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This Is the Best Mason Jar Hack We’ve Found

By Christine Rukavena

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Mar. 20, 2019

Parm Cheese Lid on Mason Jar Liquid

Taste of Home

This so-easy mason jar hack will blow your mind!

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

Filling breakfast smoothies in mason jars; Shutterstock ID 499759339; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): Taste of Home Signe Leth/ShutterstockFill 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

Parm Cheese Lid on Mason Jar Dry Taste of Home

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

Cardamom, star anise, cinnamon, clove, coriander seed spices and dried bay leaves, parsley, thyme, rosemary herbs in mason jars over white background; Shutterstock ID 293429393; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): Taste of Home MAHATHIR MOHD YASIN/ShutterstockYou 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

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Picnic Berry Shortcake You can make the berry sauce ahead of time and chill it. Then assemble the entire dessert right before the picnic or party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas Go to Recipe Here's how to organize your entire pantry with Mason jars.

Easy Pickled Apples Exps Ft22 269706 F 0518 1

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 Creme

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

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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

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GiardinieraSweet and tangy, this Italian condiment is packed with peppers, cauliflower, carrots and other crisp-tender veggies. It’s perfect to offer alongside pickles or olives on a relish tray. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Red Velvet Cake In A Jar Exps Tohfm16 159490 B09 22 6b 5

Red Velvet Jar CakeI love to make these red velvet jar cakes for friends, family and teachers. Red velvet is my favorite during the holidays, but you can use any cake and frosting flavors you like. Then dress up the jars with homemade labels and ribbons for gifting. Don't forget to tie a spoon to the jar; everyone likes to dig right in! —Lillie Collier, Mobile, Alabama

Wild Rice And Barley Soup Mix Exps Tohdj23 23776 P2 Md 07 19 4b

Wild Rice and Barley Soup MixLet loved ones warm up on frosty nights with this hearty, stick-to-the-ribs soup. Layered in pretty bow-tied jars, the mix looks just as good as the soup tastes. It's one of many tasty Mason jar gifts you can stir up in your kitchen. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

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 Dressing Exps Rc22 267942 Dr 04 13 9b

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

Diy Ramen Soup Exps Mtcbbz18 224419 D02 28 7b 4

DIY Ramen SoupThis favorite ramen noodle recipe, prepared and served in a canning jar, is a healthier alternative to most commercial varieties. Feel free to customize the veggies. —Michelle, Clair, Seattle, Washington

Spicy Chunky Salsa Exps Thjj17 48255 D02 01 6b 4

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 Jar Exps Mtcbbz18 224416 B02 27 6b 5

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

Alabama White Bbq Sauce Exps Ft20 118762 F04 08 Home 1b 1

Alabama White BBQ SauceMy boys use to spend their summers with their grandmother in the South. She would treat them to a meal at a restaurant that served Alabama white sauce over chicken and my family thought it was wonderful. I started making it at home and it always brings back memories of those summers in Tuscaloosa. This Alabama white sauce recipe should be applied only at the very end of your grilling or smoking because it will break down and separate if it is heated too long. —Sabrina Everett, Thomasville, Georgia

Quick Pickled Radishes

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 Cookies

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 Pudding Exps Tohas22 206326 Gns 03 24 3b 1

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 Daikon And Carrots Exps Tohjj22 190112 Md 01 27 5b

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 Overnight Oats

Strawberry Overnight OatsThese strawberry overnight oats will be ready and waiting for you in the morning. ThePB&J-inspired breakfast is both gluten-free and dairy-free. Use more or less sugar depending on the sweetness of the strawberries. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire

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Easy Dill PicklesThis treasured dill pickle recipe is like an old friend. These crispy spears have a slightly salty, tart flavor with a good balance of dill, garlic and peppers. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado

Strawberry Vinaigrette

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 Oats

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

Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce Exps Ft24 49558 St 0405 3

Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Homemade Canned Spaghetti SauceDIY canning spaghetti sauce recipes are a tomato grower's dream come true! Use up your garden bounty and enjoy it later in the year. —Tonya Branham, Mt. Olive, Alabama

Easy Berry Cheesecake Parfaits

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 Marmalade

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 Jar

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

Maple Mousse Exps Hcacb21 34736 E04 01 4b

Maple MousseI love to make this dessert with maple syrup produced in our area. For a change from heavier cakes and pies, it’s a refreshing ending to a holiday meal.

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Strawberry Cake Filling Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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

Pulled Pork Parfait Exps Mtcbbz18 224417 B02 28 5b 13

Pulled Pork ParfaitI tried a version of this meaty parfait at Miller Park, the then-home of my favorite baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers. I take it up a notch by adding layers of corn and creamy mac and cheese. It truly is a full barbecue meal you can take on the go. —Rachel Seis, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Classic Onion Soup Mix Exps Ft21 10957 F 1105 1

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."

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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

German Style Pickled Eggs Exps Ft21 29261 F 0827 1

German-Style Pickled EggsI make these German pickled eggs and refrigerate them in a glass gallon jar for my husband to sell at his tavern. The customers love them! I found the recipe in an old cookbook years ago. —Marjorie Hennig, Green Valley, Arizona

Spicy Oatmeal Cookie Mix Exps Tohca20 34344 E03 11 7b 9

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

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Pickled Sweet PeppersI love to can my homegrown produce. I call this recipe Summer in a Jar. The peppers have a nice combination of tart and spicy flavors. —Edna Clemens, West Branch, Michigan

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Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Jars Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert JarsNeed to bring a dish to pass this weekend? These make-ahead dessert jars will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan

Pickled Red Onions Exps Ft21 263012 F 0415 1 1

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 Jar Exps Mtcbbz18 224205 B02 28 3b 2

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 Garlic

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

Blackberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Cups Exps Sdam18 211982 D11 30 4b 25

Blackberry White Chocolate Cheesecake CupsI read that white chocolate intensifies the flavor of blackberries. It's true! The crunch of baking chips, the blackberry puree, and the sweet and salty pretzel crust make this a sensational mini dessert. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Pickled Corn Exps Tohjj22 267522 Md 01 27 7b

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 Jar

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 Dressing

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 Jar

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

Candy Apple Jelly Exps Wrsm17 10001 D03 21 2b 4

Candy Apple JellyWith a hint of apple and cinnamon, this apple jelly spreads cheer from breads to bagels to muffins. Its rosy pink color looks lovely. —Betsy Porter, Bismarck, North Dakota

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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

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Sweet and Sour Zucchini PicklesPickled zucchini is a great way to use up all those green beauties in your garden. Preserve them now to share as a holiday gift from your kitchen. —Tina Butler, Royse City, Texas

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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 Jar

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 Oatmeal

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

Sweet & Spicy Pickled Red Seedless Grapes

Sweet & Spicy Pickled Red Seedless GrapesMost people don't think about grapes when creating a canned pickle recipe. The pickling liquid for these grapes includes red wine, vinegar and common pickling spices like coriander, mustard seeds and hot pepper; it also contains warm spices like cinnamon and star anise along with brown sugar. These flavor-packed grapes are unique and delicious on a fab antipasto, pickle or cheese tray. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Originally Published: December 11, 2018

Author

Christine Rukavena

Christine loves to read, curate, sample and develop new recipes as a senior book editor at Taste of Home. A CIA alumna with honors, she creates cookbooks and food-related content. A favorite part of the job is taste-testing dishes. Previous positions include pastry chef at a AAA Five Diamond property. Christine moonlights at a boutique wine shop, w...

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