Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage Soup (Printable version)

A hearty slow cooker soup combining smoked cocktail sausages with tangy BBQ sauce, sweet apricot jam, and aromatic vegetables for a comforting meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb 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 BBQ sauce, tangy-style preferred
07 - 1/2 cup apricot jam or preserves
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional for heat
13 - Salt to taste

# Directions:

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 using. Stir gently to incorporate.
04 - Cover and cook on low setting for 4 hours, or until vegetables are tender and flavors have fully melded.
05 - Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot, garnishing with chopped parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The apricot jam creates a sticky sweetness that balances the smoky BBQ sauce perfectly.
  • It is a set and forget meal that turns humble cocktail weenies into a sophisticated bowl of comfort.
02 -
  • Never skip the step of draining the tomatoes because the extra canning liquid can dilute the punchy BBQ flavor.
  • Check your BBQ sauce label for thickness because a very thick sauce might require a splash more broth later on.
03 -
  • Stir the pot halfway through to make sure the jam is fully integrated and not sticking to the bottom.
  • Use a chipotle based BBQ sauce if you want to lean into the heat and add an extra layer of smokiness.
Go Back