This so-easy mason jar hack will blow your mind!
This Is the Best Mason Jar Hack We’ve Found
Updated Mar. 20, 2019
Last week, when I got to the office, my co-worker couldn’t wait to tell me about a trick she’d found on Pinterest. I could hardly believe it when Jamie showed me the pictures she’d pinned. It was hard to believe:
Could you use a Parmesan shaker top on a mason jar?
That night, I knew I had to try it straightaway. So I grabbed the mason jar I usually use for my morning shake-and-go smoothies and the lid from my Parmesan-Romano cheese shaker. I screwed on the lid, and to my amazement, it fit!
Your Parmesan shaker lid will fit on any small-mouth mason jar.
What can you do with your smart-top mason jar?
Head to your pantry and fridge to gather the goods. Then see what they can do!
Smoothie Sipper
Fill it with your favorite smoothie recipe or any refreshing beverage. You now have a handy way to transport it, plus a hole for your straw. Brilliant!
Mix Master
Use the jars to store and measure out homemade mixes, such as chai tea mix or hot cocoa mix. Heck, you could even make your own shredded Italian cheese blend!
Spice Keeper
You can even use it for your own homemade spice blends and gravy mixes.
While you’re here, check out our favorite recipes made in a mason jar.
Fill up Your Mason Jar
Lemon-Berry ShortcakeThis simple lemon shortcake is tender and not overly sweet. Enjoy this summertime classic with a generous layer of whipped topping and berries. —Meryl Herr, Overland Park, Kansas
Here's how to organize your entire pantry with Mason jars.
Easy Pickled ApplesThese easy pickled apples are perfect alongside a pork entree or salad, or with a charcuterie cheese board. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Pots de CremeLunch on the go just got a whole lot sweeter. Tuck jars of rich chocolate custard into lunch bags for a midday treat. These desserts in a jar are fun for picnics, too. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Pressure-Cooked Broccoli Egg CupsServing brunch? These delicious Instant Pot egg cups are filled with crunchy bites of broccoli and served in ramekins. I promise your company will love this tasty recipe! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight OatsSoon after I learned about overnight oats I decided to create a recipe with my favorite sugary combination: chocolate peanut butter. Overnight oats are a perfect breakfast for busy mornings. —Anna Bentley, Swanzey, New Hampshire
Avocado-Lime Ranch DressingThis avocado lime ranch dressing is a Chick-fil-A copycat recipe. This version has no sugar added, is half the calories of the original, and is made with buttermilk, avocado, fresh cilantro, spices, and lime for a tangy, zesty twist on a classic salad dressing. Dairy-based salad dressings will last in the refrigerator for up to one week. Using freshly opened sour cream and buttermilk will help it last as long as possible.—Kelsey Reddick Smith, Knoxville, Tennessee
Spicy Chunky SalsaVinegar adds a refreshing tang to this sweet tomato salsa. It's wonderful as is, but for more heat, leave in some hot pepper seeds. —Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington
California Roll in a JarI'm a big sushi fan, but I don't always have time to make those intricate rolls at home. This jar is layered with my favorite California roll ingredients, so I can get the flavor I love without the fuss. —James Schend, Deputy Editor, Taste of Home Magazine
Quick Pickled RadishesThis recipe is the perfect addition to tacos, barbecue or just about any sandwich you can dream of. Each sliced radish is just a little bit sweet, slightly crunchy and has an amazing amount of zing. You're probably going to want to have a batch in your fridge at all times! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Salted Cashew Oatmeal CookiesMy son absolutely loves cashews, so I loaded my oatmeal cookies with them at Christmas—he loved them! The mix makes a great gift for friends, co-workers and teachers; all they have to do is add butter, vanilla and eggs. —Richard Hatch, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Matcha Chia PuddingThis pudding is quick, easy, and super healthy. Combine earthy matcha green tea powder, creamy almond milk and healthy chia seeds for superfood heaven in a little package. Top with tart raspberries and you’ve got a quick breakfast or perfect midday snack. It is gluten free, vegan, paleo and whole 30-approved! —Abra Pappa, New York, New York
Pickled Carrots and DaikonThis recipe is inspired by a pickle my family and I enjoyed at a local Asian restaurant. It is a delicious side to roasted meats as well as a tasty condiment on a burger or sandwich. You won't miss the high fat dressing or mayonnaise. —Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Strawberry VinaigrettePair this sweet and tart strawberry vinaigrette dressing with any salad for a fresh twist for summer. —Carolyn McMunn, San Angelo, Texas
Apple Cinnamon Overnight OatsThis recipe for apple cinnamon overnight oats couldn't be easier to make. Prep takes only five minutes! —Sarah Farmer, Taste of Home Executive Culinary Director
Canning Spaghetti SauceCanning spaghetti sauce is a delicious way to preserve garden-fresh tomatoes. Here's how to can spaghetti sauce in a water bath—no pressure canner required.
