5 Fall Mason Jar Recipes You'll Love

There's something inherently comforting about autumn, and there's no better way to encapsulate this feeling than with homemade treats. One of the charming aspects of fall is the trend of mason jar meals, which not only serve as a practical food container but also add a rustic flair to your kitchen. Here are five delightful fall mason jar recipes that you can easily prepare and enjoy:

1. Pumpkin Pie Parfaits

What could be more autumnal than pumpkin? Here’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pumpkin pie:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups of Greek yogurt
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of maple syrup
  • 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • Whipped cream (optional)

To assemble:

1. Mix pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.
2. Layer a small amount of crushed graham crackers at the bottom of a mason jar.
3. Add a layer of the pumpkin mixture.
4. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, ending with graham crackers.
5. Top with whipped cream for an extra touch.

These mason jar parfaits can be prepared ahead of time and kept refrigerated for up to 3 days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for your fall gatherings.

2. Harvest Soup in a Jar

Soup is synonymous with comfort, and this layered soup-in-a-jar recipe captures the essence of fall:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₄ cup dried lentils
  • ¹⁄₄ cup dried split peas
  • ¹⁄₄ cup uncooked wild rice
  • ¹⁄₄ cup barley
  • 1 tsp dried minced onion
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp dried basil
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 bouillon cube (chicken or vegetable)
  • 3 cups water (when cooking)

To cook:

1. Combine all ingredients in the jar.
2. Add 3 cups of water to a pot and stir in the contents of the jar.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the grains are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

3. Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Breakfast gets a fall makeover with this Apple Pie Overnight Oats recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk or almond milk
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup diced apple
  • 1 tbsp chopped walnuts
  • Optional: dried cranberries for garnish

To prepare:

1. In a mason jar, mix all ingredients except for the apple, walnuts, and cranberries.
2. Top with diced apple and walnuts.
3. Seal and let sit in the refrigerator overnight.
4. In the morning, give it a stir, and if desired, add a few dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.

🌰 Note: Overnight oats will thicken over time. If they're too thick in the morning, add a splash of milk or water to reach your preferred consistency.

4. Fall Harvest Salad Jar

Salads can be both a visual delight and a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s how to make a portable fall salad in a jar:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₄ cup cooked quinoa
  • Handful of mixed greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
  • ¹⁄₂ pear, diced
  • ¹⁄₄ cup roasted butternut squash cubes
  • 1 tbsp dried cranberries
  • 1 tbsp crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
  • Your favorite light vinaigrette dressing

To layer:

1. Start with a layer of dressing at the bottom of the jar.
2. Add quinoa, then layer the butternut squash, pear, cranberries, cheese, and sunflower seeds.
3. Top off with the greens.
4. Seal and keep refrigerated until ready to eat. Shake well before opening to mix all the flavors.

5. Spiced Chai Latte in a Jar

Warm up with this spiced chai latte that can be made directly in a mason jar:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 tsp black tea leaves or 2 black tea bags
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
  • 2 tbsp sweetener (sugar or honey)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • A pinch of black pepper

To make:

1. Boil water, then steep tea in a cup for 4-5 minutes.
2. Heat milk with spices in a small pot until warm but not boiling.
3. Strain the tea into the mason jar, then add the spiced milk.
4. Shake the jar until well mixed, or use a milk frother to create foam.
5. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

These mason jar recipes encapsulate the essence of fall with their warm spices, comforting textures, and vibrant colors. Not only are they tasty, but they also provide a practical way to serve meals, gifts, or individual portions. With these recipes, you can enjoy the flavors of the season while embracing the charm and convenience of mason jar cuisine.

How long can mason jar recipes be stored?

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Most mason jar meals like salads and soups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Overnight oats can last a little longer, about 5 days. Always check for spoilage signs before consuming.

Can mason jar recipes be frozen?

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Yes, many mason jar recipes, particularly soups or oatmeal, can be frozen. However, leave some space at the top for expansion, and ensure the jar can withstand freezing temperatures.

How do I reheat food in mason jars?

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To reheat, remove the food from the jar into a microwave-safe dish or heat in the jar itself if it’s microwave-safe. Be careful when handling hot glass, and ensure there’s space for steam to escape if microwaving.

What’s the best way to layer ingredients in a salad jar?

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Start with the dressing or wettest ingredients at the bottom, then layer hard vegetables, grains, and meats, with delicate greens at the top to keep them fresh.