How to Freeze Bone Broth (Ice Cube Trays, Containers, & Freezer Bags)

Freezing bone broth is a simple way to save time and make sure that you always have some bone broth on hand. Whether you’re simmering beef or chicken bone broth from-scratch, having broth stored in the freezer means you’ll always have a rich, nourishing base ready to go! I’ll show you how to freeze bone broth using ice cube trays, freezer bags, and containers so that you can store it in portions sizes that work for you!

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Why I Love Freezing Bone Broth

Meal Prep

I love having a freezer filled with healthy, nourishing foods that are ready to use! Prepping ahead is one of the strategies I use most often to be able to keep from-scratch meals on the table for my family. If I tried to prepare everything each and every day it would not be possible some days to get it all done, and I suspect that’s the case for most people. Bulk cooking and meal prep is a great way to keep nourishing foods on hand. Bone Broth is a great thing to make in bulk. My favorite way to make a large batch is using my roaster method for beef and chicken bone broth.

Saves Time

Freezing is a simple, fast way to preserve bone broth. When I make a smaller batch of bone broth on the stovetop, my recipe only yields about 3 quarts, so I don’t always feel like getting out my pressure canner for a few jars. That’s when freezing bone broth really comes in handy. It helps save a lot of time by not needing to pressure can the broth.

Portion Control

Another great benefit of freezing bone broth is that it makes portioning simple. From small cubes to full quart containers, you can store exactly the amount you need for cooking, sipping or recipes. It is highly customizable, so you can freeze it in any amount that you find yourself needing most often.

I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve had recipes call for ½-1 cup of broth and I’d place the remaining broth into the fridge thinking I’ll use it later—only to find it later and have to pitch it! That’s so frustrating and wasteful, and freezing broth in portions that works for my recipes helps to cut down on wasted food.

I’ll share how to freeze bone broth in ice cube trays, bags, and containers. It’s really not that complicated—I’ll share my favorite ways that are practical and simple.

How to Freeze Bone Broth (Quick Method)

How to freeze bone broth: Let the broth cool completely, then pour it into ice cube trays, freezer bags, or containers. Leave space for expansion, seal tightly, and freeze. Use small cubes for cooking or larger portions for soups and meals.

Quick steps at a Glance

1. Let the bone broth cool completely
2. Strain out any solids if needed
3. Choose your storage method (cubes, containers, or freezer bags) and fill
4. Leave space for expansion
5. Seal tightly and label
6. Freeze until solid

Preparing Bone Broth for Freezing

Before freezing your bone broth, there are a few simple, but important steps that you’ll want to complete.

• Skim off any fat that rose to the top of the broth before freezing. You can use a skimmer or spoon.
• Cool the broth completely before freezing.

Supplies for Freezing Bone Broth

• Freezer containers
• Disposable freezer bags or silicone bags for a reusable option
• Ice cube trays
• Freezer tape (if using containers)
• Sharpie or another permanent marker

How to Freeze Bone Broth in Ice Cube Trays

Freezing bone broth in ice cube trays is one of the easiest ways to store small portions.

I’ll link my favorite ice cube tray. It works so much nicer than the plastic ones!

Simply pour the cooled bone broth into the trays. I find it easiest to pour in the broth using a ladle or measuring cup. Then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for airtight storage and to free up your ice cube trays. Label and date the bag—and that’s it!

An ice cube is equal to about 2 Tablespoons.

2 cubes of frozen broth=1/4 cup

4 cubes of frozen broth=1/2 cup

8 cubes of frozen broth=1 cup

This method is perfect for when you only need a small amount for cooking vegetables, adding flavor to sauces, or melting a few cubes into a mug for sipping.

How to Freeze Bone Broth in Freezer Bags

Freezer bags are great for saving larger portions of bone broth while still saving freezer space. I recommend purchasing a quality freezer bag that is thicker to help protect from freezer burn—like Ziplock brand. For a reusable option look for silicone freezer bags.

Before pouring broth into the freezer bag, use a permeant marker to label and date the bag.

When pouring the broth into the freezer bag, it can be difficult to keep the bag from falling over. I find it helpful to roll down the top of the bag a little bit and place the bag into a small bowl or measuring cup. (As pictured above). Then ladle the broth into the bag, press as much air out as possible and lay flat on a sheet pan or in a baking dish. Then place into the freezer and freeze until solid.

Remove the pan or baking dish from the freezer. The bags of broth will now stack nicely in the freezer, without taking up too much space.

How to Freeze Bone Broth in Containers

Containers are great for freezing larger amounts of broth like pints and quarts. Choose freezer safe containers that are sturdy, don’t go cheap here. When I’ve purchased the cheap flimsy ones, they often crack and don’t last very long. My favorite kind are not rigid when you squeeze them, and instead they give a little bit like these containers. They cost more upfront, but they last a long time.

Using a ladle, fill your containers. Leave a little room at the top for expansion. Put the lids on. Using freezer tape and a permanent marker label and date the broth. Place in the freezer sitting in an upright position. Freeze until solid.

While containers do take up a little more space than bags, they’re sturdy, easy to stack, and reusable.

Tips for Freezing Bone Broth Successfully

• Cool broth completely before freezing
• Freeze broth in portions you’ll actually use
• Label and date everything clearly
• Avoid overfilling containers—leave room for expansion
• If freezing in bags, lay flat while freezing for easy, stackable storage
• Use quality bags and containers
  

How to Thaw Frozen Bone Broth

1.The easiest way to thaw the broth is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. This works well for larger portions in containers or freezer bags.

Tip: If thawing a freezer bag of broth in the fridge, place it in a bowl, just in case it leaks as it thaws.

2. If you’re like me and forgot to plan ahead, you can place the frozen broth in a kettle and gently warm it on the stove.

Tip: If you’re having trouble getting the broth out of the container, run hot water from the faucet over the outside of the container and it should loosen up.

3. Another option is to place the container or bag in a bowl of warm water until the broth melts.

4. Smaller portions like broth cubes, can be added directly to the pot or pan without thawing, which makes them super convenient.

How Long does Frozen Bone Broth Last?

Frozen bone broth keeps well for about 3 to 6 months. It can last longer if stored properly, especially in a deep freezer at 0°F or lower but overtime the taste may start to decline.

For best results, store bone broth in quality airtight containers or freezer bags to help prevent freezer burn.

Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Bone Broth

Freezing bone broth is a simple way to keep nourishing, from-scratch food on hand—ready for soups, stews, or any recipe whenever you need it! I hope these tips help you feel confident in preserving your broth, and if you’re looking to take it a step further, learning how to get a good gel and choosing the right bones makes all the difference in flavor, texture, and overall quality.