8 Easy Ways to Use Leftover Broth Before It Goes to Waste

Leftover broth can easily get forgotten in the refrigerator until you realize it needs to be used or thrown away. Instead of letting it go to waste, put that flavorful liquid to work in everyday cooking. From cooking grains and deglazing a skillet to adding richness to mashed potatoes and sauces, here are eight practical ways to use leftover broth.

Cook Grains Instead of Using Water

Swap some or all of the water for broth when cooking rice, quinoa, couscous, farro, or other grains. As the grains absorb the cooking liquid, they also take on the broth’s savory flavor, making a simple side dish more flavorful. Just keep in mind that some broths are quite salty, so you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe.

Freeze It in Ice Cube Trays

If you don’t have an immediate use for leftover broth, freezing it can extend its usefulness. Pour the broth into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, and transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag. The small portions are convenient for pan sauces, sautés, soups, or adding a little extra liquid and flavor to vegetables without having to thaw an entire container.

Use It to Deglaze Pans

After you’ve browned meat or vegetables in a skillet, add a splash of broth to the hot pan to loosen the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Scrape the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula as the broth simmers. You can use the resulting liquid as the base for a quick pan sauce or simply let it reduce and spoon it over the meal.

Add It to Mashed Potatoes

Replace some of the milk, cream, or butter in mashed potatoes with warm broth for a savory boost. Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth can work depending on the rest of the meal and the flavor you’re after. Add the broth gradually as you mash so you can control the consistency and avoid making the potatoes too loose.

Make Savory Oatmeal

Oatmeal doesn’t have to be sweet. Cook rolled oats in broth instead of water or milk, then top them with ingredients such as a soft-boiled egg, sautéed greens, mushrooms, cheese, or fresh herbs. It’s an easy way to turn a basic pantry staple into a savory breakfast, lunch, or light dinner.

Boost Store-Bought Sauces

A little broth can help loosen and add flavor to prepared sauces, gravies, and other dishes. Stir a small amount into jarred pasta sauce, curry sauce, gravy, or a skillet sauce, adding more as needed until you reach the desired consistency. Because broth can vary in saltiness, taste the finished sauce before adding extra seasoning.

Steam Vegetables for Extra Flavor

Instead of using plain water, try using broth in the bottom of a pot when steaming vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, carrots, or cauliflower. While steaming won’t infuse vegetables as intensely as simmering them directly in broth, the cooking liquid can add some extra savory flavor. You can also reserve the broth afterward if it remains clean and safe to reuse.

Turn It Into a Quick Sipping Broth

Good broth can be enjoyed on its own as a simple warm drink. Heat it thoroughly and add fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, grated ginger, or a little black pepper to suit your taste. For a more substantial cup, add cooked vegetables, shredded chicken, noodles, or another favorite soup ingredient.

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