30 Timeless Canning Recipes From Grandma's Kitchen

Practice the art of preserving food with this wonderful collection of old-fashioned canning recipes.

Growing up as a farmer’s daughter in Montana, I spent many summers working alongside my mother in the garden. I wasn’t always the most enthusiastic helper, but I learned a lot — snapping beans, washing cucumbers, packing jars, and peeling peaches for canning.

I no longer tend a garden the size of a city block, but I know some of you do — and some gardens are even larger! That’s why I’ve gathered a selection of classic, old-fashioned canning recipes you can use to preserve a bountiful harvest.

These recipes bring back memories of Mom’s and Grandma’s pantries. Use them to preserve the flavors of summer so you can enjoy them through long, cold winter months. There’s nothing like opening a jar of something homemade to taste a little sunshine again.

Canning Recipes (Just Like Grandma’s!)

Canning Vegetables Recipes

Canned vegetables from the garden are a pantry staple. Below are classic vegetable canning ideas that keep well and make weeknight meals easier.

Home Canned Tomatoes

There’s nothing like the taste of tomatoes canned at peak ripeness. A jar of home-canned tomatoes brings summer flavor to soups, sauces, and stews throughout the year. Photo Credit: www.lanascooking.com
Homemade Pickled Beets

Sweet and tangy pickled beets were often found on our holiday relish tray. They’re simple to prepare and store well in the pantry. Photo Credit: celebrationgeneration.com
Canning Green Beans

Pressure-canned green beans are a classic. A pressure canner is the recommended method for safely preserving low-acid vegetables like green beans. Photo Credit: www.simplycanning.com
Easy Pasta Sauce

Make and can a rich pasta sauce from garden tomatoes and herbs. Having homemade sauce on the shelf saves time and tastes far better than store-bought. Photo Credit: naturalgoodness.blog

Canning Pickles Recipes

Pickles were a big part of Mom’s garden harvest. From dill pickles to refrigerator quick-pickles and relishes, here are several tried-and-true pickle recipes.

Homemade Dill Pickles

Crisp dill pickles are perfect for sandwiches and snacks. A classic brine delivers that familiar dill flavor. Photo Credit: celebrationgeneration.com
Easy-Peasy Refrigerator Pickles

If you want pickles fast, refrigerator pickles are quick to make and enjoy. They keep for weeks in the fridge and don’t require canning equipment. Photo Credit: lifewithlessmess.com
Sweet Pickle Relish

Sweet relish is an excellent way to use excess cucumbers and makes a wonderful condiment to enjoy all year. Photo Credit: www.missinthekitchen.com
Cowboy Candy (Pickled Jalapeños)

Sweet-and-spicy pickled jalapeños — sometimes called Cowboy Candy — are addictive and make a great gift from the garden. Photo Credit: boxwoodavenue.com

Canning Jam and Jelly Recipes

Homemade jams and jellies are one of my favorite pantry items. Spread one on warm toast or an English muffin — nothing beats it.

Old-Fashioned Blackberry Jam

This classic jam is made without commercial pectin and can be adjusted to whatever quantity of fresh blackberries you have. Photo Credit: www.harbourbreezehome.com
3-Ingredient Kiwi Jam

A simple jam that highlights fresh fruit flavor. Small-batch jams are ideal for gifting or enjoying at home. Photo Credit: wowitsveggie.com
World’s Best Strawberry Freezer Jam

Freezer jam keeps the bright flavor of strawberries and is an easy, no-cook option. Use it on toast, biscuits, or stirred into yogurt. Photo Credit: savingtalents.com
Low-Sugar Raspberry Jam

A lower-sugar jam that still captures fresh raspberry flavor — great for those watching sugar without sacrificing taste. Photo Credit: foodlove.com
Peach Jam

Peach jam is a summertime favorite. If you have an Instant Pot, there are quick methods for making small batches. Photo Credit: www.bakingbeauty.net

Canning Fruit Recipes

A bumper crop of apples or fruit can feel overwhelming. Here are dependable ways to preserve fruit: juice, pie filling, chutney, butter, and bottled applesauce.

How to Can Homemade Apple Juice

A simple approach to clear canned apple juice that doesn’t require special equipment. Homemade juice is a refreshing pantry staple. Photo Credit: www.harbourbreezehome.com
Grandma’s Canned Apple Pie Filling

This recipe includes the filling and a classic pie method so you can enjoy pies any time of year. Photo Credit: savingtalents.com
Pineapple Chutney

A flavorful chutney that works as a gift, a condiment for leftovers, or an addition to a holiday table. Photo Credit: www.attachmentmummy.com
Homemade Apple Butter

Apple butter is a rich, spreadable preserve that tastes amazing on biscuits or with sharp cheddar — a true comfort food. Photo Credit: servingupsouthern.com
How to Bottle Homemade Applesauce

Bottled applesauce is surprisingly simple and requires just a few ingredients. It’s a practical way to store apples for year-round use. Photo Credit: sunshineandmunchkins.com