22+ Essential Ball Canning Cookbook Recipes for Every Home Cook

Preserving your favorite foods at home is both an art and a rewarding way to enjoy seasonal flavors year-round.

The Ball canning cookbook offers a wealth of trusted recipes that guide you through the process of safely and deliciously canning fruits, vegetables, sauces, pickles, and more.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced canner, these 22+ Ball canning cookbook recipes showcase a variety of classic and creative preserves, from sweet jams and jellies to tangy relishes and hearty soups.

This collection not only helps you stock your pantry but also inspires you to savor homemade goodness anytime, with the confidence that your preserves are safe and flavorful.

22+ Essential Ball Canning Cookbook Recipes for Every Home Cook

Exploring these 22+ Ball canning cookbook recipes reveals the versatility and satisfaction that home canning brings.

From luscious fruit preserves to zesty pickles and wholesome sauces, the range of recipes ensures there’s something to suit every taste and occasion.

Canning at home allows you to preserve the peak flavors of each season while reducing food waste and creating thoughtful gifts.

With these trusted recipes, you can confidently embark on your canning journey and enjoy delicious homemade foods whenever you want.

Spiced Apple Butter

Spiced apple butter is a rich, deeply flavored spread made from slow-cooked apples and warm spices.

It’s a fantastic way to preserve the harvest and enjoy homemade apple goodness year-round.

This recipe from the Ball canning cookbook balances sweetness and spice perfectly, creating a versatile spread ideal for toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • Sugar
  • Apple cider or apple juice
  • Ground cinnamon, cloves, and allspice
  • Lemon juice
• Instructions:
  1. Combine apples, sugar, cider, and lemon juice in a large pot.
  2. Cook over medium heat until apples are soft and breaking down, stirring occasionally.
  3. Puree the mixture until smooth, then add spices and simmer until thickened to a butter-like consistency.
  4. Ladle hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving proper headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner according to Ball’s recommended times.

This spiced apple butter is a delightful way to capture the flavors of fall and can be enjoyed long after apple season ends.

Preserving it through canning ensures you have a homemade treat ready to enhance breakfasts and snacks anytime.

Classic Dill Pickles

Classic dill pickles from the Ball canning cookbook bring the crisp, tangy crunch of homemade pickles to your pantry.

This tried-and-true recipe uses fresh cucumbers and a simple brine infused with dill and garlic to create pickles bursting with flavor.

Canning allows you to store these pickles safely and enjoy them for months.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh cucumbers
  • Fresh dill sprigs
  • Garlic cloves
  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Pickling salt
  • Mustard seeds and peppercorns (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare cucumbers by washing and slicing or leaving whole if small.
  2. Pack cucumbers, dill, and garlic into sterilized jars.
  3. Heat vinegar, water, salt, and optional spices to boiling to create the brine.
  4. Pour hot brine over cucumbers, leaving proper headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner following Ball’s guidelines.

These classic dill pickles capture that perfect balance of tangy and savory, with a satisfying crunch.

Home canning them ensures you have a delicious homemade snack or condiment ready anytime.

Strawberry Jam

Strawberry jam from the Ball canning cookbook is a sweet, vibrant preserve made from fresh strawberries and just the right amount of sugar and pectin.

This easy-to-follow recipe results in a luscious jam that captures the essence of summer, perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or gifting to loved ones.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh strawberries, hulled and crushed
  • Sugar
  • Pectin (if needed, depending on strawberry variety)
  • Lemon juice
• Instructions:
  1. Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot.
  2. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Add pectin as directed if using.
  3. Boil hard for one minute, then remove from heat.
  4. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner according to Ball’s timing.

This strawberry jam is a classic favorite that bursts with fresh berry flavor and vibrant color.

Canning it allows you to enjoy the taste of summer all year long, making it a wonderful addition to your pantry staples.

Peach Salsa

Peach salsa is a fresh and vibrant twist on traditional salsa, combining sweet peaches with tangy tomatoes and spicy jalapeños.

