Canning offers a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy fresh produce year-round, regardless of the season. With countless flavor options available, from spicy to sweet and everything in between, there’s a canned recipe out there for every taste bud. What’s more, this preservation method is surprisingly accessible, making it an ideal choice for both newcomers and experienced canners. In this article, we’ll delve into 35 straightforward canning recipes that cater to all skill levels, providing the perfect opportunity to get started and start filling those jars!
35 Easy Canning Recipes
Canned Cherry Jam
A classic favorite among many, this cherry jam recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. To make it, you’ll need just four simple ingredients: fresh cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. The process is straightforward – simply boil the mixture together until it reaches the desired consistency, then can it in sterilized jars for later use. This delicious jam is perfect for topping toast or yogurt at breakfast, or as a sweet addition to your favorite desserts.
Sweet Pickle Relish
This recipe is a clever way to utilize cucumbers and other vegetables such as onion, peppers, and celery. You have the flexibility to either manually chop the ingredients or employ a food processor to streamline the process. Once prepared, combine them in a tangy and sweet sauce, then transfer the mixture into jars for storage and enjoy it within six months.
Homemade Tomato Sauce
Homemade tomato sauce is a staple in many kitchens, but its true potential is unlocked when canned to perfection. The secret lies in cooking down fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices into a rich, thick sauce that can be preserved and enjoyed for months to come. This versatile condiment can elevate everything from pizzas and pasta dishes to soups and stews. Simply cook the ingredients together until they reach the desired consistency, then fill sterilized jars and process them in a water bath canner. With this homemade tomato sauce at your disposal, the possibilities are endless.
Pineapple Jam
Add a tropical twist to your morning routine with this delectable homemade jam recipe. Combining the sweetness of sugar with the tanginess of pineapple chunks and a squeeze of lemon juice, this unique flavor profile is sure to elevate your breakfast game. By boiling the mixture until it reaches the perfect thickness, you’ll create a spread that’s not only delicious but also shelf-stable for up to 12 months, making it the perfect addition to your pantry arsenal.
Dilly Beans
Savoring the flavors of autumn, one jar at a time. Long after the harvest season has passed, dilly beans remain a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of fresh beans. Simply sterilize some jars, pack them with an abundance of beans and fragrant dill, then top it all off with a hot mixture of vinegar and water. The outcome is a crunchy, tangy snack that perfectly complements your go-to sandwich.
Peach Salsa
Savvy foodies will appreciate this unique fusion of spicy and sweet flavors, expertly captured in a harmonious blend of peaches, jalapeno peppers, onions, and bell peppers. In a saucepan, combine the chopped ingredients with a tangy trifecta of vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice. As the mixture simmers on medium heat, the flavors will meld together to create a thickened consistency, perfect for canning in sterilized jars. Once ready, enjoy this sweet and sassy salsa as a tasty accompaniment to grilled meats or with your favorite tortilla chips.
Spiced Apple Butter
Transforming this simple recipe into a beloved family tradition requires just three essential elements: crisp apples, sweet sugar, and the warm, aromatic spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Combine these ingredients until they reach a rich, spreadable consistency, then seal them in sterilized jars to preserve their flavor for months to come. As you open your first jar and spread its autumnal sweetness onto your morning toast or oatmeal, you’ll understand why this recipe is destined to become a staple in your household.
Red Pepper Jelly
Transforming red peppers into a sweet and tangy jelly is a delightful way to repurpose this ingredient. To create the jelly, combine chopped red peppers with a mixture of vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, and pectin in a saucepan. Bring the ingredients to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture has thickened to your liking. Once the jelly has reached the desired consistency, transfer it to sterilized jars for canning. This jelly is perfect for serving with cheese and crackers or as a condiment for grilled chicken or other savory dishes.
Canned Green Beans
Green beans are a pantry staple that’s surprisingly simple to preserve. To get started, gather sterilized jars and fill them with fresh green beans. Add a pinch of salt and then cover the beans with boiling water. Next, process the jars in a water bath to ensure a tight seal that keeps the beans fresh for months to come. Once sealed, your canned green beans are ready to be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from hearty soups to quick stir-fries.
Peach Pie Filling
As the warm weather of summer approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a classic peach pie filling recipe. To begin, combine sliced and peeled peaches, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan along with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches a thickened consistency, then carefully fill sterilized jars to preserve the filling for future use. With this versatile recipe at your fingertips, you’ll be able to elevate your favorite pastry creations with the sweet and tangy flavors of summer’s finest peaches.
