The present invention provides mineralized hydrogels and methods of making and using mineralized hydrogels, by combining a first mixture including a calcium derivative, a second mixture including a phosphate derivative and a hydrogel to form a calcium phosphate dispersion containing the hydrogel. The hydrogel in the calcium phosphate dispersion are crosslinked to form a mineralized hydrogel, in which calcium phosphate minerals are substantially uniformly dispersed within the hydrogel.