Beyond Soup: 20 Unique Ways to Use Bone Broth in Everyday Cooking – Bare Bones

A bowl of golden broth garnished with chopped herbs, next to celery, a carrot, onions, and a wooden spoon on a gray board, with a soft blue cloth draped nearby.

Bone broth isn't just for soups or sipping by the mug — it’s a versatile kitchen MVP packed with nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support your gut, skin, joints, and more.

You probably already knew that. What you might not know is how to cook with bone broth.

Think of it as your daily nutritional upgrade — an easy, delicious way to level up all your meals and snacks! From savory to sweet, bone broth adds depth, richness, and a whole lot of health benefits to your everyday eats.

So today we’re exploring how to use bone broth in your favorite and soon-to-be-favorite recipes to capture all the perks this ancient wellness elixir has to offer.

Before we dive into what to make with bone broth, let’s hit the basics with why you should.

🤔 WHY IS BONE BROTH PURE CULINARY GOLD?

Bone broth is made by slow-simmering animal bones in water (usually with a bit of vinegar, veggies, herbs, and spices) for anywhere from 12 to 18+ hours.

During that slow cook, all the good stuff gets extracted from the bone marrow — minerals, amino acids, and, most importantly, collagen. So bone broth gives you all the benefits of collagen and bone marrow in a more natural, easily-accessible form.

But this liquid gold isn’t just magic for your body! That long, slow simmer makes bone broth a concentrated flavor enhancer that’s better for you than bouillon, richer than standard stock, and the ultimate chameleon in the kitchen.

🍲 20+ WAYS TO INCORPORATE BONE BROTH INTO EVERYDAY MEALS, SNACKS, AND MORE!

So, what can you do with bone broth besides sipping it straight from the mug or using it to fuel your bone broth cleanse?

This kitchen staple is ready to transform any dish into something extraordinary. Here are our favorite bone broth uses, recipes, and pro tips to leverage this golden goodness for greatness:

☕ SIP ON COMFORTING BONE BROTH LATTES

You’ve probably sipped bone broth straight — maybe even spiced it up with hot sauce, herbs, or a splash of juice to make your bone broth taste better. But bone broth can also help you craft crave-worthy morning lattes and afternoon pick-me-ups.

Just swap out some (or all) of the water in your coffee or tea with bone broth, and voila! A flavorful, nutrient-packed drink that hydrates with electrolytes, nourishes, and keeps you energized.

PRO TIP: Blend bone broth with coconut milk and turmeric for a creamy, golden latte. Or try our homemade latte recipes that use bone broth: our Iced Matcha Latte with Bone Broth and Cocoa & Coconut Milk Bone Broth Latte are *chef’s kiss.*

🍹 SHAKE UP BONE BROTH MOCKTAILS AND COCKTAILS

Want to make your mocktails and cocktails fun and sneak in a little extra goodness? Bone broth adds savory, umami notes while giving your drinks a boost of nutrients, protein, and flavor!

Start by replacing the liquor or some of the liquid in your favorite drink recipes with bone broth. Your creations will still be light and refreshing, but with a hidden dose of feel-good in every sip.

PRO TIP: Bone broth pairs well with fresh herbs, citrus, fruit juices, and a splash of sparkling water or probiotic soda for non-alcoholic options with flair.

🍳 SCRAMBLE YOUR EGGS WITH BONE BROTH

For an unexpected twist, try adding bone broth to your scrambled eggs. It makes them extra fluffy while sneaking in additional nutrients. Each bite will taste richer and more satisfying.

PRO TIP: Looking for keto bone broth recipes? This one’s for you! Scrambled eggs with bone broth, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meat make the perfect high-protein, low-carb start to your day.

🌅 WAKE UP TO BONE BROTH OATMEAL

For a savory spin on breakfast, cook your oats in bone broth instead of water or milk.

Add some healthy fats and protein to your oats, such as avocado, eggs, bacon, sausage, shredded chicken, ground turkey, tofu, or roasted vegetables, to transform a simple breakfast into a nourishing power-up that keeps you full until lunchtime.

PRO TIP: Give this Golden Beet and Bone Broth Overnight Oats recipe a go!

💪 UPGRADE YOUR SMOOTHIES, SMOOTHIE BOWLS, AND PROTEIN SHAKES

Adding bone broth to your smoothies, smoothie bowls, and protein shakes will skyrocket their nutritional profile. You’ll sneak in 10 grams of protein per serving and that beneficial collagen without even tasting its presence.

PRO TIP: We’re big fans of bone broth smoothies, and these recipes will make you one too!

