Mason Jar Meals and Desserts to Make!

February 9, 2021

Mason jars were once relegated to canning, exclusively – veggies, pickles, jams, jellies and the like. But anymore, these glass jars are a favorite of crafters and home chefs because they lend themselves to so many different kinds of clever creations and meals. Let’s look at all the delicious ways you can use a mason jar to make a meal –breakfast, lunch and dinner!

There’s more than one reason that mason jars are the perfect go-to for meal prep, transport and consumption. Not only are they fun and kitschy, everything from ramen noodles – that cook right in the jar! – to a healthy burrito with all the fixings, to salads, oatmeal and more. They’re perfect for taking on the go and they keep all the ingredients fresh! 

Breakfast in a Jar

Let them eat cake… for breakfast! It only takes 10 minutes to prep your first meal of the day using shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, maple syrup, and chopped walnuts. Prep this Carrot Cake Refrigerator Oatmeal from Better Homes and Gardens the night before so the flavors infuse the oats with delicious carrot cake flavor.

But when it comes to breakfast on the run, overnight oats are one of the easiest no-cook breakfasts for grab-and-go. Watch Downshiftology below for more recipes and tips — and if you still don’t see a combo that tickles your tastebuds, check out more overnight breakfast grains to make, here.

You can make your own INSTANT oatmeal flavored with freeze-dried fruits and your favorite nuts (pumpkin, sunflower, walnuts, pecans) and seeds (flax, chia), plus a few spices like cinnamon, sugar. For sweeter instant choices, try the Cookies and Cream oatmeal, or Confetti Oatmeal recipes and how tos at Budget 101.

If you tend to pop a frozen breakfast sandwich in the microwave, try Your Favorite Omelet instead, with fresh ingredients you love – eggs, veggies, cheese and chopped ham or bacon. You can make this mixture two days ahead and microwave it on high for about two minutes, or until the eggs are just the way you like ‘em.

Hearty Meals in a Mason Jar 

Salads and soups are a no brainer to prep in a jar, from Quinoa Salad and Chicken Noodle Soup, to Ramen Noodles with your choice of protein and veggies, all you have to do for these lunch recipes is prep in the mason jar, heat and enjoy.

For lunch in a jar that isn’t soup or salad, but just as tasty, try one of these curated recipes from Simple Most. Choose from among Deconstructed Sushi in a Jar from Krista and Jess, or Chicken Pot Pie in a Jar, or Barbecue Parfait, all make-ahead meals that might prompt you to “jar it” more than once a month!

Buzz Feed curated meals in a jar that range from Corndogs and Lazy Lasagna to Shepherd’s Pie – claiming they’re some of the simplest to try. And if we have to shelter in place again for any length of time, these recipes from Mom With a Prep might be welcome ideas: from Rosemary Chicken and Rice and Sloppy Joes, to Turkey Noodle Casserole and Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Beef.

Watch Pick Up Limes YouTube channel, too, to “pick up” strategies about layering, and ideas for vegan meal prep in jars.

Dessert in a Jar – Gifts!

From Red Velvet Oreo Trifles to No-Bake Key Lime Pie and Bananas Foster Cheesecake Pudding to Grasshopper Pie, the 26 recipes curated by Country Living for dessert in a jar, are enough to make you want dessert first!

Or, since we’re almost upon Valentine’s Day, try this Taste of Home Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix or Sand Art Brownies in a jar to prep and give away as gifts! 

Kitchens for Home Chefs, in Southshore!

Some of the most beautiful homes in Aurora are being built from the ground up in the master-planned community of Southshore. If you don’t live here yet, isn’t it time to explore the options in brand new homes from Taylor Morrison, Century Communities, Richmond American Homes or Toll Brothers? Life at the Lake looks like this – stunning ranch and two-story designs – priced between the $400s and the $700s.