Looking for how to freeze anything in a mason jar? Then you’re in the right place!
Mason jars are a beautifully simple solution when it comes to storage. From freezing soups and stews, to taking leftovers to work, to using mason jars to organize your pantry. Your options are endless.
Read on for step-by-step instructions and a FAQ for how to freeze anything in a mason jar, plus how to use mason jars to store just about anything.
Imagine your freezer filled with hearty, nourishing soups and stew recipes ready to be defrosted for a quick lunch on the fly.
Then imagine a fridge filled with pre-prepped grains, veggies, sauces, and proteins, as well as a few mason jar salads ready to throw in your bag on the way out the door.
This scenario is easier than you think; and it all starts with the simple mason jar.
Here’s your simple step-by-step guide & all my best tips:
- Why Mason Jars are the Perfect Storage Solution
- Step-by-Step: How to Freeze or Store Anything in a Mason Jar
- FAQ’s + What You Can Freeze in Mason Jars
Why Mason Jars are the Perfect Storage Solution
Mason jars are a workhorse in the kitchen, and are the perfect simplified storage solution because they can be used in so many different ways.
They’re durable, are plastic-free, inexpensive, and work perfectly in the pantry, fridge and in the freezer.
As a bonus, the tight sealing lids means you can take soups and stews with you on-the-go without worrying about spills or leaks.
The Mason Jars I Use
It may be cheaper to buy them at your local hardware store or grocery store, but you can definitely buy them on amazon if you can’t find them near you. Here’s the one’s I like best for freezing 1-2 portions of soup, stew, or leftovers!
How to Store or Freeze Anything in a Mason Jar
1. Select the Right Size Mason Jar
For best results, use wide mouth mason jars to freeze one to two portions of soup, stews, or leftovers.
These are my favorite mason jars for freezing one to two servings Wide-Mouth 16-oz Mason Jars
Quart sized mason jars are a great size for storing larger amounts of leftovers, and are also a great choice for pantry organization or creating mason jar salads: Wide-Mouth Quart Mason Jar
2. Allow the Soup, Stew, or Main Dish to Cool
Avoid adding steaming hot liquid to the mason jar. Instead, allow the soup or stew to cool slightly before adding to the jar.
3. Transfer to the Mason Jar
Fill each mason jar with the soup, stew, or leftovers using a stainless steel ladle and wide mouth funnel.
The funnel prevents a mess and makes the process so much easier; definitely worth the small investment.
Again, a wide-mouth mason jar is your best best when it comes to freezing anything, especially when it comes to soups and stews.
This is my favorite Wide Mouth Funnel for filling mason jars to freeze.
4. Leave Enough Room
Be sure to leave at least a two inch clearance between the top of the jar and whatever you’re filling it with.
Remember, frozen liquids expand, so don’t overfill, or you will end up with a cracked jar.
5. Cool Completely in the Refrigerator
Screw on the lids and refrigerate the filled jars and allow to cool completely to avoid cracking. Do not skip this step, as freezing hot or warm liquids may cause the jar to crack.
6. Add a Label
Don’t forget to label your jars.
Particularly if you plan to store in the freezer, clear labeling will ensure you know what’s what.
Labeling couldn’t be easier: simply write the name of the item along with the date on a small piece of washi masking tape with a permanent marker.
Then affix the tape to the top of the lid and you’re good to go.
When you’ve used the contents of the jar remove the tape and wash the lid.
7. Freeze the Mason Jars
Freeze contents for three to five months.
Bonus Tip for Mason Jar Lid Storage: Consider storing mason jar lids in a wire basket when not in use to keep things organized.
Mason and Canning Jar Freezing 101 & FAQs
Yes! See the full step-by-step tutorial on how to freeze anything in a mason jar
Make sure you’re using a wide mouth jar like the ones above. Also make sure the liquid is cooled completely prior to freezing, and leave 1-2 inches of space between the liquid and the lid. See the full step-by-step: how to freeze anything in a mason jar
No, not in same sauce jar as the store – but you can decant your storebought sauce into a freezer safe mason jar & use that instead. Here’s a homemade sauce recipe I love: tuscan pumpkin pasta sauce
Yes, but you need to make sure there’s enough headspace in the jar – the more liquid something is the more it will rise. See the full step-by-step: how to freeze anything in a mason jar
Yes, freezing 1-2 portions in a freezer safe mason jar is a great way to save leftover soups, stews, and chilis! Here’s some soups & stews that freeze well.
Yes! Follow the directions above to avoid jar breakage. See the full step-by-step: how to freeze anything in a mason jar
Yes. Follow the directions above to avoid jar breakage. See the full step-by-step: how to freeze anything in a mason jar
Yes! See the full step-by-step: how to freeze anything in a mason jar
Make sure you’re using a wide mouth jar (like the ones linked above). Also make sure the liquid is cooled completely prior to freezing, and leave 1-2 inches of space between the liquid and the lid.
Double check that you were using wide mouth jars (like the ones linked above) that the liquid was completely cool, and that you left enough space between the liquid and the lid. If the jar still cracked, it was most likely an old jar with an existing crack, so it’s time to replace those jars!
Absolutely! Grains can be frozen using the same steps. See the full step-by-step: how to freeze anything in a mason jar
First, you can use a microwave on defrost, then dump into a bowl and heat. If you’d rather not use a microwave, put the frozen jar in the fridge overnight (it should thaw within a day) or place in a container of lukewarm water. Then reheat on the stove top!
Yes, just as you’d use any freezable container, if you have raw meat it should work to freeze–keep in mind you’ll need to leave room at the top, as things expand when they freeze–to avoid cracked jars. See the full step-by-step: how to freeze anything in a mason jar
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