Blueberry Jam
Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of homemade blueberry jam. To create this classic favorite, simply combine fresh blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil until the mixture has thickened to your liking. Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, fill sterilized jars with the luscious spread and enjoy it as a tasty topping for toast, yogurt, or even use it as a sweet addition to your favorite desserts.
Homemade Applesauce
Make the most of autumn’s bounty by repurposing seasonal apples into a delicious homemade applesauce. Simply combine chopped apples with a splash of water and a pinch of cinnamon, then blend until silky smooth. Once prepared, pour the mixture into sterilized jars and preserve it using a water bath canner method. Not only is this applesauce perfect for snacking on its own, but it also makes a wonderful addition to your favorite muffin or bread recipe.
Bread and Butter Pickles
The quintessential American condiment, bread and butter pickles have captured the hearts of many across the nation. Their simplicity is part of their charm – requiring only a few basic ingredients like cucumbers, onions, and vinegar to bring forth their tangy flavor. The process itself is relatively straightforward: combine sliced vegetables with spices and sugar in a saucepan, then bring it all to a rolling boil before canning it in sterilized jars.
Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is a mouthwatering condiment that adds a touch of exotic flair to Indian cuisine. To create this flavorful accompaniment, simply combine chopped mangoes with a blend of vinegar, sugar, and spices like cumin, ginger, and chili powder. Once the mixture has thickened, transfer it to sterilized jars and store them in your pantry for up to six months.
Canned Carrots
Carrots, a staple in many kitchens, offer an impressive range of culinary applications – and canning is one such versatile approach. By packing sterilized jars with fresh carrots and topping them off with salted water, you’ll be able to preserve their sweet flavor and crunchy texture for months to come. The process itself is straightforward: simply submerge the jars in a water bath canner for a whopping 90 minutes, allowing the heat to do its magic. Once completed, your canned carrots are ready to elevate a variety of dishes, from hearty soups and stews to simple side dishes.
Plum Jam
Transforming the essence of summer into a luscious treat, plum jam is an artful way to preserve the sweetness of the season. By combining sliced plums with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan, you’ll create a concoction that thickens beautifully as it boils. Once ready, transfer the jam into sterilized jars and savor its spreadable or topping-able goodness.
Spicy Tomato Jam
Transform the flavors of your favorite dishes with the sweet and spicy fusion of tomatoes and spices. Combine fresh tomatoes with the pungency of red pepper flakes, the warmth of ginger, and the richness of garlic to create a tantalizing tomato jam recipe. As the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency, prepare it for long-term preservation by canning it in sterilized jars. This versatile condiment is perfect for elevating grilled meats or adding a twist to your morning toast.
Homemade Salsa
Salsa is a staple in our home, where it’s often paired with mashed avocado to make creamy guacamole. This flavorful combination is also a popular topping for tacos, adds depth to hearty chili recipes, and provides a satisfying crunch when served with crispy chips.
Cranberry Sauce
A quintessential holiday condiment, cranberry sauce is often a central component of festive gatherings. To create this tangy and sweet spread, simply combine fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and orange juice in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Once thickened, transfer the sauce to sterilized jars for canning, allowing you to enjoy its flavor-enhancing properties alongside your preferred turkey or ham recipes.
Apple Cider Jelly
As the autumn season unfolds, this jelly recipe is a delightful way to capture its essence. To begin, combine fresh apple cider, sugar, and pectin in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to thicken as you cook, stirring occasionally, until the desired consistency is reached.
Once the jelly has cooled slightly, transfer it to sterilized jars and seal them tightly. This sweet and tangy concoction makes for a wonderful topping for morning pancakes or waffles, adding a burst of autumnal flavor to your breakfast routine.
Pickled Beets
Beets are a nutrient-dense vegetable that lends itself well to pickling. To create this delicious condiment, pack sterilized jars with a mixture of beets, onions, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. Next, pour over hot vinegar and process the jars in a water bath canner to ensure proper preservation. Once complete, you can enjoy these pickled beets as a side dish or incorporate them into your favorite salad recipe for an added burst of flavor.
Apricot Preserves
To create a sweet and tangy apricot preserve, combine fresh apricots with sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice in a saucepan. Allow the mixture to cook until it thickens and reaches your desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once set, transfer the preserves to sterilized jars and seal them tightly to ensure a shelf-stable product. This homemade spread is perfect for topping toast or using as an ingredient in sweet recipes like cakes, muffins, or scones.
