Description
This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for chilly days. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the butternut squash blends seamlessly with apple and aromatic herbs, creating a velvety soup enhanced by a touch of cream or coconut milk. Simple to prepare and packed with warming flavors, it’s an ideal make-ahead meal for busy schedules.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 large butternut squash (about 3 lbs, peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Granny Smith apple (peeled and chopped)
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp maple syrup for added sweetness
Instructions
- Prep work: Peel and cube your butternut squash. The cubes don’t need to be perfect since they will be blended later.
- Layer up: Place diced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker, then add the cubed squash, chopped apple, and dried herbs (sage and thyme).
- Pour in the broth: Add 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to the slow cooker, making sure it covers the vegetables.
- Set it and forget it: Cook the mixture on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the squash is very tender.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the slow cooker for minimal cleanup, or carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to a standing blender and blend until smooth.
- Finish it off: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to add creaminess, and season the soup with salt, pepper, and optional maple syrup to taste.
- Final tips: For best texture, blend thoroughly until silky smooth. If using a standing blender, blend in small batches to avoid spills from the hot liquid.
Notes
- Using coconut milk instead of heavy cream makes this soup dairy-free and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
- Maple syrup is optional but enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and apple.
- The soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika before blending.
- Add a garnish of toasted pumpkin seeds or fresh herbs like parsley for added texture and flavor.