Frog Balls aka Pickled Brussels Sprouts

Want kids to eat Brussels sprouts? Try frog balls! This fun pickle recipe turns sprouts into a silly, crunchy snack they’ll actually enjoy.

This recipe is one of the most fun ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts. Don’t worry—there are no actual frogs involved. Frog balls are simply pickled Brussels sprouts, given a quirky name because of their round shape and green color.

Making your own  pickled Brussels sprouts recipe at home is much easier than you’d think. This quick refrigerator pickle method recipe uses a quick refrigerator brine, meaning you don’t need any canning equipment. You’ll end up with crisp, vinegary sprouts that are ready in just a couple of days.

What Are Frog Balls?

If you’re wondering what are frog balls, the answer is simple: they’re Brussels sprouts preserved in a pickling brine. Over the years, the nickname “frog balls” stuck because they look a little like something you’d find in a pond—but in reality, they’re just pickled Brussels sprouts that make a great snack.

So, what are they exactly? They’re Brussels sprouts that have been blanched, packed into jars, and covered in a seasoned vinegar solution. The result is a tangy and flavorful vegetable that’s perfect for appetizers, salads, and cocktails.

Why This Is the Best Quick Recipe

There are many ways to make  pickled Brussels sprouts, but this quick brine is both easy and foolproof. You don’t need canning equipment, the sprouts stay crunchy, and the flavor develops beautifully in just a couple of days. If you’re looking for the best recipe, this one is simple, reliable, and endlessly customizable.

How Do You Make Frog Balls?

One of the most common questions people have is how do you make frog balls at home? The process is simple, and once you try it, you’ll see why so many people consider this the best quick refrigerator pickle recipe.

To make pickled Brussels sprouts aka frog balls, follow these steps:

1. Trim and clean your Brussels sprouts.
2. Blanch them briefly so they keep their crunch but lose any raw bitterness.
3. Pack the sprouts into jars with garlic, onions, and spices.
4. Heat vinegar, water, salt, and sugar to create the brine.
5. Pour the hot brine over the sprouts, seal the jars, and refrigerate.

In as little as 48 hours, you’ll have your own pickled Brussels sprouts ready to eat.

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Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved if large
• 2 cups water and ice (for blanching)
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2/3 organic white sugar
• 2 tablespoons pickling spice
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)

This simple ingredient list makes a recipe for pickled frog balls that balances sour and lightly sweet notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow this method for the simple recipe for frog balls that always turns out well:

1. Blanch the sprouts: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and transfer immediately to an ice bath to preserve crunch.
2. Pack the jars: Divide the garlic, onion, spices, and bay leaves between two clean quart jars. Add the blanched Brussels sprouts.
3. Make the brine: In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, pickling salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until dissolved.
4. Pour and seal: Carefully pour the hot brine over the sprouts, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Seal the jars with lids.
5. Refrigerate: Let the jars cool before transferring to the fridge. Allow at least 48 hours before eating.

This easy process shows you exactly how to make frog balls at home without special equipment.

Variations on Frog Balls Pickled Brussels Sprouts

Once you’ve mastered the classic pickled Brussels sprouts frog balls recipe, try experimenting:

• Dill Frog Balls Pickled Brussels Sprouts: Add dill sprigs to the jars for a fresh herbal version.
• Spicy Frog Balls Pickle Recipe: Use extra red pepper flakes, chili slices, or even jalapeños for a fiery kick.
• Sweet Frog Balls Pickled: Increase the sugar for a sweeter brine that balances the vinegar bite.
• Garlic Lover’s Frog Balls Recipe: Double the garlic cloves for a bold, savory version.

Each variation builds on this simple frog balls recipe but adds its own personality.

Serving Ideas for Frog Balls

Pickled frog balls can be used in many creative ways:

• As a garnish for Bloody Marys or other cocktails
• Served on antipasto or charcuterie boards
• Chopped and mixed into potato salad, pasta salad, or slaws
• Enjoyed straight from the jar as a tangy snack

This recipe for frog balls transforms Brussels sprouts into something crave-worthy.

Storage Tips

Because this is a refrigerator method, your pickled Brussels sprouts frog balls need to stay chilled.

• Enjoy within 2–3 weeks for the best crunch.
• Always use clean utensils to remove sprouts from the jar to avoid contamination.

With proper storage, this pickled frog balls recipe stays fresh and flavorful for weeks, making it easy to keep a jar on hand whenever cravings strike.

FAQs

Other Vegan Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed this pickled Brussels sprouts recipe, here are more vegan appetizers to try:

• Roasted Jalapeño Black Bean Dip – Everyone will love this vegan black bean dip that gets its bold flavor from roasted jalapeños. It’s an easy vegan bean dip recipe in one can!
• Lemon Dill Potato Salad – Bright lemon and dill flavors shine in this vegan potato salad recipe that’s perfect for an easy vegan side dish or as a vegan BBQ side dish.
• Perfect Vegetable Pakora – Make perfect vegetable pakora with this easy recipe! Crispy and full of flavor, you’ll fall in love with these vegan Indian appetizers.
• Cauliflower Buffalo Wings – These Vegan Buffalo Wings use a secret ingredient to make an eggless crispy batter. These Cauliflower Vegan Buffalo Wings are sure to be a hit!