FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Bone Broth Recipe
• What Is Bone Broth?
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Bone Broth
• Common Questions
• Storage Options
• Ways To Use It
• Bone Broth Recipe (Easy, 3 Ways) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

My bone broth recipe is a healthy kitchen staple I turn to again and again… and again. It’s richer and more flavorful than regular chicken broth . It’s packed with nutrients. It feels like a warm, cozy hug on a cold day. And there are so many ways to use it. Let me show you how to make bone broth, and it might become a staple for you, too. Do it with me and see why!

Why You Need My Bone Broth Recipe

• Rich, comforting flavor – Bone broth has a deep, meaty flavor and a thicker mouthfeel than regular stock. It’s like getting all the cozy flavor of soup in a concentrated form!
• Quick prep – My homemade bone broth recipe takes just a few minutes to prep, and then it’s mostly hands-off. You can let it simmer away while you go about your day.
• 3 ways to make it – My favorite way to make bone broth is in the Instant Pot, but I’ve also included options for the slow cooker and stovetop, so you can choose what works best for you.
• Nutritious – I love the benefits of bone broth! It’s packed with collagen as well as minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium [ source ]. I’ve got more details on the benefits with sources below.

What Is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is that rich, savory liquid you get from simmering bones in water for hours. You can also toss in some herbs, spices, and veggies to boost the flavor.

Traditionally, people made bone broth on the stove top and had to keep an eye on it all day… but if you use a slow cooker or pressure cooker like I do, the process is much easier!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best bone broth ingredients, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

The Best Bones For Bone Broth:

The higher quality the bones, the more tasty and nutritious your bone broth will be. I recommend sourcing free-range chicken or grass-fed beef bones from a local butcher or farm if you can, but I also sometimes use the bones from my favorite grass-fed meat delivery service . You can use all kinds of bones:

• High Cartilage Bones – Knuckles, joints, chicken feet, and wings are great. The connective tissues will add collagen-rich gelatin to your broth. I like using chicken or beef bones for bone broth, but pork bones work well, too.
• Marrow Bones – Marrow bones are packed with satisfying fats and add richness to your beef bone broth. They’re a great source of collagen, giving your broth a velvety texture and deeper flavor.
• Meaty Bones – Oxtail, shank, or short ribs work well (you can even use leftover bones from beef short ribs !)
• Entire Carcasses – I often use leftover bones from a roasted chicken to make my chicken bone broth recipe. Bones from a roasted turkey are great, too.
• Bones From Other Animals – No need to stop at beef or chicken! Try bones from lamb, bison, veal, turkey, fish (heads, collars, and tails work best), or game animals.

For deeper flavor, mix and match bones from the same animal—just ensure they fit in your pot.

You’ll Also Need:

• Cold Water
• Sea Salt – Seasons the broth.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – I use apple cider vinegar to help pull nutrients from the bones. White vinegar or lemon juice works, too.
• Bay Leaves – Toss in some bay leaves for an extra layer of aromatic flavor. They also help lighten up the richness of the broth.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Spices & Dried Herbs – Try whole black peppercorns or ground black pepper, herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning , or turmeric for a golden hue. Add them to the pot in the beginning with the bones.
• Aromatics – For bolder flavor, throw in peeled garlic cloves, ginger, or lemongrass with the bones at the beginning.
• Vegetables – Classic choices like celery, onions, and carrots work great (I often use leftover scraps). Leeks and mushrooms are tasty as well.
• Fresh Herbs – Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley are great to add in with the bones for a burst of flavor. You can strain them out later, or tie them in a bundle (like I do for my butternut squash soup ) for easier removal.

How To Make Bone Broth

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

Instant Pot Method:

The Instant Pot method is my favorite for this bone broth recipe. It’s so quick and convenient! The only drawback is that it doesn’t reduce as much, so the flavor may be slightly less concentrated.

1. Pressure cook. Add the bones, bay leaves, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to your Instant Pot . Fill with water just below the max line. Close the lid, set the vent to “Sealing,” and cook on High pressure.
2. Natural release. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release before opening the lid. Remove and discard the bones and bay leaves.
3. Strain. Cover a large bowl with a nut milk bag fitted over a fine mesh strainer and pour the bone broth through it to strain the liquid. (You could also use a strainer like this in step 1 to hold the ingredients, then lift them out.)
4. Cool and store. Allow the broth to cool, then spoon off the fat layer from the surface and discard.

Crock Pot Method:

If you love the set-it-and-forget-it approach, the Crock Pot method is perfect. It’s super easy and lets you cook the broth low and slow, but keep in mind it takes longer.

1. Combine. Add the beef bones, bay leaves, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker . Fill with water to cover.
2. Slow cook. I recommend cooking on Low for at least 12 hours.
3. Strain, cool, and store. Strain the bone broth through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a large bowl. Let it cool and skim off the fat.

Stovetop Method:

If you prefer the classic way to cook bone broth, the stovetop method is a great choice. It gives you control over the simmering process for a richer flavor, but it does require more time and attention.

1. Fill. Add the bones to a large stockpot . Fill with water to cover, leaving room at the top of the pot to keep it from boiling over.
2. Boil and skim. Heat on high to a rolling boil until you see foam rising to the top. Skim off any foam that you see and discard.
3. Simmer. Add the bay leaves, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar. Reduce heat and gently simmer for at least 12 hours.
4. Strain, cool, and store. Strain the bone broth through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a large bowl. After cooling, skim off the fat.

TIP: For even more flavor, oven roast the bones first.

