20 Fall Canning Ideas to Capture the Best of Autumn All Year Long
As the leaves start to change and the air gets crisp, there’s no better time to jar up some of your favorite autumn flavors. Not only do these fall canning recipes allow you to enjoy fall’s bounty all year long, but they also make for heartfelt, homemade gifts. As a bonus, the weather is better for standing over large pots of boiling water than it is in July!
Many, many summer fruits and veggies are still available to preserve in the fall, but this list focuses specifically on canning and preserving ideas for autumn flavors.
Apple Pie Filling For Canning
Classic fall spices and a blend of apples create a delicious apple pie filling that's ready to use any time of year. Makes 4 quarts
Venison (Hot Pack or Raw Pack)
Venison typically means deer meat, but it can also cover wild game like elk, carabao, and antelope. Canning venison is an excellent method to keep the fall hunting yield preserved and stock your pantry with ready-to-eat, shelf-stable meals.
Canned Pears
This recipe will guide you through the process of waterbath canning pears. When done right, you’ll have jars of pears that you can enjoy year-round.
Apple Butter
The perfect, classic blend of sugar, spices and apples, with the addition of a secret ingredient. Stovetop and slow cooker instructions.
Vegetable Beef Soup
This straightforward recipe is perfect for using up whatever’s in your kitchen to create a wholesome and tasty soup. It’s ideal for those hectic days when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Pear Butter
Perfectly spiced fresh pears cooked and milled into a smooth spread, this butter captures the essence of late summer. This recipe makes 3 half-pints.
Applesauce
Discover the joy of canning this fall. Turn apples and spices into something magical with this step-by-step canning guide. Makes 6 pints
Squash
Canning pumpkins and butternut squash is an excellent strategy to keep your harvest fresh for longer. If you’re equipped with a root cellar, squash can last up to six months. However, for those without one, canning provides a reliable solution for having shelf-stable squash available throughout the year.
Apple Chutney
Transform everyday dishes into gourmet treats with the perfect blend of tart apples and warm spices.
Beef Stew
Having this stew canned and ready on the shelf means you’re just 10 minutes away from a delicious dinner. Surprisingly, it’s also quite easy to make!
Cranberry Sauce
This cranberry sauce recipe is incredibly simple to make and tastes far superior to any store-bought canned sauce I’ve tried. It’s also quite straightforward to can, allowing me to prepare plenty in the fall to savor throughout the winter.
Apple Juice
Simple natural apple juice. This is versatile and kids love it.
Spiced Pear Chutney
This chutney recipe is not only simple and delicious but also versatile enough to adjust to your taste preferences. For an effortless meal, just pour a jar over chicken breasts or pork chops, add a few cups of chicken broth, and let it simmer on low in a crockpot for 6 hours. The result is delightful.
Turkey Stock
Discover how to craft homemade turkey stock using the leftover bones, carcass, neck, and giblets from your Thanksgiving turkey. This rich stock is perfect for creating hearty soups and stews, or you can freeze it to use at a later time.
Plums
Home canning plums is an excellent method to keep your fruit fresh for the upcoming months. Plus, you’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to do right in your own kitchen!
Concord Grape Jelly
This Concord grape jelly offers a simpler alternative to traditional grape jam and is known in Italy as gelatina d’uva Fragola. It boasts a vibrant ruby hue, a smooth and luscious texture, and a subtle strawberry flavor, making it a delightful treat.
Quince Jelly
Capture the essence of fall with this quince jelly recipe when quinces are ripe, taking full advantage of their delicate floral aroma. I planted a quince tree in our garden a few years back, and I’m eagerly anticipating its first fruitful yield!
Pickled Beets
For a tasty method to preserve your harvest, consider this traditional recipe for canning pickled beets. This recipe involves fresh, peeled beets, vinegar, sugar, and pickling spices, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned canners using the water bath method.
Homemade Elderberry Jam
This simple, no-pectin homemade elderberry jam recipe not only adds a delightful touch to your meals but also provides a boost during the challenging flu and cold season.
FAQs
Think apples, pumpkins, pears, cranberries, and even squash! These make excellent jams, sauces, and preserves that capture autumn’s cozy flavors and warmth.
For most fall canning recipes focused on fruits (like apple butter, spiced pears, or cranberry sauce), a water bath canner will do the job. But if you’re preserving low-acid vegetables you’ll need a pressure canner .
Absolutely! Fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth and richness, and you can usually adjust them slightly to suit your taste. Just be sure not to alter sugar, acid, or other primary ingredients in tested canning recipes, as these are crucial for safe preservation.
Try using your apple or pumpkin butter as a topping for pancakes, swirled into yogurt, or even as a filling in pastries. Cranberry sauce and spiced apple jams also make delicious glazes for meats or can add depth to sauces and vinaigrettes.
From the rich and hearty stews to the sweet and tangy jams, each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy autumn’s bounty all year round. So grab your jars, stock up on your favorite fall produce, and start canning—your future self will thank you for those delicious reminders of autumn!
By Katie Shaw
Katie shares simple, reliable recipes from her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens.