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Easy Water Bath Canning Recipes You’ll Love to Make 💛

ByKirsten
canned food

There’s something wildly satisfying about sealing up summer in a jar. Whether you’re dreaming of strawberry jam in January or tangy pickles on your campfire burger, water bath canning lets you bottle your favorite flavors and take them on the road. It’s easy, fun, and totally doable—even if you’ve never preserved anything but memories.

In this guide, you’ll find beginner-friendly canning tips, delicious water bath recipes, and all the essentials to get started. Get ready to fall in love with canning—and stock your pantry with homemade joy.

Water Bath Canning for Beginners

Water Bath Canning For Beginners

Let’s start with the basics. Water bath canning is perfect for high-acid foods like jams, jellies, pickles, tomatoes (with added acid), and fruit preserves. You don’t need fancy gear—just a big pot, some jars, and a taste for adventure.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Fill jars with your hot food or jam.
  2. Seal with a lid and ring.
  3. Submerge in boiling water for a set amount of time.
  4. Listen for that magical pop as the lid seals.

Why it’s beginner-friendly:

  • No pressure canner needed.
  • Safer and simpler than other methods.
  • Great for seasonal produce or garden overflows.

Bonus tip: If you’re nervous, start with jam. It’s hard to mess up and always a crowd-pleaser.

🔥 How to Do a Water Bath (Step-by-Step)

Want to can like a pro? Follow these simple steps for safe and successful water bath canning — no pressure canner needed!

🫙 Step 1: Prep Your Jars

Wash jars, lids, and rings in hot soapy water. Sterilize jars by boiling them or running through the dishwasher.

🍓 Step 2: Fill with Hot Food

Ladle your hot jam, sauce, or pickles into jars. Leave recommended headspace (usually ¼ to ½ inch). Wipe the rim clean.

🔒 Step 3: Seal the Jars

Place the lid on and screw the ring on fingertip tight—not overly tight. This lets air escape during processing.

💦 Step 4: Water Bath Time

  • Place jars in a large pot or canner with a rack at the bottom.
  • Fill with hot water until jars are covered by 1–2 inches.
  • Bring to a rolling boil, then start timing (e.g., 10–35 minutes depending on recipe).
  • Keep the water boiling steadily the whole time.

🧊 Step 5: Cool & Check Seals

Turn off heat, let jars sit for 5 minutes in the pot. Then lift them out and let cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. You should hear that satisfying “pop”!

✅ Step 6: Label & Store

Check seals (the lid shouldn’t flex), label the jars with the date, and store in a cool, dark place. Enjoy within 12 months!

Canning Essentials

You don’t need a lot, but a few key tools will make the process smooth and safe. Here’s what every canner should have in their stash:

We love this starter canning kit because it includes everything in one neat bundle. It’s a small investment with big rewards.

Tip: Store your finished jars in a cool, dark place—and label them with the date so you can enjoy them within a year.

Water Bath Canning Recipes

These easy and flavorful recipes are perfect for beginners—but tasty enough for seasoned canners, too. Ready to stock your shelves with sunshine?

1. 🍓 Classic Strawberry Jam

Water Bath Canning Recipe - Strawberry jam

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups mashed strawberries
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 packet powdered pectin
  • 4 cups sugar

Instructions:

  1. Mash berries and combine with lemon juice and pectin.
  2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Add sugar and return to a full boil for 1 minute.
  4. Pour into jars, seal, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

Pairs beautifully with toast or your favorite camping pancake recipe.

2. 🥒 Garlic Dill Pickles

Garlic Dill Pickles

Ingredients:

  • 8 cups sliced cucumbers
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp pickling salt
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 tsp dill seeds

Instructions:

  1. Pack cucumbers and garlic into sterilized jars.
  2. Boil vinegar, water, and salt; pour over cucumbers.
  3. Add dill seeds.
  4. Seal and process for 10 minutes.

Crunchy, tangy, and the perfect burger topping around the campfire.

3. 🍑 Spiced Peach Preserves

canned peaches

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups peeled, sliced peaches
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 packet pectin
  • 5 cups sugar

Instructions:

  1. Combine peaches, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a pot.
  2. Stir in pectin and bring to boil.
  3. Add sugar, boil for 1 minute.
  4. Fill jars, seal, and process 10 minutes.

Spoon over oatmeal, yogurt, or s’mores for a gourmet twist.

4. 🍅 Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce

canned Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce

A must-have for pasta lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 6 lbs Roma tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice per jar
  • 2 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Roast tomatoes, garlic, and onions at 200°C (400°F) for 45 mins.
  2. Blend with basil and olive oil.
  3. Add 2 tbsp lemon juice to each pint jar.
  4. Fill jars, seal, and water bath for 35 minutes (pints).

