62 Timeless Canning Recipes Only Grandma Knew to Make (2024)

Home Recipes Techniques Preserving Canning

These vintage canning recipes bring back happy memories of our grandmothers. One taste of these preserves or pickles and you'll be sitting right back in Grandma's kitchen.

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Watermelon Rind Pickles

“Waste not, want not” has always been smart advice—especially when it produces picked watermelon rind that’s so refreshing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Apricot Amaretto Jam

This thick, chunky apricot jam was my grandma's recipe; it's lovely to make something for my family and friends that she made for hers! —Linda Wegner, Robinson, Illinois

New to canning? Read our Test Kitchen’s guide to get started.

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Pickled Green Beans

This recipe produces zippy little pickled green beans, preserving my veggies for months to come ... if they last that long. I crank up the heat a bit with cayenne pepper. —Marisa McClellan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Learn how to make pickles with practically any vegetable.

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Spiced Pickled Beets

With sweet, tangy and spiced flavors, these pickled beets are so good that they'll win over just about everyone in your house. Jars of colorful beets make great gifts, too! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

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I 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

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Bill's Apple Butter

Since retiring, I have more time to tend to our 75 apple trees and to experiment in the kitchen. I came up with this old-fashioned apple butter after some trial and error. The red-hot candies make it unique.—Bill Elliott, Urbana, Missouri

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Mild Tomato Salsa

I got this salsa recipe from my sister, and my children and I have been making batches of it ever since. We pair pint jars with packages of tortilla chips for zesty Christmas gifts. When the kids give this present to their teachers, they can truthfully say they helped make it. —Pamela Lundstrum, Bird Island, Minnesota

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Plum Conserve

My mouthwatering conserve is a versatile gift. It makes a lovely garnish for rolls during holiday feasts, is delicious paired with cheese as an appetizer, and makes a great dessert topping for ice cream or pound cake. —Ginny Beadle, Spokane, Washington

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Homemade Spicy Hot Sauce

I created this spicy recipe one day using what I had available from my garden: hot peppers, carrots, onions and garlic. The carrots make this recipe stand out. —Carolyn Wheel, Fairfax, Vermont

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Pickled Peaches

Fresh peach quarters soaked in vinegar, sugar and warm spices are a classic southern treat. Serve with ice cream, pound cake, roasted meat and veggies, or mix into your favorite salad greens.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Apple Cinnamon Jelly

I have made this for my five kids for their peanut butter sandwiches throughout all of their school years. I have made jars and jars of this wonderful jelly for gifts for teachers, neighbors and relatives for Christmas. It's easy, delicious and homemade—what's not to love? Be prepared to have to make this jelly regularly once the kids get a taste of it! —Nancy Jenkins, Fullerton, California

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Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce

DIY 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

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Annie's Original Salsa

I spent 5 years working on this recipe. Everyone loves it, and it's one of the few recipes that is actually mine, not inherited from someone else! It's been so popular that a friend canned 4 ounce jars and gave them as wedding favors. My oldest daughter asked me to do the same thing, and so we gifted wedding guests with 300 small jars of salsa at her autumn-themed wedding. —Angela Barnes, Big Rapids, Michigan

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Giardiniera

Sweet 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

Here’s our guide to pickling cauliflower.

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Rhubarb-Cherry Chutney

I love surprising recipes like this chutney with rhubarb, apple and cherries. Try it with cream cheese and crackers or as a condiment for grilled chicken. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Spiced Cran-Apple and Grape Conserve

Faced with an abundance of grapes from my garden, I wound up using them in various ways. This conserve was an afterthought, but I received so many great compliments from family and friends that I made sure to write down the recipe. I served it with crackers and Brie cheese, but it would be great with pork, chicken, ham and cheesecake, too. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

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Cinnamon Blueberry Jam

Watching my grandmother can hundreds of jars of tomatoes, peaches and pears inspired me to try making jams and jellies myself. I can remember going down into her cellar as a girl—all those jars on the shelves gave me such a warm, homey feeling! My family enjoys this jam on warm corn muffins, or blueberry. The cinnamon's a bit of a surprise. —Barbara Burns, Phillipsburg, New Jersey

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Autumn Pepper Relish

This colorful relish is a favorite with friends and family because it tastes amazing on just about everything. I like to serve it over cream cheese or a block of sharp cheddar cheese along with crackers or French baguette slices. I also include a jar in gift baskets. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia

