7 Simple Canning Recipes You Can Try Today

I remember the first time I canned my own jam. I was a little nervous, but as I saw those jars fill up with fresh, delicious preserves, I felt a sense of accomplishment I hadn’t expected. Canning at home has become one of my favorite ways to preserve the bounty of each season and enjoy it all year long.

If you’ve been thinking about trying your hand at canning, these 7 simple canning recipes are the perfect place to start. Whether you’re new to home preserving or looking for easy canning ideas, these beginner-friendly recipes will help you create tasty, homemade goods for your pantry.

Why Canning at Home is Worth It

Canning at home is more than just a fun hobby—it’s a way to take control of your food preservation and create something that’s uniquely yours. The satisfaction of knowing you grew the food or sourced it locally and preserved it yourself is incredibly rewarding. Plus, canning is a practical way to save money and reduce waste, all while enjoying delicious homemade treats all year round.

The Benefits of Canning:

• Preserve Freshness: Canning allows you to store fruits and vegetables at the peak of their freshness, so you can enjoy the flavors long after the season ends.

• Save Money: By preserving seasonal produce, you can take advantage of sales and bulk buys, ensuring your pantry is stocked with affordable, homemade food.

• Customize Flavors: When you can at home, you can control the ingredients and make recipes that cater to your taste—whether you want more spice, less sugar, or different flavor combinations.

The Easiest Beginner Canning Recipes to Start With

Canning doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment or expertise. In fact, there are plenty of simple beginner canning recipes that will help you build confidence in your canning skills. The key is to start with easy, beginner-friendly recipes that don’t require too much time or effort. These 7 recipes will help you start your canning journey on the right foot, whether you're making jam or pickles.

Quick Canning for Beginners:

• Simple Ingredients: Many canning recipes only need a handful of ingredients—fruits, sugar, vinegar, and spices—making them accessible for even the most novice canner.

• No Fancy Equipment Needed: While there are tools that can make canning easier (like a water bath canner), you can still do it with just a pot, a pair of tongs, and some basic supplies.

• Step-by-Step Instructions: The best way to begin is with recipes that provide clear, easy-to-follow steps. This ensures you won’t feel overwhelmed as you learn the process.

1. Classic Strawberry Jam

Strawberry jam is a must-try for any beginner canner. It’s easy, delicious, and can be enjoyed on toast, in desserts, or as a gift for family and friends.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups of fresh strawberries

• 2 cups of sugar

• 1 packet of pectin

How to Make It:

1. Mash the strawberries until you have about 3 cups of fruit pulp.

2. Combine the strawberries, sugar, and pectin in a pot.

3. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, and let it boil for about 10 minutes.

4. Pour into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

5. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

2. Zesty Pickled Cucumbers

Pickling cucumbers is one of the easiest canning recipes, and the result is a tangy, flavorful treat that pairs perfectly with sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups of sliced cucumbers

• 1 cup of vinegar

• 1 cup of water

• 2 tablespoons of salt

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds

How to Make It:

1. Sterilize your jars and pack them tightly with cucumber slices and garlic.

2. In a saucepan, bring vinegar, water, salt, and mustard seeds to a boil.

3. Pour the hot liquid over the cucumbers and seal the jars.

4. Process in a water bath for 10-15 minutes.
   

3. Sweet Peach Preserves

Peach preserves are a wonderful way to enjoy the sweet taste of summer all year round. This recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for spreading on toast or using as a topping for desserts.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups of peeled and diced peaches

• 3 cups of sugar

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

• 1 packet of pectin

How to Make It:

1. Mash the peaches slightly, leaving some small chunks for texture.

2. Combine peaches, sugar, and lemon juice in a pot and bring to a boil.

3. Add pectin and boil for 5 more minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Pour into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

5. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

4. Tangy Salsa

Homemade salsa is a versatile and flavorful recipe that’s great for canning. Use it for dipping chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.

What You’ll Need:

• 10 cups of diced tomatoes

• 5 cups of diced onions

• 2 cups of diced bell peppers

• 1 cup of chopped cilantro

• 1 cup of vinegar

• 2 tablespoons of salt

• 1 tablespoon of cumin

• 1 tablespoon of chili powder (optional, for spice)

How to Make It:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.

2. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Ladle the hot salsa into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.

4. Process in a water bath for 15 minutes.

5. Spiced Apple Butter

Spiced apple butter is a delicious and versatile spread that tastes like fall in a jar. It’s a great beginner canning recipe because it’s forgiving and easy to make.

What You’ll Need:

• 5 pounds of apples, peeled and cored

• 2 cups of sugar

• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon of cloves

• 1/2 cup of water

How to Make It:

1. Cook the apples and water in a large pot until soft, then blend or mash into a smooth consistency.

2. Add sugar and spices, then simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

3. Spoon the apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

4. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
   

6. Pickled Jalapeños

Pickled jalapeños are a fantastic way to add some spice to your meals. They’re quick to make and add a zesty kick to nachos, sandwiches, or burgers.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups of sliced jalapeños

• 1 cup of vinegar

• 1 cup of water

• 1 tablespoon of sugar

• 1 teaspoon of salt

How to Make It:

1. Pack the sliced jalapeños tightly into sterilized jars.

2. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

3. Pour the hot brine over the jalapeños, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

4. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

7. Blueberry Syrup

Homemade blueberry syrup is perfect for pancakes, waffles, or drizzling over desserts. It’s a sweet and simple canning recipe that’s a crowd-pleaser.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries

• 1 cup of sugar

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

How to Make It:

1. Combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a pot and bring to a boil.

2. Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend or mash the mixture until smooth.

3. Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids (optional for a smoother texture).

4. Pour into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

5. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Canning at home doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With these 7 simple canning recipes, you can start preserving fresh produce with ease, even if you’re a beginner. Whether you’re making jams, pickles, or preserves, each of these recipes is designed to be straightforward and fun, helping you create delicious homemade food that lasts all year long.

As you gain confidence in your canning skills, you’ll discover even more creative ways to preserve your harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor. So gather your ingredients, grab your jars, and start canning today—you’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it can be!