Pickled Asparagus
To preserve the bright flavor and snappy texture of asparagus, consider canning freshly harvested spears in sterilized jars. Combine the asparagus with a pickling liquid made from a combination of vinegar, water, and spices to create a tangy and addictive snack that’s perfect for munching on.
Homemade Ketchup
Craft your own signature ketchup by combining fresh tomatoes, sautéed onions, sweet sugar, tangy vinegar, and a blend of aromatic spices. Bring the mixture to the desired consistency through cooking, before sealing it in sterilized jars for a truly personalized condiment experience.
Garlic Dill Pickles
Experience the bold fusion of flavors by creating pickles infused with the savory essence of garlic! To craft these tantalizing treats, start by preparing sterilized jars for a mixture of cucumbers, garlic, and dill. Then, pour in a brine comprising vinegar, water, and an array of spices to yield crunchy and delectably flavorful pickles that will leave you craving more.
Raspberry Jam
Indulge in the sweet and tangy world of raspberry jam, where the essence of fresh raspberries meets the perfect balance of sugar and citrus notes. Simply combine the trio – raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice – in a saucepan and cook until the mixture thickens to perfection. Once achieved, transfer the jam to sterilized jars, sealing the deal for a delightful spread that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pear Butter
Transforming surplus pears into a luscious spread, this spiced pear butter recipe is an ingenious way to minimize waste while maximizing flavor. By cooking down the pears with a blend of sugar and spices until they reach a rich and velvety consistency, you’ll create a product that’s not only delicious on toast or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal but also makes for a thoughtful gift or addition to your pantry’s arsenal.
Hot Pepper Jelly
Elevate the flavor profiles of your dishes by incorporating the spicy kick of homemade hot pepper jelly. Start by blending together diced hot peppers, sweet bell peppers, a splash of vinegar, and a touch of sugar, then bring the mixture to a boil until it thickens to perfection. Finally, sterilize jars and fill them with the fiery concoction for a delicious condiment that’s sure to add some excitement to any meal.
Pickled Okra
To retain the distinct character of okra, prepare sterilized jars with crisp, fresh okra pods and create a pickling liquid by combining vinegar, water, and a blend of aromatic spices. Savor these tangy morsels as a satisfying snack or elevate them to garnish status.
Blackberry Preserves
A quintessential preserve, blackberry jam is made by combining fresh blackberries with sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice in a saucepan. The mixture simmers until the berries break down and the liquid thickens, creating a sweet and tangy spread that’s perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries. Once set, the jam is carefully canned in sterilized jars to preserve its flavor and texture for months to come.
Canned Corned Beef
Transform leftover cooked corned beef into perfectly portioned, shelf-stable cans ideal for creating easy sandwiches or rapid meals anytime. This simple process ensures a delicious and versatile ingredient remains at your fingertips for weeks to come.
Mint Jelly
Indulge in the invigorating essence of fresh mint by crafting your own homemade mint jelly. Simply combine mint leaves with sugar and vinegar over gentle heat, allowing the mixture to thicken into a translucent, jelly-like consistency. Once set, pour the resultant spread into sterilized jars, creating a one-of-a-kind condiment perfect for elevating your culinary creations.
Preserved Lemons
Unlock the vibrant flavors of your dishes by incorporating the tangy goodness of preserved lemons. This simple process involves slicing fresh lemons, combining them with salt and lemon juice in sterilized jars, and allowing the mixture to undergo a natural fermentation process that will leave you with a tangy condiment that adds depth and complexity to any recipe.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Savor the flavors of perfectly ripened tomatoes by creating your own homemade marinara sauce. By cooking down fresh tomatoes with aromatic herbs and spices, you’ll be left with a rich, thick sauce that’s ideal for pouring over pasta or using as a dipping sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – simply cook the ingredients together until they reach a jam-like consistency, then transfer the mixture to sterilized jars for a convenient and shelf-stable sauce.
Canned Mushroom Soup
As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade mushroom soup to brighten up your day. But what if you could enjoy this cozy treat all year round? By learning how to can this hearty recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious and nutritious meal in no time. And with the right pantry full of canned goods, you’ll always have access to healthy, home-cooked meals – even when fresh produce is out of season.
The beauty of canning lies not only in its ability to preserve your favorite recipes but also in its simplicity. With just a few basic steps and the right equipment, you can confidently stock your pantry with an array of tasty treats that will keep on giving all year long.
So why wait? Dive into the world of canning today and discover the joy of savoring fresh flavors, whenever and wherever you desire.