This sauce smells like summer and tastes even better after a hike.

5. 🍋 Lemon Ginger Marmalade

Lemon Ginger Marmalade

Bright, tangy, and a little fancy.

Ingredients:

  • 4 lemons, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups sugar

Instructions:

  1. Simmer lemons and ginger in water for 40 minutes.
  2. Add sugar and boil until thick (about 30 mins).
  3. Pour into jars, seal, and water bath for 10 minutes.

Pairs perfectly with cream cheese and crackers or swirled into yogurt.

6. 🍎 Apple Pie Filling (For Pies or Campfire Skillets!)

Apple Pie Filling

Turn fall apples into ready-to-go dessert jars.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups peeled, sliced apples
  • 2 cups water
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice per pint jar

Instructions:

  1. Simmer apples, water, sugar, and spices until tender.
  2. Add lemon juice to jars, then spoon in hot filling.
  3. Seal and water bath for 25 minutes (pints).

Just pop open and bake into a crust—or spoon over pancakes.

7. 🫐 Blueberry Lavender Jam

Blueberry Lavender Jam

A floral twist on a summer classic.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups blueberries
  • 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 packet pectin
  • 4 cups sugar

Instructions:

  1. Simmer berries and lavender for 10 mins.
  2. Add lemon juice and pectin; bring to boil.
  3. Stir in sugar, boil hard for 1 minute.
  4. Fill jars and process for 10 minutes.

Try it on a scone, or swirl it into ice cream after a long travel day.

8. 🌽 Corn Relish

Canned Corn Relish

A sweet-savory condiment that brightens any meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh corn (cooked or raw)
  • 1 cup chopped red pepper
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1½ cups vinegar
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp celery seed

Instructions:

  1. Combine everything in a pot and boil for 15 minutes.
  2. Spoon into jars and process for 15 minutes.

Incredible with grilled food, tacos, or mixed into campfire beans.

🌸 Seasonal Canning Ideas

Canning is the ultimate way to eat with the seasons—even when you’re camping in winter or road-tripping in spring. Here’s what to can and enjoy year-round!

🌼 Spring – Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chopped rhubarb
  • 2 cups mashed strawberries
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 packet pectin
  • 3½ cups sugar

Instructions:
Boil fruit, lemon juice, and pectin. Add sugar, boil hard 1 minute. Fill jars, water bath 10 minutes.

☀️ Summer – Peach Vanilla Jam

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups peeled, chopped peaches
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp extract
  • 1 packet pectin
  • 4 cups sugar

Instructions:
Simmer peaches with lemon juice and vanilla. Add pectin, then sugar. Boil 1 minute, process 10 minutes.

🍁 Fall – Spiced Apple Butter

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups applesauce
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp cloves

Instructions:
Simmer until thick and spreadable (about 45 minutes). Fill jars and water bath for 10 minutes.

❄️ Winter – Citrus Marmalade

Ingredients:

  • 4 oranges
  • 2 lemons
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups sugar

Instructions:
Thinly slice citrus, simmer in water 40 minutes. Add sugar, cook until thick. Water bath 10 minutes.

🍯 Sweet vs Savory Recipes

Not all jars are for jam! Mix things up with these delicious sweet and savory canning recipes.

🍓 Sweet – Apricot Honey Jam

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chopped apricots
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup honey
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 packet pectin

Instructions:
Simmer apricots and lemon juice. Add pectin, then honey and sugar. Boil hard 1 minute. Process 10 minutes.

🍅 Savory – Tomato Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 1½ cups chopped onion
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • ½ cup chopped jalapeños
  • 1 tbsp salt

Instructions:
Boil everything for 10 minutes. Fill jars and process 15 minutes.

🍑 Sweet – Vanilla Pear Preserves

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chopped ripe pears
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean (split)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients 30 minutes until thick. Water bath 10 minutes.

🧄 Savory – Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups sliced red onions
  • 2 cups vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt

Instructions:
Boil brine, pour over onions in jars. Water bath 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts: Preserve the Adventure

There’s a reason canning has stood the test of time—it’s a little bit science, a little bit magic, and a whole lot of joy. Whether you’re prepping for road trips, weekend glamping, or just want your pantry to spark joy, these easy water bath canning recipes make it happen.

Ready for more homestead-inspired fun? Check out these favorites from Made for Travellers:

💛 Save this post to your Pinterest board and start canning the easy way!

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