Save The kitchen was filled with the sweet-smoky scent of barbecue one lazy Sunday afternoon when I first experimented with this crock pot sausage soup. My neighbor had dropped off a package of cocktail sausages after over-purchasing for a party, and rather than making the usual appetizer, I decided to transform them into something unexpected. The tangy BBQ sauce mingling with the surprising sweetness of apricot jam created an aroma that pulled my teenager away from video games without me having to call twice – a miracle in itself.
Last winter, I made this soup for our neighborhood potluck during a particularly fierce snowstorm. The power flickered ominously, but my trusty slow cooker kept this soup warm and welcoming as neighbors trudged through the snow with their contributions. People huddled around the steaming pot with their mugs, the spicy-sweet aroma creating an instant sense of comfort in the candlelit room. Even Mr. Davidson, known for his picky eating habits, came back for seconds and quietly asked for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Smoked cocktail sausages: Their compact size means you get the perfect sausage-to-broth ratio in every spoonful, and I find the pre-smoked ones save a step while adding depth.
- Apricot jam: This unexpected ingredient creates a glossy richness and subtle fruity sweetness that balances the tanginess of the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- BBQ sauce: Choose one with some vinegar tang rather than just sweetness, as it creates more complexity against the jam.
- Smoked paprika: I once forgot this ingredient and the soup was missing that crucial smoky depth, so now I consider it non-negotiable.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon works magic in the background, adding that umami richness that makes people wonder what your secret is.
Instructions
- Prep your base:
- Add the sliced cocktail sausages, chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the crock pot, creating a colorful foundation for your soup. I like to slice the sausages at a slight angle for more surface area to soak up flavors.
- Create your flavor bath:
- Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and apricot jam, then stir until that jam fully dissolves and creates a luscious base. Youll see the liquid transform into a beautiful amber color as everything melds.
- Season with intention:
- Add the drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if youre feeling adventurous. A gentle stir ensures everything gets acquainted without splashing that rich liquid everywhere.
- Let time work its magic:
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, allowing all those flavors to dance and mingle. Your kitchen will start to fill with an irresistible aroma around hour two, tempting everyone to peek under the lid.
- Final adjustments:
- Taste and adjust the salt at the very end since the sausages and BBQ sauce already contribute saltiness. A quick taste tells you exactly what the soup needs to reach perfect balance.
Save My daughter called from college once, homesick and exhausted from finals. Instead of the usual pep talk, I described this soup simmering on our stove in vivid detail – the way the kitchen smelled, the sound of the gentle bubbling, the comfort waiting in each spoonful. She called back three days later to tell me shed gathered ingredients from her sparse student pantry and made a simplified version with her roommates. They sat cross-legged on their dorm floor, eating from mismatched mugs and feeling, for a moment, the warmth of home.
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ sausage soup transforms completely depending on what you serve alongside it. When I pair it with crusty sourdough bread, it becomes a rustic meal perfect for casual gatherings. For something heartier, Ive ladled it over a small scoop of white rice or even mashed potatoes, which soak up that incredible broth. Once, when entertaining guests who needed gluten-free options, I served it with corn tortilla chips on the side for dipping, and everyone raved about the combination.
Storage and Reheating
This soup actually improves with time as the flavors continue developing in the refrigerator. Ive discovered the sweet spot is reheating it after 24 hours when the sausages have fully absorbed the sweet-tangy broth. Just store it in an airtight container for up to three days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house. When reheating, add a splash of broth if its thickened too much, and warm it slowly on the stovetop rather than microwaving to preserve the texture of the sausages.
Creative Variations
After making this soup dozens of times, Ive played with countless variations that keep it exciting. Once, I added a can of black beans during the last hour of cooking, which transformed it into something more stew-like and added welcome protein. Another time, I stirred in a cup of frozen corn kernels for bursts of sweetness and a beautiful color contrast against the rich broth.
- For a more complex flavor profile, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard along with the BBQ sauce.
- A handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley stirred in just before serving brightens the whole dish with fresh flavor and color.
- For a heartier version, add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash during the initial cooking stage.
Save This soup has become more than just a recipe in my collection – its a reminder that comfort can be created even with the most unexpected ingredients. Whether youre feeding a crowd or just yourself on a quiet evening, there's something undeniably nurturing about a pot of something delicious slowly simmering, promising warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this on the stove instead?
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 melded together.
- → What type of sausages work best?
Smoked cocktail sausages or mini smoked sausages are ideal, but you can substitute sliced kielbasa, bratwurst, or even turkey/chicken sausages for a lighter version.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper, use a spicy BBQ sauce, or include diced jalapeños when adding the vegetables. Chipotle BBQ sauce also adds nice heat and smokiness.
- → What should I serve with it?
Crusty bread, cornbread, or crackers are perfect for dipping. You can also serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a simple green salad for a complete meal.