Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced
- 1 cup firm apple (such as Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup Mrs. Ruth's Kickin' Pepper Jam
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup bacon crumbles or chopped ham (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional — the jam already brings heat)
Directions
Heat a heavy skillet — cast iron works best — over medium-high heat.
- Add avocado oil to the skillet. Sauté onion until golden and beginning to caramelize, then add garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove onion and garlic from the pan, leaving the oil behind.
- Add sliced Brussels sprouts to the pan and brown in the remaining oil, stirring occasionally, until edges are caramelized — about 5–7 minutes.
- Add sliced apples and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened and lightly browned.
- Return the onion and garlic to the pan. Add water, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes until Brussels sprouts reach your desired tenderness.
- Uncover and add Mrs. Ruth's Kickin' Pepper Jam, bacon crumbles or ham, walnuts, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together to coat and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Notes
- Cast iron is key: A heavy skillet gives you the best caramelization on the Brussels sprouts — don't rush this step, the browning is where the flavor is.
- Heat level: Mrs. Ruth's Kickin' Pepper Jam brings a bold sweet heat — skip the extra red pepper flakes for a milder version or add more for extra kick.
- Apple variety matters: A firm, slightly tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith balances the heat of the jam beautifully.
- Make it a meal: Add sliced grilled chicken or sausage to turn this side dish into a satisfying main.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.
Flavor Pairings We Love
- Mrs. Ruth's Kickin' Pepper Jam → Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, grilled chicken, cream cheese, sharp cheddar
- Mrs. Ruth's Savory Apple Jam → Brussels sprouts, pork tenderloin, sharp cheddar, roasted sweet potatoes
- Mrs. Ruth's Roasted Pineapple Habanero Chutney → roasted cauliflower, grilled shrimp, rice bowls
