Pin It The fragrant memory of my grandmother's kitchen hits me every time I stir up this Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage Soup. On a particularly cold autumn evening years ago, I was rummaging through the fridge trying to figure out what to do with leftover cocktail sausages from a party. The sweet tang of BBQ sauce caught my eye, and somehow, I decided soup was the answer. The resulting creation was so surprisingly delicious that it's become my go-to comfort food ever since.
Last winter, my power went out during a snowstorm, but my gas stove still worked. I adapted this recipe from the slow cooker to a Dutch oven on low heat, and my neighbors followed the aroma straight to my door. We ended up having an impromptu soup party by candlelight, laughing and sharing stories while warming ourselves with steaming bowls of this rich, savory soup. Sometimes I think food tastes better when shared during unexpected moments.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Cocktail Sausages: The smoked variety adds a depth that regular sausages just cant match, and cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures every spoonful has that perfect meaty satisfaction.
- Apricot Jam: I discovered this secret ingredient by accident when I was out of brown sugar, and now I cant imagine making this without its subtle fruity sweetness that balances the smokiness.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose one with a good tangy kick rather than overly sweet, as it forms the backbone of the broth and needs to stand up to the other strong flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: This isnt just ordinary paprika, the smokiness intensifies everything else in the pot and creates this wonderful campfire essence that makes people wonder what your secret is.
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Prep your players:
- Slice those cocktail sausages into bite-sized pieces and chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. The size of your vegetable dice matters here, keep them small enough to fit on a spoon but large enough to have some texture.
- Build your flavor base:
- Add all those beautiful ingredients to your crock pot, letting the sausages nestle in with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and that magical apricot jam, then stir until you see the jam dissolving into the liquid.
- Season the symphony:
- Add those drained tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, giving everything a gentle stir to incorporate. The aroma will already start teasing you with whats to come.
- Low and slow magic:
- Cover and set your crock pot to low for 4 hours. This is where patience rewards you as the flavors meld together and the vegetables soften to perfection.
- Final touch:
- Give it a taste before serving and adjust the salt as needed. The BBQ sauce and broth bring their own saltiness, so this final adjustment is your personal touch.
Pin It The first time I served this at a potluck, my friend Marcos quiet four-year-old son took one spoonful, looked up with wide eyes, and loudly proclaimed, This tastes like a hug. The entire room erupted in laughter, but I knew exactly what he meant. Theres something about the sweet, smoky, savory combination that wraps around you like a warm embrace on a cold day, and hearing a child articulate that feeling so perfectly made me appreciate the simple power of comfort food.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Serving Suggestions
I like to set up a little soup bar when serving this to guests, with small bowls of extra toppings like crispy fried onions, fresh herbs, or even some shredded cheddar. The soup is hearty enough on its own, but letting people customize their bowls makes the meal feel special and interactive. Sometimes I put out small pitchers of extra BBQ sauce or hot sauce for those who like to adjust the sweet-heat balance to their personal preference.
Make-Ahead Options
This soup actually gets better with time, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weekends. I often make a double batch on Sunday, enjoying some that evening and portioning the rest into containers for lunches throughout the week. The flavors continue to develop in the refrigerator, with the sausages becoming even more tender and flavorful as they sit in the rich broth. Just be sure to reheat it gently, either on the stovetop or at half-power in the microwave to preserve the textures.
Variations to Try
After making this soup dozens of times, Ive experimented with endless variations that have all turned out wonderfully. Some nights when I want something heartier, I add a cup of red lentils during cooking which thickens the soup beautifully while adding protein and fiber. Other times, I stir in some fresh baby spinach right before serving for a pop of color and nutrition.
- For a Southwestern twist, replace the apricot jam with mango preserves and add a can of black beans and some frozen corn during the last hour of cooking.
- Make it creamy by stirring in 1/2 cup of cream cheese cut into small cubes about 30 minutes before serving, letting it melt slowly into the broth.
- Turn up the heat factor by adding a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce or a diced jalapeño with the other vegetables.
Pin It This humble soup has taught me that sometimes the most memorable meals come from creative necessity rather than fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. As you ladle this into bowls for family or friends, know youre not just serving food, youre offering comfort in its most delicious form.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Simmer all ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors have combined.
- → What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A tangy-style BBQ sauce provides the best flavor balance. Chipotle BBQ sauce adds a smoky kick, while honey BBQ sauce makes it slightly sweeter.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, cornbread, or crackers are perfect for dipping. You can also serve it over cooked rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
- → Can I use fresh apricots instead of jam?
Fresh apricots won't provide the same sweetness or thickness. You can substitute peach preserves, orange marmalade, or even fig jam for similar results.
