14 Savory + Sweet Winter Recipes for Canning

Fill your pantry with some cozy, homemade goodness this winter. These winter recipes for canning range from hearty soups to spiced fruit butter. There are plenty of ideas to get you started. Canning is a great way to capture and enjoy the season’s flavors all year.

a six image collage of canned foods, such as cranberry sauce, jams, marmalades, and juices.

In short, this list has everything you need to make your winter a little more delicious, one jar at a time.

Canning Tips

  • Plan Ahead: Before you start canning, make sure you have all your supplies ready – jars, lids, and a reliable canner.
  • Prep Ingredients Properly: Wash, chop, and measure everything before you begin to make the process smoother.
  • Check for Seals: After canning, always check that your jars have sealed properly by pressing down on the center of the lid. It should not pop back up.
  • Label and Date Jars: Don’t forget to label your jars with the contents and the date you canned them so you can use them before they expire.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Winter is the perfect time to try different spices, herbs, and sweeteners to create unique flavors in your preserves.
  • Adjust for Altitude: If you live above sea level, always make sure to adjust for altitude. This article can help you.
front shot of canned jars filled with chicken pot pie filling.

Chicken Pot Pie Filling Canning Recipe, Dinner In a Jar

This recipe comes from the new Ball Book of Preserving, but we’ve left out the mushrooms and used raw packing instead of hot packing. It’s simple to make and gives you 7 quart jars, perfect for quick dinners served with sourdough rolls or cheddar biscuits!

front shot of canned jar of soup on left side with wooden spoon in background on the right side.

Canning Ham and Bean Soup

Canning ham and bean soup at home gives you quick and easy healthy meals from your pantry.

front shot of filled jars of chili con carne lined up with tomatoes in front.

Canning Chili con Carne

I prefer to can chili con carne in wide-mouth jars because it’s thick. Wide-mouth pint jars are great for quick lunches when we don’t have leftovers. I also cook it in a large pot that makes about 32 pints.

overhead shot of orange slices in syrup mixture with a teaspoon filled with spices above ready to be added.

Honey Orange Slices

This easy and tasty recipe preserves honey-soaked orange slices in syrup so that you can enjoy the fresh orange flavor all year. The syrup adds a nice citrus touch to hot or iced teas and pairs well with meats like chicken, ham, and many desserts!

close up shot of small stacked jars filled with lime curd.

Can Jam: Lime Curd for Water Bath Canning

This lime curd has a nice flavor. It’s not as sharp and tangy as traditional lemon curd but more gentle and subtle.

overhead shot of open jar filled with cranberry orange marmalade with a leaf print tea towel beside it.

Cranberry Orange Marmalade

Tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and bitter orange peel are cooked with sugar and cinnamon and then turned into a chunky Cranberry Orange Marmalade. This lets you enjoy the flavors of fall all year long.

Canning Fish

Canning is a great way to preserve and extend the shelf life of many foods, including fish and seafood. By following safe preparation and storage steps, you can keep nutritious, high-quality protein ready to use.

front shot of glass os grapefruit juice with sliced open grapefruit next to it and whole grapefruits in background.

Can Grapefruit Juice

Canning grapefruit juice is super easy, and when you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s in it—no preservatives!

front close up shot of a filled jar of pineapple chunks with a pineapple in the background and a bowl of pineapple chunks in the left corner.

Canning Pineapple

A simple, step-by-step guide for canning pineapple. This easy recipe works well for both beginners and experienced canners, with options for low-sugar or no-sugar versions.

front close up shot of opened jar filled with cranberry sauce with hints of orange peels and orange peels in the background.

Cranberry Sauce for Canning

This homemade cranberry sauce is made without pectin and is safe for water bath canning. It’s the perfect whole-berry cranberry sauce for your Thanksgiving and Christmas meals!

front shot of a small jar of champagne jelly with two more jars in back and part of one jar on the left side.

Champagne Jelly

This Champagne Jelly recipe turns your favorite sparkling wine into a tasty spread for breakfast. Made with three ingredients, it goes great with croissants or a charcuterie board.

overhead shot of cracker with cheese and caramelized onion jam on top with open jar of jam, wooden board, and blue striped tea towel below.

Caramelized Onion Jam

Caramelized onion jam is a tasty, savory jam perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or a charcuterie board. You can safely use water bath canning or make a small batch to keep in the fridge.

front shot of jar filled with pickled parsnips and parts of two jars on each side of the middle jar.

Small Batch Sweet Spiced Pickled Parsnips

This recipe shows you how to make yummy parsnips that taste sweet and spicy. You’ll slice the parsnips and onions and cook them a little bit. Then, you’ll put them in jars with spices. A unique mix of vinegar and sugar goes over the parsnips. Keep the jars in the fridge and enjoy!

close up front shot of jar of orange marmalade.

Orange Marmalade for Canning

This simple recipe for canning orange marmalade is easier than you think and brings a burst of sunshine to your kitchen. It is one of my favorite waterbath canning recipes to make in winter because oranges are easy to get, and it’s a pretty and cheerful project.

FAQs

Do I need special equipment to start canning?

Yes, but it’s pretty simple! You’ll need a canner (either a waterbath canner or pressure canner, depending on the recipe), mason jars, lids, and a jar lifter. You can get these items online or at most kitchen supplies stores. Check out my beginner canning supplies list to make sure you have everything you need.

Can I reuse jars and lids?

You can reuse the jars if they are in good condition without any chips or cracks. However, using new lids each time is essential to make sure you have a proper seal. The bands (the part that screws on) can be reused as long as they’re in good shape.

How do I know if my jars have sealed properly?

After your jars have cooled, press down in the center of each lid. You’re good to go if the lid doesn’t pop back up! If it does pop, that jar didn’t seal properly, and you should store it in the fridge and use it soon.

How long can I store my canned goods?

Most home-canned goods will last about a year if stored in a cool, dark place. Be sure to label and date your jars to know when they were made!

Can I reduce the sugar in jam or marmalade recipes?

Yes, many recipes have low-sugar or no-sugar options. However, sugar helps preserve color and texture, so reducing it might slightly change the final product.

What’s the difference between water bath canning and pressure canning?

Water bath canning is excellent for high-acid foods like fruits, jams, and pickles. Pressure canning is necessary for low-acid foods like meats, soups, and some vegetables because it gets hotter and kills harmful bacteria that could spoil the food.

Can I can dairy products or eggs?

No, dairy and eggs aren’t safe to can at home due to the risk of bacterial growth. Stick with safe canning recipes for the best results.

I hope this list of winter recipes for canning has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and start stocking up your pantry with homemade goodness. There’s nothing like the feeling of popping open a jar of your own preserves on a cold winter day!

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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