How to Freeze Anything in a Mason Jar
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 (or Bell 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 or bell 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.
Lid Storage Tip:
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
Wire basket to wrangle the lids, Yes! This is what I needed.
Stacy, right?! It’s the simple things. Those lids were always driving me crazy and just designating a spot for them has made such a difference! 🙂
i keep ours in draw string bags – one for standard mason jar lids, one for all the random lids
That’s a great idea, thanks for sharing this tip!
How do you thaw frozen soup in a mason jar
Hi Sue, I’ve found that placing the frozen jar in the fridge and allowing it to defrost overnight works best. You can also try defrosting in the microwave on a low, defrost setting can also work.
Are all mason jars freezer safe?
All mason jars should be freezer safe (just double check to make sure the jar isn’t super old, contains a previous crack, and that you don’t put it in full of hot liquid). Regular glass jars are not freezer safe, so make sure you have an actual mason jar before freezing.
I store our mason lids in a cardboard box. It isn’t pretty, but it was free! And it’s stashed away in the cupboard anyway so you never see it.
Brilliant Ashley! Love that you found such a functional option.
I keep finding my lids get rust easily. Am I doing something wrong or how do I avoid this?
I use little pieces of wax paper under the lid (you can keep them square or even cut them into a circle with pinking shears to make them look pretty). I found that it creates a tighter seal, and the lids stay clean (no extra washing).
Great tip, thanks for sharing that one Niki!
I purchased plastic screw on lids and LOVE them. They come in many colors but I got white and I can see when they are clean.
Thanks for the tip Kathryn! We’ll add a link to the plastic lids to this post for others you might be interested as well!
Jumping in on the plastic lids, a cousin of mine told me that peanut butter lids and mayonnaise lids also work! I’ve tried them and they do fit. Give them a try as well if your like me we have Mason jar’s everywhere in the house so extra lids are always a benefit. The peanut butter lids work for the wide mouth the mayo word for the standard mouth.
Ibra, great tip, thanks so much for sharing!
I did the same! Normally I don’t like to buy plastic, but found that the two-part metal lids were kind of a pain, and also it’s unclear if the under coating (plastic) contains BPA.
What’s the best way to reheat the soup or a single portion of something I have frozen in a mason jar?
A couple options, Caroline. First, you can use a microwave on defrost, then dump into a bowl and heat. If you’re rather not use a microwave, put the frozen jar in the fridge overnight, it should thaw within a day, or place in a jar of lukewarm water. Then reheat on the stove top!
I found plastic lids to use on my wide mouth jars! These seem much easier to deal with then the rings. Come to find out they make a ton of attachments for mason jars, like honey sticks, coffee lids, spice lids..etc. 🙂 Im in Mason Jar Heaven! Thanks for the post!
Great to know, thanks for sharing Maria!
Can I store raw meat in Mason jars in my freezer?
Ashley, 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.
I have several plastic lids for my wide mouth jars that I use to store pasta, rice, beans, even rubber bands in my cabinet. Can the plastic lids be used in the freezer? Thanks so much for the info.Even though I love using Mason Jars for storage I never would have thought about using them in the freezer.
Hi Dee, I haven’t tried with plastic jars but I image they will work just as well as the metal version, provided the plastic is freezer safe!
100% yes to the freezer. On the Ball box it says freezer safe. Walmart has the store brand that say it on too. One thing I have noticed with the plastic is that do retain some of the heat/moisture so there is little icles the form. The flats/rings don’t do that – they just ping (which is good).
how long do you think turkey chili will last in a sealed mason jar in the fridge?
Hi Kristy, about 3 to 5 days, or about 3 months in the freezer.
how long will turkey chili in a sealed mason jar last in the fridge?
I never knew that mason jars can be a storage solution and initially thought that they’re only for decor. My brother and I are both occupied at the university and we don’t have time to prepare our own meals. Maybe we can buy lots of mason jars and prepare everything during the weekend so we can just easily grab our breakfast every morning before leaving.
Yes, such a great idea!
Has anyone experienced a thumb size mound form on top of their bone broth after being frozen which has ice crystals on it? If I could attach a photo I would. I left probably an inch to inch and a half space at the top of the jars so they wouldn’t crack because I have had a problem with that in the past. Someone thought this ice crystal was formed because I left too much space at the top. Is that possible? Totally prized. Any help would be useful. Thank you.
Hi Peggy, did you put the broth in the freezer warm, or was it completely cool first? Other question is whether you used a wide mouth mason jar?
I’ve also had this happen, I think it’s just a matter of the process of freezing, I don’t think anything to worry about.
