Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup 🥣🍂

The Ultimate Easy Homemade Comfort Food Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, creamy bowl of comfort this fall or winter, look no further than this Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup. With just a few wholesome ingredients and the magic of your crockpot, this easy recipe transforms into a silky, rich, and deeply flavorful soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—because it has.

Whether you’re a busy parent, working professional, or just someone who loves warm seasonal flavors, this is the ultimate homemade butternut squash soup recipe to save and savor.

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🥄 Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

• Dump-and-go recipe – Set it and forget it!

• Naturally creamy without any heavy cream.

• Healthy, hearty, and comforting.

• Great for meal prep, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

• Perfect for fall gatherings or weeknight dinners.

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🔍 What Makes This the Best Easy Homemade Butternut Squash Soup?

Unlike stovetop or roasted versions, this slow cooker butternut squash soup allows all the flavors to develop slowly and deeply. The butternut squash becomes incredibly tender, the spices infuse beautifully, and blending creates a velvety smooth texture without needing cream or butter. It’s a one-pot wonder!

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create big flavor. Here’s everything you need:

Main Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 3–4 lbs), peeled and cubed

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 medium carrots, chopped

• 1 apple, peeled and diced (adds natural sweetness)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp salt, or to taste

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegan)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional Add-ins for Flavor Depth

• 1 sprig fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried

• ½ cup canned coconut milk for extra creaminess

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (for a hint of heat)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔪 Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Peel and chop the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Dice onion, chop carrots, peel and cube apple, and mince the garlic.

Pro Tip: Use a sharp vegetable peeler to peel the squash easily, then cut off the top and bottom to stabilize it while chopping.

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🥘 Step 2: Add to the Slow Cooker

In a 6-quart slow cooker, add:

• Butternut squash

• Onion

• Garlic

• Carrots

• Apple

• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, pepper)

• Vegetable broth

• Olive oil

Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

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🕒 Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

• On Low: 6–8 hours

• On High: 3–4 hours
  The squash should be fork-tender when it’s done.

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🌀 Step 4: Blend Until Creamy

Once cooked, blend the soup:

• Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker, OR

• Transfer the soup in batches to a high-speed blender.

Blend until silky smooth. Stir in coconut milk or a splash of cream if using.

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🧂 Step 5: Taste & Serve

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread, pumpkin seeds, or a swirl of coconut milk.

Pro Tip: Drizzle with maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon for a sweet-savory twist.

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🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

• Choose a ripe squash: Look for one that feels heavy and has a matte skin.

• For extra sweetness, use a Gala or Fuji apple.

• Want a richer flavor? Roast the butternut squash cubes for 20 mins at 400°F before adding to the slow cooker.

• Make it protein-rich: Add white beans or red lentils before cooking and blend for a creamier texture.

• Garnish Ideas: Pepitas, chopped herbs, swirl of coconut cream, or crumbled feta.

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not seasoning enough: Squash is naturally sweet, so balance it with enough salt and spice.

• Using too much liquid: This can result in a watery soup. Stick to 4 cups of broth or reduce after blending.

• Not blending thoroughly: To get that ultra-smooth finish, don’t rush the blending step.

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🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Based on a serving size of 1 ½ cups. Values may vary.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

🧺 How to Store:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in portioned freezer-safe containers.

🔥 How to Reheat:

• Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if too thick.

Pro Tip: It thickens as it chills—just thin it with broth or water when reheating.

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🌀 Tips & Variations

🔄 Make It Your Own:

• Spicy: Add red chili flakes or cayenne.

• Creamy & Tangy: Stir in a bit of Greek yogurt or sour cream.

• Nutty flavor: Add a spoon of almond or cashew butter while blending.

• Herbaceous: Toss in fresh sage or rosemary during the last hour.

🥖 What to Serve With:

• Crusty sourdough bread

• Grilled cheese sandwiches

• Roasted chickpeas for crunch

• Simple arugula salad with balsamic

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❓FAQs About Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Q1: Can I use frozen butternut squash cubes?

Yes! Frozen squash works perfectly in this recipe. No need to thaw—just add directly to the slow cooker.

Q2: Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. It’s perfect for meal prep.

Q3: Is it okay to leave the skin on the squash?

It’s best to peel the squash before cooking. The skin doesn’t blend well and can affect the texture.

Q4: How do I thicken the soup without cream?

Let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes after blending or stir in a small mashed potato or white beans.

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📌 Final Thoughts – Save & Share This Cozy Crockpot Classic!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about letting your slow cooker do the hard work while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup is the perfect homemade dish to warm your soul, impress guests, or prep for the week ahead. With simple, nourishing ingredients and minimal effort, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll come back to again and again.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to pin it for later, share with friends, or leave a comment below letting us know how yours turned out. Happy cooking! 🍁🥣