Save The summer my son turned twelve, we made a pact to try one new family recipe a month. One rainy Saturday, with nothing but the pantry to work with, I spotted a package of cocktail sausages and thought, Why not soup? My kids looked at me like I'd lost my mind when I started mixing BBQ sauce with apricot jam, but the kitchen soon filled with a sweet, smoky aroma that drew them back in. That improvised experiment became our Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage Soup.
Last winter, when my sisters family got snowed in with us unexpectedly, I threw this soup together while we built a blanket fort with the kids. The adults huddled around steaming bowls in the kitchen, laughing about childhood memories, while the soup simmered quietly in the background like a fifth person in our conversation. My brother-in-law, who claims to hate fruit in savory dishes, asked for the recipe before they left.
Ingredients
- Cocktail Sausages: I prefer the smoked variety as they add an incredible depth to the broth, almost like they've been slowly grilled over wood chips before landing in your soup pot.
- Apricot Jam: After trying several preserves, apricot strikes the perfect balance of sweetness without overwhelming the savory elements, and it melts beautifully into the broth creating silky richness.
- BBQ Sauce: Go for something with tanginess rather than just sweetness, as it helps cut through the richness and brings balance to the soup.
- Smoked Paprika: This reinforces the smokiness from the sausages and turns the flavor from good to can't-stop-eating-it delicious.
- Red Bell Pepper: It adds gorgeous color contrast and a subtle sweetness that complements the apricot jam wonderfully.
Instructions
- Prep Your Players:
- Slice those cocktail sausages into bite-sized pieces and chop up your onion, bell pepper, and garlic. I find rough chopping works fine since everything softens beautifully during the long simmer.
- Layer the Flavors:
- Add your prepped ingredients to the crock pot, no need to sauté anything first. The slow cooking process will coax all the flavors out naturally.
- Create Your Flavor Bath:
- Pour in the broth, BBQ sauce, and that magic ingredient—apricot jam. Stir until the jam melts into the liquid, creating these gorgeous amber swirls throughout.
- Season and Set:
- Add those drained tomatoes and seasonings, then give everything a gentle stir. The Worcestershire sauce adds a lovely umami note that makes the soup taste like it's been simmering all day, even before it has.
- Slow and Steady:
- Cover your pot and set it to low for 4 hours. The patience pays off when all those ingredients meld together, creating something much greater than their parts.
Save The first time I brought this soup to our neighborhood potluck, I worried it might be too simple among the elaborate casseroles and homemade breads. I watched anxiously as the neighbor who always brings gourmet dishes took her first spoonful. Her eyes widened slightly, she paused, then leaned over to ask if I would mind sharing the recipe. By the end of the night, the crock pot was empty, and three people had texted asking for the recipe before they even got home.
Serving Suggestions
Ive found this soup plays wonderfully with cornbread or a crusty sourdough that can soak up all those delicious juices. For family meals, I sometimes ladle it over a small scoop of rice or even mashed potatoes, which my kids have dubbed sausage soup islands. The starch turns this from an appetizer into a full meal that somehow feels both comforting and special at the same time.
Make It Your Own
Dont feel constrained by the exact ingredients listed. One memorable evening when I was out of apricot jam, I substituted orange marmalade with a splash of honey, and my husband claimed he liked it even better than the original. The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is while still maintaining that sweet-savory backbone that makes it unique.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This soup actually improves with a day or two in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or when youre planning for houseguests. Ive found the flavors deepen and meld together in a way that transforms it from delicious to unforgettable. The BBQ-apricot flavor profile somehow becomes more harmonious, like a song where all the notes finally find their perfect pitch.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much in storage.
- For potlucks, keep the soup warm in the crock pot on the low or warm setting, stirring occasionally.
Save This soup has taught me that sometimes the best recipes come from impulse and necessity rather than careful planning. Its become our family's comfort food with a twist, the dish my kids request when they need a reminder of home.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I use fresh sausages instead of smoked?
Yes, fresh sausages work well though you may want to brown them first in a skillet to add extra flavor and texture before adding to the slow cooker.
- → What makes this sweet and tangy?
The combination of tangy BBQ sauce and sweet apricot jam creates a perfect balance, while Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth and smoked paprika contributes subtle smokiness.
- → Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper, add hot sauce, or use chipotle BBQ sauce instead of regular BBQ sauce for extra heat and smoky flavor.
- → What should I serve with this?
Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. You can also serve over rice for a heartier meal or with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this freezes well for up to 3 months. Let cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- → Can I cook this on high heat?
You can cook on high for 2-2.5 hours instead of low for 4 hours, though the longer slow cooking time allows flavors to develop more fully.