You can also buy a vacuum sealing accessory to pull out the air from a mason jar to store cereal, rice and dry goods like nuts if you have a FoodSaver.
Super helpful tip, thanks Monique!
Can you vacuum seal the Mason jar after it’s cooled before you freeze it
Hi Michael, I checked the Food Saver website and they say: Even though your mason jars are freezer-safe, glass can still become very fragile when cold. You’ll want to wait until the liquid is frozen solid before taking the jar back out and vacuum sealing. Doing this after will protect the substances from freezer burn. Hope this helps!
Such a timely post! I’ve been using wide-mouth mason jars for a few years now, so much plastic saved from not using it for leftovers! The one issue I’d been having though was the occasional breakage after freezing, so what a great tip to make sure contents are completely cooled before freezing!
Shonna, yes, allowing everything to completely cool before freezing can definitely make a difference–that drastic temperature change can cause cracking sometimes. I still do have the very occasional crack when a jar is old, but very rarely!
Thanks for your information.
You’re so welcome, Jerry, glad it was helpful!
Thanks.
You’re so welcome!
I made a batch of borscht from beets and carrots from my neighbor! So grateful!!
But it wasn’t until AFTER a moderately laborious canning session I learned that water bath method isn’t safe for low acid foods like beets. There is tomato as well as red wine vinegar in my soup recipe, the jars sealed (wonderful little clicks and pops!) Should I break the seals, and then freeze the jars? I dont want to lose all my hard work 😓??
Suset, oh, that is a bummer! I can’t comment on the food safety aspect, but from a freezing perspective as long as there’s enough room between the top of the food and the lid to allow for the food to expand while freezing, and the jars go into the freezer at room temp and not hot, you should be able to avoid broken jars. I wish you luck!
Lot of good information with the original post with one exception. Amazon sellers of canning supplies through the pandemic are a bunch of greedy parasites in my opinion. Pre pandemic I didn’t have an issue paying a buck more for a case of the jars or a box of lids. I saw prices that were 4 times the retail price pre pandemic. I did make the mistake of ordering lids although I was completely out of both sizes and had no choice. The imported junk that was an absolute disaster and we lost a lot of canned items from lid failures over time.
We store our loose lids and rings in oatmeal containers in the pantry.
One other item that I find extremely useful are the reusable plastic Mason screw on lids. Just don’t get them from Amazon. Last time I checked they were 3 times as much as in the retail stores.
Amazon sucks and even though they are convenient they are killing the planet. Any company that can afford to send out ten different trucks on a street with 20 houses in the same day has no concept of saving the environment..
I am wondering if you need to use the sterilization bath for the jars and lids before freezing as you would for canning home grown foods.
Hi Emily, since you’re not canning the jars don’t need to use a sterilization bath, which definitely makes the freezing process easier. Just be sure you’re using clean, dry jars and you should be good to go!
This may seem like a silly question but when a jar in the freezer with soup in it cracks, do I have to pitch the entire contents?
Asking for a friend!!
Ugh, I hate it when that happens. For safety purposes if a jar ever cracks (which does happen from time to time) I pitch the entire thing.
Can I store the jars in a deep freezer? How long does the food frozen in Mason jars last?
Linda, yes, you should be able to store them in the deep freezer as long as you follow the instructions outlined in this post. You might want to test one first to make sure your jars are up to the task. The freezer guidelines for jars are the same for any other freezing method. Hope that helps!
when do u put the lids on after pouring in content to the jar? right away or do u wait until it is cooled?
Either way is fine, but I typically wait until the jar is at room temp to put the lids on, then refrigerate until cool, then freeze. Hope that helps!
Can mason jars be placed in the dishwasher?
Hi Marcella, yes, mason jars are dishwasher safe!
Can I use a food sealer to suck the air out of the mason jar before sealing and freezing?
Hmmm, I haven’t tried that, Laura. I’m thinking you would need a special lid for that to work?
Can I use the narrower mouth quart mason jar to freeze soup?
Christine, you definitely can, I’ve just found that they have a slightly higher chance of cracking than wide mouth. But I personally have and use a mix of both wide and narrow, and have success freezing both. With narrow I just like to leave extra clearance at the top for the contents to expand, plus make sure the jar and contents are cooled in the fridge first before freezing. Hope that helps!
Do you have to boil the jars and lids prior to using for canning, as you would if canning highly acidic foods?
Sandra, no, since you just freezing and not canning, you do not need to boil the jars first. Just a good wash or run through the dishwasher prior to adding the food.