When the temperature dips, there’s one dish that sweater weather unquestionably calls for: soup. Is there anything quite like a bowl of homemade soup to keep you warm on a chilly day? We think not!
But some soups call for a lot of dicing or need to simmer for hours. During a busy week, from-scratch soup is out of the question. But a cup of soup simply does the trick on cold winter days. That’s where this popular meal prep trend comes in. You won’t need a slow cooker or Instant Pot, though. Instead, pick up a case of Mason jars.
Can you use Mason jars for soup?
Yes! Beyond using Mason jars for canning recipes and flower arrangements, you can also use Mason jars for soup. The internet adores this popular meal prep hack. The trend has racked up over 9 million views on TikTok!
As New York Times bestselling cookbook author and content creator Carleigh Bodrug says, “You need to try making Mason jar soup.” Just combine broth, protein, noodles and hot water in a Mason jar. The result? A perfect soup to curl up with after a long day (ideally paired with Gilmore Girls).
Is it safe to put hot soup in a Mason jar?
Yes, it’s safe to put hot soup in a Mason jar—under certain conditions. Mason jars can crack or break if not handled correctly. As one TikTok creator says, “if you are using hot water, make sure the [Mason] jar is warm or your jar will explode.” Drastic temperature changes (like if a Mason jar was in the freezer) can cause Mason jars to break. You want the jar to be at least room temperature before pouring in any hot water.
What soups can I prep in a Mason jar?
In her TikTok, Carleigh preps her Mason jar by whisking together chili garlic sauce, soy sauce and miso paste. Then, she adds tofu, grated carrots, spinach, vermicelli noodles, chives and seasame seeds. When you’re ready to eat the soup, she explains, pour in hot water. Let sit for five minutes and enjoy.
Of course, there are plenty of other recipes you can use this meal prep hack out with. Start with a broth base at the bottom, then add a protein and vegetables of your choice. You can also add noodles and plenty of spices! To get started, try our DIY ramen soup recipe.
How long will soup last in a Mason jar?
It’s best not to keep these Mason jars longer than three to five days. During that period, check the smell and appearance of the food to determine whether it’s safe to eat. Otherwise, past five days, toss the contents.
50 Recipes Made in Mason Jars
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 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
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 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 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 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
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 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
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 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 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
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 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
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 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
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.
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 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 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
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 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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
