Save The weekend I created this Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage Soup was completely unplanned. Rain had been drumming against the windows all morning, and with six friends unexpectedly stuck at our place due to flooding, I needed something hearty that would stretch. Rummaging through the pantry, I discovered cocktail sausages alongside a jar of apricot jam from summer. The tangy-sweet aroma that filled the kitchen as it simmered became the silver lining of that stormy afternoon.
I brought this soup to my brothers football watch party last fall, arriving with my slow cooker still warm and fragrant. The guys who normally gravitated straight to the wings actually paused, bowls in hand, to ask what that incredible smell was. By halftime, the pot was completely empty, and my usually stoic brother admitted hed been spooning the last drops directly from the ceramic insert when nobody was looking.
Ingredients
- Smoked Cocktail Sausages: The star players here bring a smoky depth that transforms what could be an ordinary soup into something memorable, and I found cutting them into smaller bites lets them distribute the flavor more evenly.
- Apricot Jam: This unexpected ingredient balances the tang of BBQ sauce with natural sweetness, and I discovered its secret power one day when I ran out of brown sugar for another recipe.
- BBQ Sauce: Not all sauces are created equal here, and after multiple batches, I found tangy styles with a hint of vinegar create the most balanced flavor profile against the sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika: This reinforces the smoky notes from the sausages without overpowering, and I keep it in a special jar away from my regular paprika after once mistakenly using the wrong one.
Instructions
- Prep your protein and aromatics:
- Slice those cocktail sausages into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the crock pot along with your chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. The sizzle and aroma when you eventually lift that lid will be worth every second of chopping.
- Build your flavor base:
- Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and that secret weapon apricot jam, then stir until everything dissolves together into a beautiful amber liquid. Watch how the jam slowly melts into ribbons throughout the broth, creating those gorgeous sweet pockets.
- Layer in the remaining elements:
- Add your drained tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, giving everything a gentle stir to marry the ingredients. The colors alone at this point are enough to make your mouth water, with the red peppers and tomatoes creating little jewels throughout.
- Let time work its magic:
- Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 4 hours, then resist the urge to peek too often. Every time you lift that lid, youre adding 15-20 minutes to your cook time as the heat escapes.
- Final flavor adjustment:
- Before serving, give it a taste and add salt as needed to balance all those flavors that have been developing. I like to let each person add their own final dash of cayenne if they want that extra kick.
Save Last Christmas Eve, my grandmother silently watched me serve this soup before dinner, clearly skeptical of this departure from tradition. The kitchen fell quiet as she took her first tentative spoonful, and then, without a word, she reached for the ladle and helped herself to seconds before anyone else had finished their first bowl. Later she whispered that she wanted the recipe written in her own cookbook, the ultimate culinary blessing in our family.
Serving Suggestions
I discovered purely by accident that this soup creates an amazing flavor foundation when ladled over steamed rice or quinoa. The grains soak up the savory-sweet broth, transforming this into a complete meal that stretches even further when unexpected guests arrive. For a casual gathering, Ive set up a small toppings bar with shredded cheese, green onions, and crispy fried onions that let everyone customize their bowl.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This soup actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop and meld together in the refrigerator. Ive made it up to two days ahead for busy weekends, and my husband swears the second-day version is even better than the first. Just be aware that the sausages will continue absorbing liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating to restore the original consistency.
Variations to Try
Every time I make this soup, I find myself experimenting with small tweaks that keep it exciting even as its become a regular in our rotation. One memorable version featured a tablespoon of bourbon stirred in during the final half hour of cooking, adding a complex warmth that paired beautifully with the sweet and tangy notes already present.
- For a summer version, try adding corn cut fresh from the cob during the last hour of cooking for bursts of sweetness and texture.
- When serving adults only, a splash of bourbon or whiskey added in the final 30 minutes brings remarkable depth to the flavor profile.
- For a healthier twist, turkey kielbasa works beautifully in place of cocktail sausages, just cut into similar sized pieces to maintain even cooking.
Save This soup has become my rescue recipe, the one I turn to when time is short but I still want to offer something made with care. Watching someone take that first spoonful, seeing their expression shift from curiosity to delight, reminds me why I love cooking in the first place.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer everything in a large pot over medium-low heat for about 45-60 minutes until the vegetables are tender and flavors have combined. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- → What type of cocktail sausages work best?
Smoked cocktail sausages or little smokies provide the best flavor. You can also substitute with sliced kielbasa, bratwurst, or even turkey/chicken sausages for a lighter version.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Add the optional cayenne pepper, use a spicy BBQ sauce, or incorporate diced jalapeños. Chipotle BBQ sauce also adds both heat and a smoky dimension.
- → What sides pair well with this soup?
Crusty bread for dipping, cornbread, or serve over rice for a heartier meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette helps balance the sweetness of the soup.
- → Can I use fresh apricots instead of jam?
Apricot jam provides the best consistency and sweetness concentration. If using fresh apricots, you'll need to cook them down longer and may need to add a bit of brown sugar to achieve similar flavor depth.