Go Back
Pickled Cauliflower Recipe

Pickled Cauliflower Recipe - Simple Easy Meals

Pickled cauliflower might just be one of the unsung heroes of the culinary world. This crunchy, tangy treat is perfect for sprucing up meals or adding character to boring snacks. 
Growing up, my grandmother always had a jar of pickled veggies in the fridge, and I would sneak little bites when no one was looking. 
Fast forward to today, and here I am, sharing my own recipe that brings that nostalgic crunch back into my life.
Not only is pickled cauliflower a delightful addition to any meal, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare at home. Trust me, once you taste this, store-bought options will feel bland in comparison. So grab your jars, and let’s get started!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 15
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 medium cauliflower head
  • 1 tablespoon mixed pickling spices
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 small garlic clove, smashed

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
  1. Start by removing the leaves and stem from your cauliflower. Cut it into florets. Rinse them under cold water and set aside. Make sure to treat each floret kindly; this is a special dish after all!
Step 2: Create the Brine
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, filtered water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and pickling spices. Give it a stir.
  2. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally and allow the sugar and salt to dissolve completely. You’ll start to get a whiff of those mouthwatering scents.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Peppercorns
  1. Once your brine reaches a gentle simmer, toss in the smashed garlic and whole black peppercorns. Let them steep for about a minute. This process infuses the brine with added flavor that greatly enhances the end product.
Step 4: Pack the Cauliflower
  1. Now comes the fun part! Take your cauliflower florets and pack them snugly into clean, sterilized jars. Ensure there’s enough room for the brine to cover all the florets.
Step 5: Pour over the Brine
  1. Once you’ve packed the jars, carefully pour the hot brine over the cauliflower. Pour it until the florets are completely submerged. If any pieces stick out, that’s okay—just make sure most of them are covered.
Step 6: Seal and Cool
  1. Seal the jars with their lids. Let them cool to room temperature. Once they are cool enough, place them in the refrigerator. They’ll be ready to enjoy in just a few hours!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your cauliflower and garlic, the better your pickles will taste. Avoid any wilting or browning!
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add or reduce the spiciness according to your preference with the peppercorns or other spices.
  • Add Other Vegetables: If you have other produce lying around, like carrots or bell peppers, toss them in the mix. They will take on that lovely pickled flavor.
  • Sterilize Your Jars: For food safety, ensure your jars are properly sterilized if you plan to store them for an extended time.
  • Experiment with Time: While they can be consumed after a few hours, letting the mixture sit in the fridge for a few days will deepen the flavor.