🍚 COOKING RICE WITH BONE BROTH

One of the easiest (and tastiest!) ways to use bone broth is in place of water when cooking rice. It infuses the grains with rich flavor and adds a nutritional punch.

Just swap out your cooking water with bone broth, and boom! You've got an upgraded, nutrient-dense side dish. Check out these bone broth rice recipes to see what we mean:

Psst! This trick also works wonders with quinoa, farro, and any other grain. Try it out with these recipes:

PRO TIP: Want an extra flavor hit? Flavored bone broths like Lemon Ginger and Thai Coconut add a pop of excitement to your grain game.

🍝 TRY BONE BROTH-INFUSED PASTA

Cooking pasta with bone broth? You bet! Forget plain old water — swap in bone broth when boiling pasta, and you’ll have noodles and macaroni infused with mouthwatering flavor and bonus nutrients. Just cook until the pasta is soft and most of the bone broth has been absorbed.

Check out these bone broth pasta recipes next time you’re craving something comforting:

PRO TIP: Mix some of that starchy bone broth pasta water into your sauce. It helps the sauce cling to the noodles, makes it extra creamy, and enhances the flavor.

🥦 ELEVATE YOUR VEGGIES

Sauté or steam your vegetables in bone broth for a dose of nutrients and flavor. Whether stir-frying bell peppers, steaming broccoli, or roasting carrots, a splash of bone broth can replace oil or water and take your veggies to the next level. This works exceptionally well for picky eaters!

PRO TIP: Toss a handful of greens like spinach or kale into bone broth for a quick sauté — instant nutrient bomb!

🥔 WHIP UP SMOOTH, CREAMY MASHED POTATOES

Mashed potatoes are delicious, but mashed potatoes made with bone broth are the epitome of restaurant-worthy comfort food. Instead of using cream, butter, or ghee alone, add a generous splash of bone broth to your mashed potatoes for a rich, nutrient-packed side dish.

PRO TIP: Use beef or mushroom bone broth for a deep, earthy, umami flavor your taste buds will adore, like this Truffle and Herb Mashed Potatoes recipe.

🍽️ RUSTLE UP SOME BONE BROTH GRAVY

Gravy isn't just for holidays! Use bone broth to make a luscious, velvety gravy anytime you cook mashed potatoes, roast chicken, turkey, pork, pot roast, meatloaf — the possibilities are endless! The collagen helps create a silky texture that clings to every bite, taking your comfort food game to new heights.

We think this recipe is The Last Gravy You’ll Ever Need.

PRO TIP: Here’s where chicken bone broth versus beef bone broth matters. Beef bone broth is ideal for a robust, hearty gravy that pairs perfectly with meat, while chicken bone broth offers a lighter, more delicate flavor that's great for poultry or veggie-based dishes.

🥩 MAKE A BONE BROTH MARINADE

Ever marinate your meat in bone broth? Bone broth acts as a natural tenderizer for chicken, beef, pork, and lamb. You can even use it to infuse tofu with flavor! Just add some garlic, herbs, and spices to your broth marinade, and you’ll unlock the secret to juicy, palate-pleasing mains everyone will be asking about.

PRO TIP: Marinate your mains in Ramen, Thai Coconut, or Lemon Ginger bone broth for max flavor when you’re short on time or ingredients.

🥣 SWAP OUT STOCK OR BROTH IN SOUP, STEWS, AND RAMEN

Okay, this one's obvious; but we couldn't leave it off the list! Any soup that calls for chicken stock, beef stock, or vegetable broth can easily be replaced with bone broth. It elevates the depth and nutritional power of any soup, turning it into a soul-satisfying masterpiece that keeps you fuller longer.

You can’t beat these ramen, stew, and soup recipes to make with bone broth:

PRO TIP: Want a shortcut to something fancy? Our Ramen and Thai Coconut instant bone broths are a game-changer here.

🍖 BRAISE MEATS WITH BONE BROTH

Braising cuts of meats like short ribs, pot roast, pork shoulder, or brisket in bone broth is a foolproof way to make them tender and flavorful. The slow-cooked broth infuses the meat with all its rich flavors, while helping to break down tough fibers.

The result? Fall-off-the-bone deliciousness.

PRO TIP: Combine bone broth with wine, aromatics (garlic, ginger, onion, carrots, etc.), and fresh herbs for a luxurious braising liquid that does all the work while you kick back and let the melt-in-your-mouth magic happen.

🍜 SKIP THE TAKEOUT WITH A BONE BROTH STIR-FRY

Clean stir-fries are some of the best bone broth recipes for gut health. Just replace water or oil with bone broth. It not only adds flavor but also coats everything in those gut-loving, joint-supporting nutrients.

