Pickled Brussels Sprouts Recipe
These Pickled Brussels Sprouts are a tangy and crunchy delight, perfect as a vibrant snack or a flavorful addition to salads and charcuterie boards. The sprouts are blanched to retain their crispness, then soaked in a zesty vinegar brine infused with garlic, dill, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and finally preserved through water bath canning for long-lasting enjoyment.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 quart-sized jars 1x
- Category: Pickling
- Method: Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Pickled Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
Brine Ingredients
- 5 cups white vinegar
- 5 cups water
- ½ cup kosher salt (or pickling salt)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2–4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tsp pickling spice (or favorite seasoning salt)
- ½ tsp dill
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Prepare the jars: Clean jars and lids thoroughly with hot soapy water to ensure they are sanitized. Place a rack in a large stockpot and fill with enough water to cover the jars by 1 to 2 inches. Heat over medium heat on the stovetop to keep the jars hot and sterilized until ready to fill.
- Prep Brussels sprouts: Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown or damaged outer leaves to enhance freshness and texture.
- Blanch the sprouts: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and blanch them for 3 minutes; this process softens them slightly while retaining their crunch. Immediately transfer the sprouts to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and chill for 15 minutes.
- Make the brine: In a large saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, kosher salt, sugar, smashed garlic cloves, pickling spice, dill, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Fill jars: Evenly divide the smashed garlic, pickling spice, dill, and red pepper flakes into each hot jar. Pack the blanched Brussels sprouts tightly into the jars, leaving about ¼-inch headspace at the top. Pour the hot brine over the sprouts to cover them completely. Use a non-metallic spatula to remove any trapped air bubbles. Wipe rims of jars clean with a damp paper towel and seal with lids, tightening screw rings until fingertip-tight.
- Process jars in water bath: Using jar tongs, carefully place the sealed jars into a boiling water bath, ensuring the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Boil the jars for 25 minutes to safely preserve the contents. Adjust boiling time if you are at a higher altitude according to canning guidelines.
- Cool and store: Remove jars with tongs and set them on a towel or cooling rack to cool completely. Listen for the ‘pop’ sound that confirms proper sealing. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours before consuming to let flavors develop. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within one month. Serve cold and enjoy the crisp texture.
Notes
- Ensure jars and lids are sterilized to prevent spoilage.
- Blanching Brussels sprouts preserves their vibrant green color and crunch.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of heat to your preference.
- If not canning, store prepared Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator and consume within two weeks.
- Always check seals before consuming preserved jars to avoid spoilage.
- Use pickling spice tailored to your taste or substitute with your preferred seasoning salt.
Keywords: Pickled Brussels Sprouts, Pickling, Preserved Vegetables, Fermented Vegetables, Homemade Pickles, Brussels Sprouts Recipe, Water Bath Canning