10+ Easy Water Bath Canning Recipes for Delicious Homemade Preserves

Water bath canning is a fun and rewarding way to preserve your favorite foods. This method is not only easy to learn, but it also allows you to enjoy seasonal flavors all year round. You can create delicious jams, pickles, and sauces with simple ingredients and minimal equipment.

If you’re new to canning, don’t worry! There are plenty of easy recipes that will help you get started. With just a few steps, you can turn fresh produce into tasty treats that are ready for your pantry.

1) Spicy Pizza Sauce

Making spicy pizza sauce is a fun and rewarding project. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful sauce to enjoy on your homemade pizzas.

Start by roasting tomatoes to enhance their sweetness. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes. Adding chili flakes gives the sauce a nice kick, adjusting the heat level to your taste.

Don’t forget to include garlic and onion for extra flavor. Simmer everything together until thickened, then can your sauce using a water bath method.

Ingredients

• 10 ripe tomatoes (or 2 cans of diced tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Fresh basil or oregano (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast tomatoes for 25 minutes until soft.
3. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
4. Add roasted tomatoes, chili flakes, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Pour the hot sauce into canning jars and process using a water bath for 35 minutes.

2) Homemade Tomato Sauce

Making homemade tomato sauce is simple and rewarding. You can use fresh tomatoes to create a tasty base for many dishes. This sauce works well for pasta, pizza, or chili.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. These ingredients blend well for a rich flavor.

For cooking, begin by washing and chopping the tomatoes, onion, and garlic. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.

Next, add the tomatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens.

To preserve your sauce, use a water bath canner. Process the filled jars for about 35 minutes for pints or 40 minutes for quarts.

Ingredients

• 12 ripe tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Stir in tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Pour sauce into jars and water bath can for 35 minutes (pints) or 40 minutes (quarts).

3) Classic Strawberry Jam

Making classic strawberry jam is a simple and enjoyable process. Fresh strawberries combine with sugar and a hint of lemon juice for great flavor. You can enjoy this jam on toast, in desserts, or on pancakes.

To start, wash your strawberries and remove the stems. After that, mash them with sugar and let the mixture sit to draw out the juices.

Next, heat your jars in simmering water, but don’t boil them. You will also need a water bath canner ready at 220°F (104°C) for processing.

Once the jam mixture has cooked down, pour it into the prepared jars and seal them. Process in the water bath for about 10-15 minutes for perfect canning results.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and stem the strawberries.
2. Mash the strawberries and mix with sugar.
3. Let sit for 1 hour.
4. Heat jars in simmering water.
5. Prepare water bath canner.
6. Cook jam mixture until thickened.
7. Pour into jars and seal.
8. Process in water bath for 10-15 minutes.

4) Peach Preserves

Making peach preserves is a tasty way to enjoy peaches all year round. This simple recipe requires just three ingredients. You will love how easy it is to create delicious preserves!

For your peach preserves, you will need ripe peaches, sugar, and lemon juice.

Ingredients

• 4 cups peaches, peeled and diced
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the peaches, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
3. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Pour the hot mixture into sterilized jars and seal tightly.
5. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes at 212°F (100°C).

Enjoy your homemade peach preserves!

5) Sweet Pickled Carrots

Sweet pickled carrots are a delightful addition to any meal. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Plus, they are easy to make using the water bath canning method.

To start, gather fresh carrots. You can cut them into sticks or slices, depending on your preference. The bright color and crunchiness make them a great snack.

You will need ingredients that include vinegar, sugar, and spices like dill. These add flavor and help preserve the carrots.

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots, washed and peeled
• ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 1–2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Scrub and trim the carrots to fit your jars.
2. In a pot, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pack carrots into jars and pour the hot brine over them.
4. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes at 180°F (82°C).

6) Crisp Dill Pickles

Making crisp dill pickles is a fun and rewarding process. These pickles have a crunch that makes them great for snacks or sandwiches. You will enjoy the fresh taste and simple instructions.

To get started, you will need pickling cucumbers, dill, garlic, vinegar, and salt. Gather your ingredients ahead of time for an easier experience.

Ingredients

• 4-5 pounds pickling cucumbers
• 8 teaspoons dill seeds
• 4 teaspoons mustard seeds
• 5 cloves whole garlic
• 8 cups water
• 8 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1/2 cup pickling salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your cucumbers by washing and cutting them as you prefer.
2. In a large pot, combine water, vinegar, and salt. Heat until the salt dissolves.
3. Pack the cucumbers, dill, garlic, and spices into jars.
4. Pour the hot brine over the jars, leaving some space at the top.
5. Seal the jars and process them in a water bath for 10 minutes at 180°F (82°C).

7) Blackberry Syrup

Making blackberry syrup is easy and delicious. You can use fresh or frozen blackberries. This syrup is great for pancakes, waffles, or even ice cream.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need 4 cups of blackberry juice, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 tablespoon of bottled lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

Begin by preparing your water bath canner. Fill it with water and heat it on high until it boils.

In a pot, combine the blackberry juice, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Next, pour the syrup into sterilized jars, leaving some space at the top. Process the jars in the boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Let the jars cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homemade blackberry syrup!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups blackberry juice
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the water bath canner.
2. Combine blackberry juice, sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a pot.
3. Heat until sugar dissolves and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour syrup into sterilized jars.
5. Process jars in boiling water for 10 minutes.

8) Simple Apple Butter

Making apple butter is a fun and easy process. You’ll start by washing and quartering your apples, removing any bad spots. Then, cook them in a large pot with a little water over medium heat until they’re soft.

Once the apples are soft, use a food mill or electric strainer to purée the mixture. Continue to cook the purée, stirring frequently, until it thickens.

For canning, prepare your jars by washing and heating them. Pour the hot apple butter into the jars, leaving some space at the top. Then, process the jars in a water bath canner for about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 6 cups of apples (about 6-8 apples)
• 1 cup of water
• Sugar to taste (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and quarter the apples.
2. Remove bad spots and place apples in a large pot.
3. Add 1 cup of water and cook over medium heat.
4. Once soft, purée the mixture using a food mill.
5. Cook the purée until it thickens, stirring often.
6. Prepare canning jars by washing and heating.
7. Pour apple butter into jars, leaving space at the top.
8. Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.

9) Mixed Berry Jam

Making mixed berry jam is a fun and tasty way to preserve summer fruits. You can use strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The process is simple and rewarding.

For this recipe, you will need fruit, sugar, and pectin. This jam is great on toast, pancakes, or even ice cream.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup pectin

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by washing the berries. If using frozen, let them thaw.
2. In a pot, combine the berries and sugar. Mix well.
3. Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil.
4. Add the pectin and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal.
6. Process jars in a water bath for 10 minutes at 212°F (100°C).

10) Zesty Salsa Verde

Zesty Salsa Verde is a fresh and tangy recipe that’s perfect for canning. This salsa adds a burst of flavor to tacos, chips, or grilled meats. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and preserve.

For this recipe, roast the tomatillos until they are soft. Then, blend them with onions, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro for a refreshing taste. You can adjust the heat level by adding chili peppers.

This salsa can be water bathed to ensure it stays fresh for longer. Just remember to leave some headspace in your jars when filling them.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Chili peppers (optional, to taste)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast tomatillos on a baking sheet for 20 minutes.
3. In a blender, combine roasted tomatillos, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Fill sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
6. Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.