BBQ Cocktail Sausage Soup (Printable)

Smoked sausages simmered in tangy BBQ sauce with apricot jam and aromatic vegetables for a comforting slow-cooked meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound smoked cocktail sausages, sliced into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids & Bases

05 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
06 - 1 cup tangy-style BBQ sauce
07 - 1/2 cup apricot jam or preserves
08 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
13 - Salt to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Add sliced cocktail sausages, chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
02 - Pour in chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and apricot jam. Stir until jam is fully dissolved and mixture is well combined.
03 - Add drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Stir gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
04 - Cover and cook on low setting for 4 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors have fully melded.
05 - Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It practically cooks itself while you go about your day, then welcomes you home with that incredible sweet-savory aroma that makes everyone ask whats for dinner before they even take their shoes off.
  • The combination of tangy BBQ sauce and sweet apricot jam creates this incredible depth that takes humble cocktail sausages from party snack to the star of a memorable meal.
02 -
  • Do not skip draining the diced tomatoes—I learned the hard way that too much tomato liquid can thin out the rich BBQ flavor and make the soup watery rather than luxurious.
  • The soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to get acquainted, so dont hesitate to make it ahead for gatherings.
03 -
  • If you have a few extra minutes, lightly brown the sausages in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot—this simple step adds a caramelized dimension that elevates the entire soup.
  • For dinner parties, serve this soup in small mugs as a passed appetizer with tiny spoons—its unexpected and always sparks conversation about the surprising ingredient combination.
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