This is optional and I often skip it for the sake of time, but it adds a wonderful rich flavor. Arrange the bones (and veggies, if you like) on sheet pans and roast in the oven at 450 degrees F for 45-60 minutes, turning halfway through.

Common Questions

• What is the difference between bone broth, stock, and regular broth? I get it, they seem similar, but there’s a difference! Bone broth is simmered from bones over a long time, making it rich and flavorful. Stock is made from bones as well, but it’s not simmered for as long. Regular broth is made from meat and simmers for a shorter time, resulting in a lighter flavor with fewer benefits.
• What does bone broth taste like? Bone broth has a rich, savory taste with a strong, meaty flavor. It’s deeper, thicker, and more concentrated than regular broth, making it both comforting and satisfying.
• How to make bone broth taste better? When I want to tone it down in recipes, I use half bone broth and half regular broth (like chicken broth ) to make the taste less intense. You can also add a squeeze of lemon, lime, or apple cider vinegar to balance the richness.
• Is bone broth good for you? Yes, there are many bone broth benefits! It supports digestion and joint health, is rich in collagen and minerals, and the amino acids help fight inflammation [sources 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 from NIH].
• Does bone broth break a fast? Bone broth has calories, so yes, it will interrupt your fasting .
• How much bone broth per day? I haven’t found a reputable, evidence-based source for how much bone broth to drink per day, and I’m big on evidence! So, this is up to you. Personally I use it primarily in recipes, but many people sip on 1-2 cups daily.

Storage Options

• Store: Bone broth will last for a week in the refrigerator. I store it in glass mason jars .
• Canning: If you’re canning bone broth, make sure to use a pressure canner and check the instructions.
• Reheat: For the best flavor, reheat your homemade bone broth recipe on the stovetop. You can also microwave if needed.
• Freeze: For easy portioning, I like to freeze in silicone ice cube trays or souper cubes . Once solid, you can transfer the cubes to a zip lock bag and keep in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Ways To Use It

Although you can sip it on its own, my fave way to use this bone broth recipe is in other recipes. It adds flavor to so many dishes!

• Soups and Stews – I add it to pork stew and cauliflower soup for extra richness and nutrition. You can easily swap regular broth with bone broth in any of my soup recipes .
• Roasts – I love it for making brisket in the oven and slow cooker pot roast , but it also adds incredible flavor to other roasts, like pork roast and sirloin tip roast .
• One-Pan Meals – Give a flavorful boost to dishes like chicken stir fry , kielbasa and sauerkraut , or my sun-dried tomato chicken .
• Recipe Basics – It’s perfect for making gravy or caramelized onions . I especially love using it instead of water for my Instant Pot shredded chicken .

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2 lb Beef or chicken bones ▢
• 3 medium Bay leaves ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt ▢
• 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar ▢
• Water ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

How To Make Bone Broth In The Instant Pot:

1. Add the bones, bay leaves, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to an Instant Pot . Add the water to just under the max capacity line. Close the lid and then close the vent to the Sealing position. Press the “Manual” button and set to 120 minutes on High pressure.
2. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release before opening the lid. Remove and discard the beef bones and bay leaves.

How To Make Bone Broth In A Crock Pot:

1. Add the bones, bay leaves, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker. Fill with water to cover.
2. Cook for at least 12 hours , or 24-48 hours for richer broth.

How To Make Bone Broth On The Stovetop:

1. Add the bones to a large stockpot. Fill with water to cover, leaving room at the top of the pot to keep it from boiling over.
2. Heat on high to a rolling boil until you see foam rising to the top. Skim off any foam that you see and discard.
3. Add the bay leaves, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar. Reduce heat and gently simmer for at least 12 hours , or 24-48 hours for richer broth.

Finishing Steps (All Methods):

1. Cover a large bowl with a nut milk bag fitted over a fine-mesh strainer, and pour the bone broth through it to strain the liquid.
2. Allow broth to cool, then scrape off the fat layer from the surface and discard. Store the bone broth in mason jars in the refrigerator.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Bone Broth Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

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Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Bone Broth Recipe (Easy, 3 Ways)

Let me show you how to make bone broth in the Instant, Crock Pot, or on the stove! This homemade recipe is easy, flavorful, and versatile.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/bone-broth/

Ingredients

• 2 lb Beef or chicken bones
• 3 medium Bay leaves
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt
• 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• Water

Instructions

How To Make Bone Broth In The Instant Pot:

1. Add the bones, bay leaves, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to an Instant Pot . Add the water to just under the max capacity line. Close the lid and then close the vent to the Sealing position. Press the “Manual” button and set to 120 minutes on High pressure.
2. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release before opening the lid. Remove and discard the beef bones and bay leaves.

How To Make Bone Broth In A Crock Pot:

1. Add the bones, bay leaves, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker. Fill with water to cover.
2. Cook for at least 12 hours , or 24-48 hours for richer broth.

How To Make Bone Broth On The Stovetop:

1. Add the bones to a large stockpot. Fill with water to cover, leaving room at the top of the pot to keep it from boiling over.
2. Heat on high to a rolling boil until you see foam rising to the top. Skim off any foam that you see and discard.
3. Add the bay leaves, sea salt, and apple cider vinegar. Reduce heat and gently simmer for at least 12 hours , or 24-48 hours for richer broth.

Finishing Steps (All Methods):

1. Cover a large bowl with a nut milk bag fitted over a fine-mesh strainer, and pour the bone broth through it to strain the liquid.
2. Allow broth to cool, then scrape off the fat layer from the surface and discard. Store the bone broth in mason jars in the refrigerator.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)