Are you ready to welcome fall with a delightful bowl of creamy goodness? This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup is not only a cozy addition to your autumn meal repertoire but also a simple and wholesome recipe that you can prepare with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those busy weekdays when you want to come home to a warm, nourishing meal without the stress of cooking. The combination of sweet butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavor that will warm your heart and home.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This soup is a delightful mix of nutrition and comfort, making it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and a hint of warmth from spices, this butternut squash soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty lunch option. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it—leaving you free to tackle your day while it simmers away. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner, a cozy gathering, or just a simple meal for one, you will find this recipe both satisfying and efficient.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced (or 3 small sweet potatoes)
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable stock low sodium (or water)
These simple ingredients come together in a matter of minutes, and the slow cooker does all the hard work. The combination of the seasonal flavors will make your kitchen smell divine as it cooks!
How To Make Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Making this soup is a breeze! Follow these easy steps to create a wonderful dish that can be enjoyed anytime.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing and peeling your butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Cut both into uniform dice to ensure even cooking. Don’t forget to rinse and dice your carrot and onion as well. Mince the garlic to release those aromatic flavors that will enhance your soup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Take your diced butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrot, onion, and minced garlic and place them in your slow cooker. Add the cinnamon stick, ground nutmeg, ground black pepper, and salt to the mix. Pour in your low-sodium vegetable stock (or water, if preferred). Stir everything together gently to combine, making sure the vegetables are submerged in the liquid.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to have the vegetables tender and easy to blend.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Once the cooking time is up and everything is nice and soft, remove the cinnamon stick from the pot. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until it is completely smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Just make sure to let the steam escape to avoid splatters.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
After blending, give the soup a taste. You may want to adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper according to your preference.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle your creamy butternut squash soup into bowls and garnish if desired—some pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of olive oil make beautiful toppings. Enjoy it hot with a slice of crusty bread, and savor the delightful flavors.
Expert Tips
- For added creaminess, consider swirling in a dollop of coconut cream or yogurt just before serving.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Do not skip the cinnamon stick; it adds an incredible depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.
- If you want an even richer taste, roast the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
Variations and Customizations
Your butternut squash soup can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or sage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Incorporate other vegetables, such as parsnips or potatoes, for added depth.
- Blend in a splash of apple juice for a hint of sweetness and acidity.
- Top with grilled shrimp or roasted chickpeas for a protein boost.
How to Store Leftovers
This soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup—transfer it to a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQ
Can I use frozen butternut squash in this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen butternut squash in this recipe. Just add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing.
Is it necessary to peel the butternut squash?
Although it’s usually best to peel butternut squash for a smooth texture, if you’re using organic squash, washing it thoroughly may suffice if you prefer to leave the skin on.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is already dairy-free. You can enhance creaminess with coconut milk or another dairy alternative if you desire.
What can I serve with butternut squash soup?
Butternut squash soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as a fresh green salad, a hearty sandwich, or a warm piece of bread for dipping.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup is a heartwarming dish that embodies the flavors of the season. With its minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can create a nourishing meal that is not only comforting but incredibly delicious. Impress your family and friends with this easy yet elegant recipe! So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let your slow cooker work its magic while you enjoy the little moments of your day. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large butternut squash, diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced (or 3 small sweet potatoes)
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Liquid
- 4 cups vegetable stock low sodium (or water)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables. Wash and peel the butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Cut into uniform dice. Rinse and dice the carrot and onion, and mince the garlic.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker. Place the diced vegetables and minced garlic in the slow cooker. Add the cinnamon stick, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Pour in the vegetable stock and stir gently.
- Step 3: Slow Cook. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Blend the Soup. Remove the cinnamon stick and purée the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a regular blender in batches.
- Step 5: Taste and Adjust. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired. Enjoy hot with crusty bread.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Immersion Blender
- Cutting Board
- Knife