Easy Berry Cheesecake ParfaitsThese sweet little parfaits take everything that's wonderful about cheesecake and make it way easier. You get the rich creaminess, graham cracker crunch and bright berry flavor all in fun individual portions. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Kumquat MarmaladeI didn't even know what a kumquat was until my husband and I discovered them in southern Florida. Now I love using them for marmalade. I always get carried away making it and am happy to share! —Faye Robinson, Pensacola, Florida
Ham and Swiss Salad in a JarHome cook Stacy Huggins from Valley Center, California, sent us a great recipe for a ham and Swiss salad, and we turned it into this lunchbox-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Strawberry Cake FillingUse this sweet strawberry cake filling for a cake roll or layer cake. It also tastes fantastic served over ice cream or shortcake. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Classic Onion Soup MixYou can prepare soup, make dips and even season meats with this handy mix from June Mullins of Livonia, Missouri. "My grandchildren really enjoy it as a coating on oven-roasted potatoes," she says. "It's an inexpensive substitute for the envelopes you get at the store."
Favorite Bread & Butter PicklesI made these pickles while growing up and love them because you can eat them with just about anything. Now, both of my children love these pickles too. I think you'll enjoy them as much as we do! —Linda Weger, Robinson, Illinois
Spicy Oatmeal Cookie MixBrown sugar and spice and everything nice—like cinnamon, coconut, oats and chips—are layered together in pretty jars of yummy, ready-to-bake cookie mix. It's a quick and easy gift idea that's appreciated any time of year. Remember to include preparation instructions and a list of any additional ingredients needed with your gift tag. - Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Strawberry Pretzel SaladNeed to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Pickled Red OnionsEveryone should have a jar of this pickled red onion recipe in their refrigerator at all times. I put them on everything and they keep for weeks, if they last that long. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Reuben Salad in a JarAmy Smith from Avon, Connecticut, shared her layered Reuben salad with us, and we couldn’t resist making it extra portable. Get ready to be asked for the recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spicy Pickled GarlicPickled garlic is a delicious condiment for the garlic lover on your list. You'll be pleasantly surprised how pickling mellows out the garlic, making it a tasty sandwich topper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pickled CornWhen fresh corn is in season and you're overeating it straight off the cob, try making pickled corn instead! —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon
Pasta Salad in a JarIf you're planning a picnic, make this pasta a day ahead. For my husband's lunch at work, I sometimes tie a plastic fork on the jar. —Pat Neiheisel, Leetonia, Ohio
Green Goddess Salad DressingIt’s no trick to fix this time-honored green goddess dressing at home. Made with fresh ingredients, it’s excellent—a real treat compared to store-bought salad dressing. —Page Alexander, Baldwin City, Kansas
Slow-Cooker Flan in a JarSpoil yourself or the people you love with these delightful portable custards. They're a cute and fun take on the Mexican dessert classic. Tuck a jar into your lunchbox for a sweet treat. —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Overnight Maple OatmealI tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid midmorning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
Crunchy GranolaThis crisp, lightly sweet homemade granola is great just eaten out of hand or as an ice cream topping. My husband and I grow wheat, barley and canola.—Lorna Jacobsen, Arrowwood, Alberta
Mediterranean Shrimp Salad in a JarThis Greek salad to go is packed with so much freshness, it instantly brightens up your day. Just layer it all in a jar and pack it up—then serve and enjoy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Overnight OatmealStart this breakfast the night before so you can get some extra sleep in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana
Pickled GrapesNo sour grapes here! Easy to make and even easier to eat, pickled grapes are a versatile way to preserve fruit and add a savory surprise to your dishes.
Originally Published: December 11, 2018