PRO TIP: Our Thai Coconut and Ramen instant bone broths love being invited to your stir-fry nights.

🧑‍🍳 MAKE RISOTTO WITH BONE BROTH

Risotto is already a creamy delight, but using bone broth instead of stock makes it extra indulgent and nourishing. Slowly ladle warm bone broth into your risotto as it cooks, and you’ll never make it any other way again.

PRO TIP: Risotto is the perfect blank canvas — add mushrooms, Parmesan, and a dash of truffle oil for a restaurant-quality meal at home. These bone broth risotto recipes are far from basic:

🌶️ KICK UP YOUR CHILI WITH BONE BROTH

Want award-winning chili? Swap out water or stock in your fave chili recipe for bone broth. Water or stock can’t match bone broth’s depth of flavor or nutrient profile. You’ll taste the difference in every spicy, hearty bite.

PRO TIP: Whether you’re craving a bold 3-Way Cincinnati Chili or a Slow and Low Chili Verde, bone broth brings unmatched savoriness and versatility to the table, every time.

🫘 COOK BEANS AND LEGUMES IN BONE BROTH

Amplify the flavor and nutrition of your beans, lentils, and legumes by cooking them in bone broth instead of H2O. You’ll infuse your plant-based proteins with exciting flavor and extra protein for a satisfying meal or side.

PRO TIP: Add herbs and spices to your bone broth when cooking your legumes — think bay leaves, cumin, or smoked paprika — for more variety!

🫙 CRAFT BONE BROTH-BASED SAUCES

Ditch the store-bought sauces packed with preservatives, sugar, and mystery ingredients! Creating your own sauces using bone broth as a base allows you to control the ingredients and craft healthier, cheaper, and far more delicious options store-bought versions can’t compete with.

PRO TIP: Homemade is always better! Use these sauce recipes to complement your fave bone broth dishes:

🫕 GATHER EVERYONE AROUND BONE BROTH DIPS

Bone broth-infused dips are sure to impress at your next party! These crowd-pleasers not only taste incredible but also offer a nutritious twist on classic favorites, making them perfect for get-togethers or cozy nights in.

PRO TIP: These creative, better-for-you recipes will have everyone dipping in for seconds:

🍨 CHILL OUT WITH BONE BROTH ICE CREAM AND POPSICLES

Yep, you read that right! Bone broth can be used to make creamy, nutritious, homemade ice cream and popsicles. Just replace some of the water, milk, cream, or fruit juices in your favorite recipes. Or try our Watermelon and Blackberry Bone Broth Popsicle recipe.

You’ll have a quick snack when you’re craving something cold that’s actually wonderful for gut health — something you can’t always say about store-bought versions.

PRO TIP: Popsicles and ice cream aren’t the only cool bone broth treats in town. Explore our guide, 15 Chill Ways To Use Bone Broth In The Summer, to add 35+ refreshing recipes to your rotation!

🐶 BONUS: DON’T FORGET ABOUT BONE BROTH FOR DOGS!

While you’re cooking with bone broth for the fam, don’t forget your furry besties! Dogs love bone broth. Sneak it into their food for added flavor, nutrients, and hydration. Your pup will be wagging their tail for more!

PRO TIP: Bone broth ice cubes are one of the best ways to use bone broth for dogs and humans! Freeze it in fun-shaped molds for a cooling treat that keeps your pup hydrated after playtime. You can also toss these nutrient-packed cubes into your drinks for an easy health boost anytime.

✨ MAKE EVERY BITE COUNT WITH BARE BONES BROTH

Feeling more inspired about how to use bone broth in your cooking?

With so many creative ways to use bone broth, it’s clear this ancient wellness elixir goes far beyond soup. Whether you’re cooking rice or pasta, braising meats, or crafting lattes and smoothies, bone broth adds depth and a boost of nutrition to every dish.

💙 Elevate your everyday meals with Bare Bones Broth! Keep our Instant Bone Broth packets on hand for quick, on-demand flavor.

Our grass-fed Beef and Chicken bone broths are kitchen staples that go with everything, and our Ramen, Lemon Ginger, and Thai Coconut flavors will transform your dishes in exciting new ways. Can’t choose? Try our Variety multipack to enjoy the flavors our customers love most.

Our mission at Bare Bones is to meet you where you are and nourish you with real, whole-food-based nutrients in the form that best fits your lifestyle. We’re always adding new bone broth recipe ideas to the Bare Bones Broth Recipe Collection — bookmark it now so you don’t miss out! 😋