Is it any wonder why we are crazy for canning jars? They are cheap, easy to find and leak-proof. They can be frozen, microwaved (minus the lids, of course) and even baked in the oven. And they make great containers for lunches prepared in bulk, individually portioned, and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, so it's easy to grab a wholesome, homemade meal on even the busiest afternoon.
• Salad: It's easy to get more vegetables into your day when they are prepped in bulk on the weekend and waiting for you in the refrigerator. Be sure to check out yesterday's guide to assembling the perfect salad in a jar.
• Soup: Make a big batch of soup and portion it into canning jars, which can be refrigerated for several days of lunches or frozen for several months. Added bonus: no leaking in your lunch bag!
• Chili and Cornbread: Pack chili into jars, top it with cornbread batter, bake until the bread is golden-brown, and you have warm, comforting lunches that can be refrigerated or frozen. This idea can also be adapted with any type of stew and starch combination. Try it with our Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping or vegan Lentil, Mushroom and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie.
• Vegetables and Hummus: Partially fill widemouth jars with hummus or other hearty dip and store sliced vegetables right on top and ready to grab for lunch or snacks.
• Crustless Quiche: We love this idea, which comes from the blog Krista and Jess. You can use half-pint widemouth jars in place of ramekins for all kinds of recipes, including individual crustless quiches.
→ Get the recipe: Crustless Quiche in a Jar 3 Ways at Krista and Jess
Do you have any other ideas for make-ahead lunches to pack in jars?
Related: 20 Satisfying, Wholesome Lunches You Can Make the Night Before
(Image: Kathy of Healthy. Happy. Life; Faith Durand; Giver's Log; Sarah Rae Trover; Krista and Jess)
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The Miso Soup with the scallions and tofu on the side is a great idea!
I've taking and storing lunches in jars for years so why hadnt I thought of baking a quiche before? I love this idea. The chili/bread idea is charming but unless you are going to dump it into a bowl at lunchtime, I dont know how you're going to get your spoon out of there with any food on it.
I reuse small condiment jars for my salad dressings, balsamic vinegars and even sometimes my vitamins for the day. These are handy little jewels.
We eliminated all plastic and went the mason jar route. They are perfect for transporting leftovers and creations for lunch...you are right! Became so intrigued by them I explored what it may have been like in my 1940's kitchen with these hard-working jars.
http://slysmisenplace.blogspot.com/2012/10/having-ball-in-our-1940s-kitchen.html
I've been trying to think ahead for stocking my freezer for post-baby, and I am going to have to try the chili/cornbread-in-a-jar. Thanks!
I was just discussing this with a coworker not 5 minutes ago. I use wide-mouth mason jars to bring soup to work because they're cheap, durable, and don't leak. :-)
not a good idea for kids. I remember as a kid we used to do lunchbox 'curling' on the half lot that someone who lived across from my elementary school would flood into a small skating pond every winter. we would see who could send their lunchbox furthest down the ice without going off it, and deliberately crash into each others lunch box. It was fun, but probably not the best for our old alladin and thermos lunchboxes (and probably why so many of the ones I had are worth money today. Still wish my mom hadn't thrown out my KISS lunchbox when it started to get rusty inside.)
I just did this last night with my lentil taco leftovers. Although I brought my lentils in a baggie on the side for re-heating... and it was delicious!
I am INSPIRED to make more varieties!
There are many elementary schools that will not allow any glass containers on the premises. (Good idea; I've seen the kids flinging their lunch containers around.)
The Chili and Cornbread is such a cool idea! Definitely have to try it.
I love this idea! Plus, canning jars are way better than all the waste and plastic that a frozen microwave meal comes with!
I love the idea of something like chili with cornbread on top -- delicious lunch here I come.
I totally love the ideas of cooking in jars! but I cannot for the life of me, find the jars that are 'okay' to bake with. I am reading the labels on the jars and every single one tells me 'not for baking etc.'.. Any suggestions? My options are limited as I live in Malaysia. What kind of jars do you use? Where can you get them?
i love ball jars, but it seems like you'd need a super long fork to make eating out of a jar easier. anyone have trouble fishing out that last lettuce leaf from the jar? round, glass pyrex containers work great as an alternative...
and don't forget about dessert!
Perfect for Easter- carrot cake in mason jars!
http://lifewithlampnsofa.com/2012/06/10/tropical-carrot-cake-in-mason-jars-with-brown-sugar-whipped-cream-cheese-frosting-12/
relevant info found on a blog:
"As the press on BPA keeps getting worse and worse, many of us are horrified to learn that regular Ball/Kerr canning jar lids have a coat of BPA-containing plastic on them. While still better than BPA-lined metal cans (because the food contacts a smaller area of plastic, and only when it’s actively boiling), I’d prefer an option with no BPA at all."
"So far, I’ve found two potential options. I haven’t used them yet, though – has anyone out there tried these?"
(more info in article link and in comments)
http://eatclosetohome.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/bpa-free-canning-lids/