Crock Pot BBQ Cocktail Sausage (Print Version)

Smoky sausages slow-cooked in tangy BBQ apricot broth with vegetables

# Components:

→ 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 for heat
13 - Salt to taste

# Method:

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 completely dissolved and mixture is evenly combined.
03 - Add drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
04 - Cover and cook on low setting for 4 hours, or until vegetables are tender and flavors have fully melded together.
05 - Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It practically makes itself while you're doing other things, which feels like cheating when people compliment your cooking.
  • That sweet and savory combination is unexpectedly addictive, with just enough heat simmering beneath the surface if you want it.
  • It's the kind of dish that looks impressive but tastes even better than it looks, every single time.
02 -
  • Drain your canned tomatoes or the soup gets watery and thin, which I learned the hard way and never made that mistake again.
  • The apricot jam is the difference between this tasting good and tasting unforgettable, so don't leave it out thinking you can skip it—trust the recipe.
03 -
  • Brown the sausages in a skillet for two minutes on each side before adding them to the crock pot if you want an extra layer of smokiness that makes people ask what your secret is.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving—just a teaspoon—and watch how it brightens everything without tasting like lime.
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