This recipe from the Ball canning cookbook is perfect for preserving summer’s bounty and adds a delightful burst of flavor to chips, grilled meats, or tacos.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh peaches, peeled and diced
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Onions, finely chopped
  • Jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Lime juice
  • Salt and sugar
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine peaches, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
  2. Stir in lime juice, salt, and sugar to taste.
  3. Pack salsa into sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace.
  4. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner according to Ball’s recommended times.

This peach salsa offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, making it a versatile condiment that livens up any meal.

Canning it ensures you can enjoy this fresh flavor even when peaches are out of season.

Homemade Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is a simple and comforting preserve that’s a staple in many kitchens.

Using fresh apples and minimal ingredients, this Ball canning cookbook recipe produces a smooth, naturally sweet applesauce perfect for snacking, baking, or serving alongside meals.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • Water
  • Sugar (optional)
  • Cinnamon (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Place apples and water in a large pot and cook until apples are tender.
  2. Mash or puree the cooked apples to desired consistency.
  3. Stir in sugar and cinnamon if desired.
  4. Ladle hot applesauce into sterilized jars, leaving headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner following Ball’s guidelines.

This homemade applesauce captures the natural sweetness and comforting flavors of fresh apples.

Canning it preserves that taste and texture so you can enjoy it year-round with ease.

Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

Tomato basil pasta sauce is a flavorful and aromatic sauce that combines ripe tomatoes with fresh basil and garlic.

The Ball canning cookbook’s recipe is designed to preserve the vibrant taste of summer tomatoes, providing a ready-to-use sauce for quick and delicious meals.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add tomatoes and cook down until thickened.
  3. Stir in fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner as per Ball’s instructions.

This tomato basil sauce bursts with fresh garden flavors and is a versatile pantry staple.

Canning it means you can enjoy homemade pasta sauce anytime, without the hassle of fresh prep.

Sweet Pepper Relish

Sweet pepper relish is a tangy and mildly sweet condiment that adds a burst of flavor to sandwiches, burgers, and grilled meats.

This Ball canning cookbook recipe uses fresh bell peppers and onions, perfectly preserved to enjoy throughout the year.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh sweet bell peppers, finely chopped
  • Onions, finely chopped
  • Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Mustard seeds
  • Celery seeds
  • Salt
• Instructions:
  1. Combine chopped peppers and onions in a large pot.
  2. Add vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and salt.
  3. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer until thickened.
  4. Pour hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner following Ball’s recommended time.

This sweet pepper relish is a flavorful addition that complements many dishes.

Canning it ensures you have this versatile relish ready to enhance meals long after the fresh peppers are gone.

Classic Tomato Sauce

Classic tomato sauce is a fundamental pantry staple made from fresh, ripe tomatoes simmered with simple herbs and seasonings.

The Ball canning cookbook recipe captures the essence of garden tomatoes, providing a delicious base for pasta, pizza, or casseroles.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • Onions, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Basil and oregano
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
  2. Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer sauce until thickened to desired consistency.
  4. Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner according to Ball’s instructions.

This classic tomato sauce is rich, savory, and bursting with fresh flavors.

Canning it allows you to enjoy homemade sauce anytime without the hassle of fresh preparation.

Zesty Dill Pickles

Zesty dill pickles are crunchy, tangy, and full of fresh dill flavor with a little extra zing.

This Ball canning cookbook recipe uses a simple brine infused with garlic and spices, creating a perfect pickle for snacking or sandwiches.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh cucumbers
  • Fresh dill heads or sprigs
  • Garlic cloves
  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Pickling salt
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Pack cucumbers, dill, and garlic tightly into sterilized jars.
  2. Prepare brine by boiling vinegar, water, pickling salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Pour hot brine over cucumbers, leaving proper headspace.
  4. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner per Ball’s guidelines.

These zesty dill pickles offer a bold flavor and satisfying crunch.

Canning them preserves their freshness and spice, making them a delicious treat anytime.