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Over-the-Top Cherry Jam

We live in Door County, an area known for its wonderful tart cherries. This beautiful, sweet jam makes lovely gifts. —Karen Haen, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

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Pickled Brussels Sprouts

This year, when I asked my brother what he wanted for his 31st birthday, he answered, "pickled Brussels sprouts." I had never even tasted a pickled Brussels sprout before. It's hard for me to say "no" to my younger brother, so he got his wish and thought the Brussels sprouts were delicious! —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland

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Strawberry-Basil Vinegar

The mild, fruity flavor of this strawberry vinaigrette complements any tossed salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Raspberry Peach Jam

When my jam won a first-place pink ribbon at our local county fair, I was overjoyed but it's not the highest compliment that recipe has received. Two girlfriends that I share it with tell me if they don't hide the jam from their husbands and children, they'll devour an entire jarful at just a sitting! —Patricia Larsen, Leslieville, Alberta

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Spicy Chunky Salsa

Vinegar 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

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Easy Dill Pickles

This 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

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Flavorful Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam

I consider this strawberry-rhubarb jam summer in a jar! It's a soft-set jam that tastes great spread on sandwiches, toast, English muffins and more. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

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Pineapple-Rhubarb Jam

Rhubarb, pineapple and strawberry make an awesome jam that brings back memories of living on a farm and growing my own rhubarb. —Debbi Barate, Seward, Pennsylvania

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Roasted Beet Jam

This spicy jam recipe is from my Russian grandmother, who had no written recipes and who gave a few jars of the jam as gifts. I re-created the recipe from memory and think of her each time I prepare it. If you want to increase the yield, it's easy to double the recipe. I like to serve the jam on buttered toast or with cream cheese on toasted pita. The jars, which are dark red from the beets, make a welcome gift.—Susan Asanovic, Wilton, Connecticut

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Slow-Cooked Peach Salsa

Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a winner over store-bought versions. As a treat, I give my coworkers several jars throughout the year. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio

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Ginger Pear Freezer Jam

At dinner with friends one evening, one of our hosts served some pears she had preserved with ginger and lemon. The flavor was so heavenly I decided to use the fresh pears she gave us to try my hand at a ginger and lemon freezer jam.—Jeni Pittard, Commerce, Georgia

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Freezer Cucumber Pickles

When I first started to make these crunchy and satisfying freezer pickles, I wasn't sure if the method would actually work. To my surprise, they came out perfect! Now I make enough to take them to picnics or give as gifts to friends and neighbors. —Connie Goense, Pembroke Pine, Florida

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Pickled Sweet Peppers

I 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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Garlic Dill Pickle Recipe

When I was raising my big family, I’d make this garlic dill pickle recipe toward the end of the growing season for winter’s keeping. Crushed red pepper flakes gives the pickles a bit of bite.— Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Pickled Garlic

Pickled 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

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Very Berry Spread

Two kinds of berries make this jam deliciously different. I always keep some on hand.—Irene Hagel, Choiceland, Saskatchewan

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Rhubarb Jelly

I help help my husband with the pouring and skimming for this jelly—my own personal favorite. It's nice as both a breakfast spread and a topping for pork or other meat. —Jean Coleman, Ottawa, Ontario

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Refrigerator Jalapeno Dill Pickles

I’m passionate about making pickles. My husband is passionate about eating them. He's too impatient to let them cure on the shelf, so I found this quick recipe to make him happy. Add hotter peppers if you like. —Annie Jensen, Roseau, Minnesota

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Rhubarb Raisin Marmalade

At a retreat in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, I sampled a marmalade combining rhubarb and raisins. I loved it so much that I went home and tried to duplicate it. I added the strawberries to make the marmalade even sweeter. —Carmen Tuck, Airdrie, Alberta

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Tangy Pickled Mushrooms

Home-canned pickled mushrooms are a handy addition to your pantry. They’re ideal for co*cktails, appetizers, salads and relish trays.—Jill Hihn, Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms, West Grove, Pennsylvania

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Pear Preserves

In the fall we would go to our farm and pick pears and apples. Then we'd build a campfire and roast hot dogs. Later we'd all get together and make big batches of these tasty preserves. —Tammy Watkins, Greentop, Missouri

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Blackberry Apple Jelly

August is the busiest month of the year on our small farm—that’s when we’re harvesting sweet corn, pumpkins and pickling cucumbers for our stand. But I always make time to put up this jelly. The apples come from our old-fashioned orchard, while the blackberries grow wild along our creek…and the jelly’s usually gone by January! —Liz Endacott, Matsqui, British Columbia.

