Mason jars are a staple in any rustic home! In addition to making cute decor, Mason jars have many practical uses as well. One of the most versatile kitchen tools, Mason jars can also be used to bring your food on the go. Below you’ll find our favorite ways to use Mason jars along with step by step instructions and tips!
Pickling
Did you know Mason jars were invented for the purpose of preserving food? Pickling is an excellent way to eliminate food waste by helping your produce last a little longer.
Any produce you can think of can be pickled! Pickled red cabbage to top off your tacos? Definitely! Going for a classic and pickling some cucumbers? Delicious! Pickled green beans with a little cayenne pepper to toss in your bloody mary at brunch? Give it a try!
Follow this step by step Quick Pickling recipe:
- Prep your produce! Remove the peels, tops, etc. and cut into thin, uniform slices. Fill your Mason jar with produce so there’s little space at the top. Add some spices! Peppercorns, cayenne pepper, sage, you name it!
- Make your brine! Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons salt and 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium-sized pot. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. On medium-high heat bring everything to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Pour the mixture into your Mason jar so it covers the veggies completely and leaves about ½” of space at the top of the jar. Tap the sides of the jar lightly to remove air pockets and securely tighten the 2-part lid.
- Let the jar cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator. Let veggies sit in the brine for 24 to 48 hours before using. Pickled veggies can last for up to a month in your fridge!
Overnight Oats
Oatmeal is a hearty and delicious breakfast. Overnight oats are a great way to prep your breakfast the night before. These sweet, pudding-like oats are a great base for you to get creative! Add some peanut butter, some raspberries, or even some chocolate chips!
Follow this recipe for your basic overnight oats and then get creative with mix-ins and toppings:
- Pour ½ cup rolled oats into a Mason Jar.
- Pour ½ cup of milk of your choosing (coconut milk is our favorite!) into the jar and stir.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir. Add in any mix-ins you want to try. Tighten the 2-part lid and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Unscrew the lid and add your toppings! Overnight oats are delicious cold, right from the fridge, or can be heated up for a more traditional oatmeal. Take the jar with you in the morning for a quick and healthy breakfast on the go!
Salad in a Jar
Prepare a delicious and healthy lunch the night before in your Mason jar! Salads are an excellent lunch choice filled with the vitamins and energy you need to get through the day. A Mason jar is the perfect way to transport your lunch. Plus, all your coworkers will love how pretty it looks!
Follow this recipe for an easy salad to take on the go:
- Fill your jar about halfway with your choice of lettuce. We love a Spring Mix for a base!
- Add a protein: cubed chicken, cooked shrimp, chickpeas, whatever you like!
- Add some cheese: shred some cheddar or crumble some gorgonzola, the choice is yours!
- Add a couple toppings! We love some chopped walnuts and dried cranberries!
- Screw on the lid tightly! Tip: bring your dressing in a separate container and add to your jar at lunch time. This will keep the lettuce from wilting before lunch! Enjoy your salad poured into a bowl or straight from the Mason jar!
Cereal in a Jar
Pinched for time in the morning and forgot to make your overnight oats? Bring some cereal in a jar for an easy breakfast that you can bring right into your morning meeting!
Follow this recipe for a simple breakfast:
- Fill your jar halfway with cereal, we love classic Honey Nut Cheerios!
- Bring your milk of your choice. Tip: keep the milk separate until you’re ready for breakfast, it’ll keep your cereal from getting soggy!
- When it’s time to eat, pour some milk into the jar. Top with banana slices. Grab a spoon and enjoy your portable cereal directly from the jar!