Canned Cherry Tomatoes

Canned cherry tomatoes preserve the bright, sweet flavor of fresh tomatoes, perfect for adding to sauces, salads, or soups throughout the year.

This recipe from the Ball canning cookbook is simple and ensures your tomatoes retain their fresh taste and texture.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh cherry tomatoes
  • Lemon juice or citric acid (for acidity)
  • Salt (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Wash tomatoes and prick skins with a fork to prevent bursting.
  2. Pack tomatoes tightly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
  3. Add lemon juice or citric acid to each jar to ensure safe acidity levels.
  4. Add salt if desired.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner according to Ball’s recommended time.

This method locks in the natural sweetness and freshness of cherry tomatoes, providing a handy ingredient to enhance your favorite recipes all year round.

Sweet Peach Jam

Sweet peach jam is a luscious, fruit-forward spread made from ripe peaches and just enough sugar to bring out their natural flavor.

The Ball canning cookbook offers an easy recipe that yields a smooth, sweet jam perfect for toast, desserts, or gifts.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Pectin (optional, depending on peach variety)
• Instructions:
  1. Combine peaches, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens.
  3. Add pectin if needed and boil for the time specified.
  4. Pour hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner as directed by Ball.

This sweet peach jam captures the sunny flavor of fresh peaches, making it a delightful addition to your pantry for enjoying year-round.

Pickled Beets

Pickled beets are a tangy and sweet preserved vegetable that adds color and flavor to salads, sandwiches, and sides.

The Ball canning cookbook recipe balances vinegar, sugar, and spices to create a classic pickled beet that stores well.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh beets, cooked and sliced
  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Spices like cloves, allspice, or cinnamon sticks (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices in a pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Pack cooked beets into sterilized jars.
  3. Pour hot pickling liquid over the beets, leaving headspace.
  4. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner according to Ball’s guidelines.

These pickled beets offer a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, preserving the rich flavor and vibrant color for months of enjoyment.

Classic Marinara Sauce

Classic marinara sauce is a simple, flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, and dipping.

This Ball canning cookbook recipe uses fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to create a versatile sauce that preserves the taste of summer all year.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh basil and oregano
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer until thickened to your preferred consistency.
  4. Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving proper headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner following Ball’s instructions.

This marinara sauce captures the fresh flavors of the garden and is a pantry essential for quick, homemade Italian dishes anytime.

Sweet Pickled Green Beans

Sweet pickled green beans are a crisp, tangy treat with a hint of sweetness, perfect for snacking or adding to salads and charcuterie boards.

The Ball canning cookbook provides a reliable recipe that combines vinegar, sugar, and spices for balanced flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh green beans, trimmed
  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Mustard seeds and dill (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Pack green beans vertically into sterilized jars.
  2. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices in a pot and bring to a boil.
  3. Pour hot brine over the green beans, leaving headspace.
  4. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner per Ball’s recommended times.

These sweet pickled green beans offer a delicious way to enjoy fresh veggies with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet preserved for months.

Homemade Salsa Verde

Homemade salsa verde is a tangy, bright sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, and fresh herbs.

This Ball canning cookbook recipe is ideal for preserving the vibrant flavors of summer and is perfect for tacos, chips, or grilled dishes.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • Jalapeño peppers
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice
  • Salt
• Instructions:
  1. Boil tomatillos and jalapeños until soft, then blend with onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt until smooth.
  2. Heat the salsa to a boil.
  3. Pour hot salsa into sterilized jars, leaving headspace.
  4. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner according to Ball’s guidelines.

This salsa verde is fresh and zesty, perfect for adding a flavorful kick to your meals year-round thanks to the canning process.

Homemade Peach Preserves

Homemade peach preserves are a sweet and luscious way to capture the vibrant flavor of ripe peaches.

This Ball canning cookbook recipe balances natural fruit sweetness with just the right amount of sugar to create a spread that’s perfect for toast, desserts, or gifts.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Pectin (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Combine peaches, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens.
  3. Add pectin if needed and bring to a rolling boil for the time specified.
  4. Pour hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner according to Ball’s directions.