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Apple-Walnut Maple Conserve

Versatile and delicious, this conserve reminds me of a warm cozy kitchen; you'll love every bite. I warm the conserve and pour it over vanilla ice cream as a dessert, and it's great as a topping over French toast, biscuits or even pork roast. Be sure to make more than one batch so you can give it as gifts during the holidays.—Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

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Strawberry Peach Jam

You'll definitely capture the flavors of summer with this chunky, luscious toast-topper. Best of all, this jam freezes well for up to a year, and it makes a great housewarming or hostess gift idea. —Gwen Frankhouser, El Cajon, California.

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Most 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

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Sweet and Sour Zucchini Pickles

Pickled 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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Chunky Peach Spread

Here's a fruit spread that captures the best tastes of late summer. I like that it's low in sugar and not overly sweet, which lets the fresh peach flavor shine right through. — Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

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Luscious Blueberry Jam

This perfectly spreadable blueberry jam boasts a beautiful dark color with a sweet seasonal flavor. —Karen Haen, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

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Tomatillo Relish

I have a very hearty tomatillo plant in my garden. To use up the abundant produce, I decided to make a relish. You can use it as a dip or as a condiment on eggs, hot dogs, meat loaf or burgers. It has an addictive taste. —Deb LaBosco, Foley, Minnesota

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Green Tomato Jam

As the tomato season draws near and you have a bumper crop of green tomatoes on your vine, reach for this one-of-a-kind jam! Everyone is pleased with its great taste.—Norma Henderson, Hampton, New Brunswick

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I love the roasted flavor that grilling gives food, so I decided to make a salsa from grilled vegetables. I think this recipe would also taste great using plum tomatoes. Also, if you can't use wood chip charcoal, you might try adding a little liquid smoke to the salsa while it cooks. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

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Cider Jelly

For a tasty jam during the fall, try this cider. The candy adds a wonderful cinnamon flavor.—Donna Bensend, Dallas, Wisconsin

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Plum Orange Jam

We put our homegrown plums to delicious use in this quick and easy jam. It's my favorite thing to serve with buttermilk biscuits. —Kathy Rairigh, Milford, Indiana

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Honey Blueberry Cobbler Jam

I work at a farmers market, and honey blueberry jam is my top seller. You've gotta taste it with fresh goat cheese and toasted candied pecans. —Krystal Wertman, Humble, Texas

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Lemon-Rosemary Marmalade

I love the flavor combination of lemon and rosemary. This unique marmalade goes beautifully with roast chicken, herbed pork roast, lamb chops or a savory biscuit. —Birdie Shannon, Arlington, Virginia

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Quick and Easy Strawberry Jam

This is an easy and tasty way to use up a freshly picked quarts of summer strawberries. It makes about seven half-pints, so there's enough to share. —Ball Brand and Kerr Brand home canning products

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Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos)

If you love spicy food like we do, then these tasty candied jalapenos—also known as cowboy candy—are for you! You can save the syrup to baste roasted chicken or grilled salmon, or mix it into salad dressings. Jars of this dynamite condiment make a great gift. —Rita Ladany, Edison, New Jersey

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Raspberry Mint Jam

I have so much mint growing in my yard that I add it to almost everything. What a revelation it was when it went in my raspberry jam—the mint really wakes up the raspberry flavor.—Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

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Kickin' Red Pepper Jelly

Peppers grow like wild fire in our hot Missouri summers. That's when I make spicy jelly to give as gifts at Christmas. The leftover pulp can be frozen in small batches and stirred into chili, pasta sauce, salad dressing and salsa. —Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri

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Jalapeno-Pear Chutney

With tongue-tingling peppers, pears, tomatoes and more, this versatile chutney is a mouthful of flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite meat entree...as a sandwich spread...over cream cheese for an appetizer...or even with chips as a salsa-style dip.—Deb Thomson, Grand Island, Nebraska

Rashanda is a former food editor for Taste of Home. While studying for her bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, Rashanda interned in Southern Living’s test kitchen and later spent nearly a decade developing recipes and food content at ConAgra Brands. In her spare time, she loves scoping out local farmers markets and having picnics in the park.