15 Quick and Easy Small Batch Canning Recipes

If you’ve ever wanted to try canning but felt overwhelmed by the idea of making huge batches, small batch canning recipes are the perfect place to start. They’re quick, manageable, and don’t require a ton of ingredients—or a whole weekend. Whether you’re preserving a handful of fresh berries or turning a few ripe tomatoes into something amazing, small-batch canning lets you enjoy homemade goodness without the stress.

a collage of jams and jellies.

This list of fun, easy recipes makes just a few jars—perfect for trying something new or stocking up on your favorites.

Canning Tips

  • Start small: Small batch canning is perfect for beginners since it requires fewer ingredients and less time than large-scale projects.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Choose the best quality fruits and vegetables for the best flavor and longer-lasting results.
  • Prep your jars properly: Always sterilize your jars and lids to make sure your canned goods stay safe and fresh.
  • Follow tested recipes: Stick to recipes with proven sugar, acid, and processing times ratios to avoid spoilage.
  • Invest in basic tools: A canning funnel, jar lifter, and a good stockpot are all you need to get started. However, if you want to start canning more, here are the beginner canning supplies you’ll need.
A jar of dark purple grape jelly, accompanied by fresh grapes and a dollop of jelly on a slice of bread.

Sure-Jell Grape Jelly

This recipe shows you how to turn fresh grapes or store-bought juice into a tasty grape jelly. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, making sandwiches, or adding a sweet touch to your baked treats.

A jar of rich, dark brown pear butter with a spoon inside, sitting on a plate with cinnamon sticks and fresh pears nearby.

Slow Cooker Caramel Pear Butter

This slow-cooker pear butter is rich with warm spices and cooks into a thick, caramel-like spread. It’s easy to make and full of delicious flavor.

Bright pink jars of jelly with a sprig of redbud flowers decorating the display.

Homemade Redbud Blossom Jelly

This homemade redbud blossom jelly is a unique and tasty way to enjoy redbud flowers’ delicate floral flavor.

A jar of vibrant red jelly surrounded by fresh raspberries and habanero peppers.

Raspberry Habanero Jelly

This raspberry habanero pepper jelly combines the sweet and tangy flavor of berries with the spicy kick of habanero peppers. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing!

A bowl of colorful tomato salsa with chunks of fresh vegetables, placed on a light marble surface with tomatoes nearby.

Kannan’s Garden Tomato Salsa

When your tomatoes are ripe, it’s the perfect time to make garden tomato salsa. This recipe is packed with flavor and a touch of spice and is great for dipping!

A jar of deep red plum jam with a spoonful scooped out, highlighting its smooth texture.

Plum Jam With Cinnamon (sugar-free)

This recipe shows you how to make homemade canned plum jam with cinnamon without adding pectin.

A close-up of thick, golden apple butter in a jar, showing its soft and chunky texture.

Small Batch Apple Butter

This easy stovetop apple butter recipe is made in small batches, and you don’t need an immersion blender!

A small jar of pear jam with a warm golden-brown hue, served alongside a spoonful on a napkin.

Cardamom Pear Jam

This small batch pear jam is lightly sweetened with brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor. A pinch of flaky sea salt and slow simmering make it a rich, delicious treat.

Festive jars of red pickles with a clear, bright appearance, ready for the holiday snack table.

Christmas Pickles

These pickles are sweet, tangy, and crunchy and have a hint of cinnamon—perfect for your Christmas snack table!

A labeled jar of blackberry lavender preserves, with fresh blackberries and lavender flowers in the background.

Blackberry Lavender Preserves

Blackberry Lavender Preserves are made with fresh or frozen berries and don’t need any commercial pectin. The lavender adds a lovely flavor to the rich blackberries.

A jar of fig jam with a spoon resting inside, surrounded by fresh figs and bread slices.

Homemade Fig Jam

This small batch of homemade fig jam is a great way to preserve figs to enjoy all year. It’s perfect for a charcuterie board, pairing beautifully with cheese and meats.

A jar of glossy fig jam with a wooden spoon showing its rich texture.

Easy Fig Jam with Ruby Port

Ruby port fig jam is a tasty and beautiful spread. It goes perfectly with cheese and is a great addition to any charcuterie board.

A plate of toast topped with strawberry rhubarb jam, with a jar of jam in the background.

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

This strawberry rhubarb jam combines the classic flavors of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb. It’s made with just strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

A jar of pickled eggs with peppercorns and dill floating in the brine.

Grandma’s Pickled Eggs

These are great for a quick high-protein snack, in egg salad, or on a fresh garden salad. They’re super easy to make and don’t require any canning skills!

A close-up of jars filled with bright strawberry jam, with fresh strawberries in the background.

Small Batch Strawberry Jam

This easy strawberry jam recipe makes just the right amount—4 half-pints. You can can it, freeze it, or enjoy it right away!

FAQs

What is small batch canning?

Small batch canning is a way to preserve fruits, vegetables, or other foods in small quantities, usually making just a few jars. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.

Do I need special equipment for small-batch canning?

Not much! You’ll need a few basics like a stockpot, jars with lids, a canning funnel, and a jar lifter. These tools make the process much easier.

Can I use regular jars from the store?

No, it’s best to use canning jars with proper lids and bands designed for preserving food. Regular jars may not seal properly and could risk spoilage.

How do I know my jars are sealed properly?

After processing, the lids should be slightly indented and won’t pop when pressed in the center. If a jar doesn’t seal, store it in the fridge and use it soon.

Do I always have to sterilize the jars?

Yes, sterilizing your jars is essential to prevent bacteria and make sure your food stays safe and fresh. You can sterilize jars by boiling or running them through a hot dishwasher cycle.

Can I adjust the sugar in canning recipes?

It depends. Sugar isn’t just for sweetness—it also helps with preservation. If you’re following a tested recipe, it’s best not to adjust the sugar unless it specifies that it’s safe.

How long do small-batch canned goods last?

Properly canned and sealed jars can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store them in the fridge and use them within a few weeks.

Can I freeze instead of canning?

Absolutely! Many small-batch recipes can be stored in the freezer instead of being processed in jars. Just make sure you use freezer-safe containers.

Small-batch canning is a great way to preserve the season’s flavors without the stress of large-scale projects. Whether you’re new to canning or just looking for quick and simple recipes, these ideas are perfect for adding a personal touch to your pantry or gifting something homemade.

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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