This preserve captures the essence of summer peaches, offering a versatile and delicious spread you can enjoy all year long.

Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles are a classic sweet and tangy pickle variety, perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or snacking.

The Ball canning cookbook recipe combines cucumbers, onions, and spices in a flavorful brine that preserves well.

• Ingredients:
  • Cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • Onions, thinly sliced
  • Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Mustard seeds
  • Celery seeds
  • Turmeric
• Instructions:
  1. Combine cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.
  2. In a pot, heat vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric until boiling.
  3. Pour hot brine over cucumbers and onions, stirring to combine.
  4. Pack mixture into sterilized jars, leaving headspace.
  5. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner as per Ball’s recommended times.

These bread and butter pickles offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making them a pantry staple for any pickle lover.

Canned Peach Slices

Canned peach slices are a wonderful way to preserve fresh peaches at their peak ripeness.

This Ball canning cookbook recipe helps you enjoy tender, juicy peach slices all year long for desserts, salads, or snacking.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
  • Light syrup (made from sugar and water) or water
  • Lemon juice (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Pack peach slices into sterilized jars.
  2. Pour hot light syrup or water over peaches, leaving ½ inch headspace.
  3. Add lemon juice to each jar to prevent discoloration if desired.
  4. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner following Ball’s instructions.

Canning peach slices locks in their natural sweetness and texture, giving you delicious fruit ready to use in recipes or enjoy straight from the jar anytime.

Garden Vegetable Soup

Garden vegetable soup is a hearty, flavorful blend of fresh garden produce simmered together to create a comforting meal.

This Ball canning cookbook recipe preserves the essence of summer vegetables so you can enjoy wholesome soup anytime.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh tomatoes, diced
  • Green beans, cut
  • Carrots, sliced
  • Celery, chopped
  • Onions, chopped
  • Peppers, diced
  • Vegetable broth or water
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all vegetables and broth in a large pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until vegetables are tender.
  3. Ladle hot soup into sterilized jars, leaving proper headspace.
  4. Process jars in a pressure canner according to Ball’s recommended times for low-acid foods.

This soup captures the freshness and variety of garden vegetables, providing a nutritious and convenient meal you can store for months.

Sweet Tomato Relish

Sweet tomato relish is a tangy, sweet condiment that adds zest to sandwiches, burgers, and more.

The Ball canning cookbook recipe balances ripe tomatoes with vinegar and sugar for a flavorful preserve.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • Onions, finely chopped
  • Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Mustard seeds
  • Celery seeds
  • Salt
• Instructions:
  1. Combine tomatoes, onions, vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and salt in a large pot.
  2. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened.
  3. Pour hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving headspace.
  4. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner following Ball’s guidelines.

This sweet tomato relish offers a burst of flavor that complements a wide range of dishes and keeps well for months in your pantry.

Canned Whole Green Beans

Canned whole green beans preserve the crisp texture and fresh flavor of green beans at peak season.

This Ball canning cookbook recipe ensures you have nutritious beans ready to use in soups, casseroles, or as a side dish.

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh green beans, trimmed
  • Water
  • Salt (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Pack green beans tightly into sterilized jars.
  2. Add salt if desired.
  3. Pour boiling water over green beans, leaving proper headspace.
  4. Process jars in a pressure canner according to Ball’s recommended time for vegetables.

Canning whole green beans is an excellent way to enjoy their garden-fresh taste and texture long after harvest season ends.

Conclusion

With more than 22 recipes from the Ball canning cookbook, you’re well-equipped to create a vibrant and versatile pantry filled with homemade canned delights. These recipes simplify the canning process, making it accessible and enjoyable while ensuring safety and quality. Whether you want to savor the taste of summer fruits in the middle of winter or add a tangy crunch to your meals with pickles and relishes, this collection inspires you to harness the power of home canning and enjoy wholesome flavors anytime.