Mason jars aren’t just for canning — they’re one of the best tools you can pack in your RV kitchen. They’re sturdy, reusable, and perfect for preparing meals, snacks, and desserts ahead of time. With the right packing method, they travel safely in your RV fridge and make serving on the road quick and easy.
We prefer to use glass instead of plastic and are ok with washing the glass containers, but not everyone feels this way, and that is ok. Additionally, our grandkids are older, so we no longer worry about glass breakage.
Why Mason Jars Work for Camping
Mason jars save space, keep food fresh, and reduce the use of disposable containers. They’re especially helpful when you want single servings that can be grabbed from the fridge and enjoyed right away.
Mason Jar Salads
Start by adding your salad dressing to the bottom of a clean mason jar. On top of the dressing, layer firm vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers. After that, add your proteins, such as chicken or beans, followed by grains like pasta or rice if you’re making a heartier salad. Finish with lettuce or leafy greens on top. When you’re ready to eat, just shake the jar to mix the ingredients or pour the contents onto a plate.
Snack Jars
For easy grab-and-go snacks, fill 8-ounce jelly jars with items like pretzels, trail mix, or mixed nuts. The jars keep everything fresh and portioned, making them perfect for grab-and-go use or keeping beside your camp chair. Simply measure out your snacks at home, screw on the lids, and pack them in the fridge or pantry.
Cheesecake in a Jar
To make a simple cheesecake dessert, start by crushing graham crackers or cookies and placing a couple of spoonfuls in the bottom of the jar. Mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and a splash of vanilla until smooth, then spoon it over the crumbs (any refrigerator cheesecake recipe will work for this). Top with your favorite fruit or pie filling. Seal the jars and refrigerate them in your RV fridge until it’s time to serve.
Banana Pudding Jars
Place two or three vanilla wafers in the bottom of each jar. Add a layer of sliced bananas, then pour prepared instant vanilla pudding over the top, filling the jar to about two-thirds full. You can repeat the layers if using a larger jar. Chill in the fridge and serve cold. This is a quick dessert that feels special yet only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Rainbow Jello Jars
Prepare one flavor of gelatin according to the package directions and pour a small layer into each jar (I get 4 small jelly jars for this recipe). Let it set in the fridge before adding the next color. Continue layering different flavors until the jars are full. This is a fun camping treat for kids, and the sealed jars keep the Jello from spilling while it sets. Heads up, this takes a bit of patience to make, but the kids get so excited when they see it. We add a squirt of whipped cream or a dollop of Cool Whip on top to make it special.
Pancake Mix Jars
Scoop your favorite dry pancake mix into pint-size jars before leaving home. When you’re ready to make breakfast at camp, add the correct amount of water or milk to the jar, screw on the lid, and shake until the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour directly onto the griddle. This is a budget-friendly alternative to the plastic bottles sold at the store, and the mason jars can be reused multiple times.
Frozen Yogurt Jars
Spoon yogurt into small jars and mix in fruit or a small amount of jam. Seal and freeze them before your trip. Store them in the RV freezer or fridge, depending on how firm you like them. As they thaw, they become slushy and refreshing — perfect for hot summer days.
RV Noni Tip: Packing Mason Jars
Mason jars are sturdy, but I don’t leave them loose in the RV fridge. Instead, I place them in a shallow plastic bin and wrap a kitchen towel around the jars. This keeps them snug, reduces rattling, and makes it easy to grab several jars at once when it’s time to eat.
Wrap-Up
From salads and snacks to desserts and even pancake mix, mason jars are one of the most versatile tools you can keep in your RV kitchen. They make prepping easier at home and serving simpler on the road. Try one or two of these hacks on your next trip, and you’ll see how much easier they make mealtimes in the RV.