Spread this compound marrow butter on bread or use it to top steaks, potatoes and veggies.

3. Serve Roasted Marrow Bones

For an appetizer, roast marrow bones cut lengthwise until the marrow is soft and wobbly but not melted out. Scrape and spread the marrow onto crusty bread. Top with sea salt, parsley, shallot and lemon.

4. Make Marrow Pommes Puree

Roast marrow bones and scoop the marrow into warm mashed potatoes along with butter, cream and seasoning. Top with crispy shallots or bacon for a decadent side.

5. Stuff Bones for Appetizers

Scoop out the softened roasted marrow from bones and mix with fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest. Pack the mixture back into the bones and roast again until browned and bubbling for easy party apps.

6. Make Bone Marrow Pasta

In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil then add roasted bone marrow and toss with cooked pasta. Grate Parmesan on top and finish with parsley, lemon and black pepper for a simple but lush pasta dish.

7. Add to Gravy or Sauce

For an instant flavor boost, add some scooped out roasted marrow into your pan sauces, gravies or tomato sauce. The marrow provides extra richness and meatiness.

8. Make Scotch Eggs with Marrow Butter

For a unique twist on scotch eggs, skip the sausage and wrap hard boiled eggs in herb-infused marrow butter before breading and frying.

9. Top Baked Potatoes

Transform basic baked potatoes by topping them with roasted bone marrow, sour cream, chives, bacon and cheddar for the ultimate loaded spuds.

10. Make Pet Treats

Once cooled, roasted bone marrow can be cut into bite-sized treats for pets to enjoy. Always check with your vet first though!

Tips for Cooking with Beef Marrow Bones

Cooking with beef marrow bones may be new territory. Follow these tips for success:

• Ask Your Butcher for Bones – Have them slice bones lengthwise for easier roasting and removal of marrow. Or cross-cut bones for broth.

• Soak Bones First – Soak bones overnight in salted water to draw out impurities for a cleaner presentation.

• Roast Thoroughly – Roast at 450°F until marrow is hot and just starting to separate from bone. Usually 15-20 minutes.

• Season Aggressively – Marrow is naturally fatty so it needs ample salt and pepper. Don’t be shy.

• Add Acid – Brighten the rich marrow taste with something acidic like lemon juice, vinegar or salsa.

• Use Quickly – Roasted marrow can melt fast so serve immediately before it breaks down.

• Make Ahead – Bone broth and marrow compound butters can be made ahead and frozen.

Nutrition and Benefits of Beef Marrow Bones

In addition to being tasty, beef marrow bones provide great nutritional value:

• Excellent source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, K2 and D. These support immunity, brain health, blood-clotting and calcium absorption.

• High in minerals like zinc, iron, selenium and magnesium. These promote energy, immunity, thyroid function, blood health and nerve transmission.

• Contains collagen vital for joint health, skin elasticity, gut integrity and anti-aging. Collagen is extracted into bone broth.

• Provides vitamin B12 needed for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and neurological function.

• Rich in monounsaturated fats and omega-3s that reduce inflammation and protect the heart.

• Nutrients in marrow help maintain strong, healthy bones.

• Collagen may prevent cartilage breakdown and relieve joint pain.

So don’t throw those beef marrow bones away! Put them to use with these tasty recipes to elevate the nutrition in your diet. From gourmet appetizers to fortifying bone broth, beef marrow bones are a true nose-to-tail superfood waiting to be uncovered. With a little creativity, you can transform this often overlooked ingredient into a delicious and healthy addition to your cooking repertoire.