13 Best Make-Ahead Recipes in a Jar

Posted by Food Network Editors on October 3, 2017

Whether you’re preparing lunches for the week or dessert for your next dinner party, these make-ahead dishes will put your recyclables to good use. Save yourself time and money with these grab-and-go mason jar recipes.

1 of 13

Pomegranate and Pear Salad

This salad never fails to put you in the fall spirit. Pears and blue cheese pair beautifully, and the tart pomegranate seeds give a nice kick.Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pomegranate-and-pear-salad/14695/" target="_blank">Pomegranate and Pear Salad</a>.
2 of 13

Grilled Plum and Bourbon Crisps

Juicy grilled plums (you can sub another fruit of your choosing) is topped with a sugary crumble, a hit bourbon and baked until golden brown. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-plum-and-bourbon-crisps/16410/" target="_blank">Damaris Phillips' Grilled Plum and Bourbon Crisps</a>
3 of 13

Watermelon and Feta Salad

This salad adds a savoury note with cherry tomatoes and feta, perfectly complementing the sweet watermelon.Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/watermelon-and-feta-salad/14694/" target="_blank">Watermelon and Feta Salad</a>
4 of 13

Overnight Oatmeal Jars with Last-Minute Stir-Ins

These make-ahead oatmeal jars are super easy and delicious.Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/overnight-oatmeal-jars-with-last-minute-stir-ins/14709/" target="_blank">Overnight Oatmeal Jars with Last-Minute Stir-Ins</a>.
5 of 13

Chilled Corn, Peach and Basil Buttermilk Soup

This wholesome soup is perfect for a quick lunch or fun appetizer for your next get together. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chilled-corn-peach-and-basil-buttermilk-soup/12555/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Chilled Corn, Peach and Basil Buttermilk Soup</a>
6 of 13

Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar

These tasty strawberry shortcakes served in canning jars are quick, easy and look great too!Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-shortcakes-in-a-jar/14311/" target="_blank">Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar</a>.
7 of 13

Canadian Pie-In-A-Jar

This perfectly packaged treat combines the best of all provinces! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/canadian-pie-in-a-jar/12110/" target="_blank">Canadian Pie-In-A-Jar</a>.
8 of 13

The Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Pudding

This rich chocolate pudding sits on top of a crumb base made from chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter. Make individual servings in cups or mason jars, and top with whipped cream before serving. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-chocolate-pudding/16505/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Pudding</a>
9 of 13

Upside Down Cherry Cheesecake Jars

A holiday dessert that’s as downright delicious as it is elegantly presented, these cheesecake-filled jars of joy are topped with a tart sour cherry sauce and a sweet Graham crumb streusel. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/upside-down-cherry-cheesecake-jars/18599/" target="_blank">Upside Down Cherry Cheesecake Jars</a>
10 of 13

Smoked Macaroni Salad

This chilled macaroni jar salad blends liquid smoke and bourbon whiskey for a deeply savoury recipe that's guaranteed to be a hit with adults. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-macaroni-salad/16420/" target="_blank">Damaris Philipps' Smoked Macaroni Salad</a>
11 of 13

Just-Add-Water Instant Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon

Hearty, healthy and ready in just three minutes, these make-ahead jars of apple heaven combine the fruit with raisins, cinnamon and brown sugar for a feel-good bowl of oatmeal. Plus you can make them ahead in mason jars and look super fancy and put-together when you’re whipping them up in front of guests or co-workers. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/just-add-water-instant-oatmeal-with-apples-and-cinnamon/19211/" target="_blank">Just-Add-Water Instant Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon</a>
12 of 13

Piña Colada Tres Leches Cakes

Served in mason jars, this tropical twist on the classic layer cake is infused with all the flavours of this popular fruity cocktail. The best part? You can eat it on the go, curled up on the couch or even in bed! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pina-colada-tres-leches-cakes/17805/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Piña Colada Tres Leches Cakes</a>
13 of 13

Lemon Panna Cotta with Orange Juice Mousse

This tasty Halloween treat of lemon panna cotta topped with orange juice mousse is creepily oozing over the sides of the mason jar. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cemetery-cupcakes/17355/" target="_blank">Lemon Panna Cotta with Orange Juice Mousse</a>
Start Over

Next Gallery
Easy 20-Minute Appetizers That Will Wow Your Guests
More Galleries