Follow these simple steps and use the printable directions to assemble a quick and unexpected red beans and rice gift in a jar—perfect for holidays, hostess presents, or a thoughtful “night off” dinner gift.
You can find more easy and affordable gifts in jars in the same collection.
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After creating the recipe for Rosemary Focaccia in a Jar, I wanted a complementary food item to include in a gift basket. I imagined something as distinctive as the bread, and a beloved red beans and rice recipe fit the bill. With a little creative thinking—using a small bag and plastic wrap—the mix can be packed neatly inside a wide-mouth mason jar.
This presentation is unusual and practical: the recipient gets a ready-to-cook mix plus a reusable jar for storage. The jar also works well on its own as a hostess gift or paired with a bagged salad for an easy dinner solution.
For a special touch I used home-grown dried heirloom Jacob’s Cattle beans. If you don’t have those, any dried red beans will work; I labeled the jar “Heirloom Jacob’s Cattle Beans and Rice” but you can use the simpler “Red Beans and Rice” tag if you prefer.
Below are step-by-step directions and a printable tag for making four jars. This is an ideal last-minute gift that still looks thoughtful and handmade.
How to Make Red Beans and Rice Mason Jar Gift
Supplies
- Wide-mouth quart mason jar
- Long-grain white rice
- Dried red beans (or substitute your favorite dried bean)
- Spices: bay leaf, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried basil, dried parsley, cayenne pepper
- Small tie-top bag (clear plastic with a twist-tie closure works best)
- Plastic wrap and a twist-tie to create a spice packet
- Ribbon or twine and a printable instruction tag
Directions
Keep the three main components separate so they stay fresh and look attractive in the jar:
- rice
- beans
- spices
- Place the rice into a clear tie-top baggie (a small bag with a twist-tie closes and folds nicely). Set the rice bag into the bottom of a wide-mouth quart jar.
- Pour the dried beans directly on top of the rice bag so they sit above it in the jar.
- Measure the spices onto the center of a square piece of plastic wrap. Gather the corners up and secure with a twist-tie to form a small spice packet. Trim excess plastic if needed, and place the spice packet on top of the beans.
- Screw the lid on the jar. Attach the printable cooking instructions or recipe card to the jar with ribbon or twine.
Gift Basket Idea
For a more complete gift, include a small bottle of hot sauce and nestle the jar together with a jar of Rosemary Focaccia in a serving bowl or basket lined with a pretty napkin. A thrift-store bowl, pretty ribbon, and a printed tag make a lovely presentation.
This makes a thoughtful and practical gift—an evening off from planning dinner. Who wouldn’t appreciate that?
Download Printable Tags
Use the printable tags to add cooking instructions and a decorative label. Download and print the tags, cut them out, punch a hole in the corner, and tie to the jar with ribbon or twine.
To Make a Tag
Print the directions and cut them out. Punch a hole in the corner of the recipe card or mount it on a slightly larger piece of cardstock or scrapbook paper for a sturdier tag. Thread ribbon or twine through and tie it around the jar lid.
Red Beans And Rice Gift In A Jar
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups dried red beans (about 3/4 pound)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional: replace with fresh garlic in the basket)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place the rice in a clear plastic tie-top bag and put it in the bottom of a wide-mouth quart jar. Pour the beans directly on top of the rice bag.
- Place all the spices in the center of a square of plastic wrap. Bring the edges up and secure with a twist-tie to form a spice packet. Place the spice packet on top of the beans in the jar. Trim the packet as needed.
- Attach the cooking instructions to the jar with ribbon or twine.
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Jar Gifts
- Rosemary Focaccia Bread in a jar
- Cinnamon-Oat Pancake and Waffle Mix Gift
- Ranch Salad Dressing Mix Mason Jar Gift
Note: this article was originally published in 2011 and has been updated with larger photos, clearer formatting, and new printable tags.
Disclosure: some links in the original post are affiliate links that may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.