Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup (Velvety-Smooth)

by Julia
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August 7, 2023

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Immerse yourself in the autumnal magic of our Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup, a velvety potion of comfort and warmth. Place chunks of sweet butternut squash, aromatic onions, and crisp apples into the cauldron of your slow cooker, letting them meld and soften into a flavorful harmony. A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a whisper of spice, while a drizzle of cream transforms the mixture into a luxurious puree. Garnish with roasted pepitas and a swirl of cream, serving up a bowl of fall’s finest flavors, where each spoonful is a slow-cooked hug for your soul.

Embrace autumn’s warm palette with Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup, a savory blend of nature’s bounty. This culinary delight intertwines comfort, nutrition, and simplicity – a trio hard to resist.

With its natural sweetness, roasted butternut squash melds with gentle spices, creating a vibrant bowl of nourishment.

Slow cooking elevates flavors, and your kitchen is bathed in aromas heralding fall. No fuss, no hurry; your trusty slow cooker ensures a leisurely approach to robust, home-style fare.

A taste that makes you savor the season’s essence, a texture smooth as silk. Perfect for weekend gatherings or a cozy weekday dinner. It’s a feast for the senses topped with a swirl of cream and a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup encapsulates a heartwarming seasonal journey from farm to bowl. Indulge in this treat; autumn’s vibrant symphony is in a bowl. Dive into your next culinary adventure with us!

What Is Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup?

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup is a wholesome, comforting dish. It’s made by slow-cooking cubed butternut squash and aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and spices.

The long cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a rich, intensely flavorful soup. After hours in the slow cooker, the ingredients are blended until smooth. This creates a creamy, velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying.

The final touch often includes a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of herbs. This soup is a popular choice during autumn but can be enjoyed any time of the year for its warming and nourishing qualities.

Can You Vary The Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup With Other Ingredients?

The Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup is adaptable to various dietary preferences:

Vegan/Vegetarian The recipe is already vegetarian. For a vegan version, simply substitute any dairy products like cream or butter with plant-based alternatives such as coconut milk or olive oil.
Gluten-Free The soup is naturally gluten-free, so no adjustments are necessary.
Paleo To make the soup paleo-friendly, replace the white potato with sweet potato or additional butternut squash. Also, ensure the vegetable bouillon cubes are paleo-compliant or use homemade vegetable stock.
Keto For a keto-friendly version, remove the potato entirely and use less carrot due to its natural sugars. You might also want to add a source of healthy fats like full-fat coconut milk.
Whole30 This recipe can be adapted for Whole30 by replacing the potato with a compliant vegetable like sweet potato or additional squash, and ensuring that the vegetable bouillon cubes are Whole30 compliant.

Recipe Directions

Preheat the oven to 260°C (500°F). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Spread onion, carrots, and squash on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove rind from squash.
Place bouillon cubes, potato, onions, carrots, and squash in a slow cooker. Add water and seasonings.
Cook on high heat for 4 hours. Stir once. Remove bay leaf.
Blend soup until smooth with an immersion blender.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Add-Ins

Consider lentils or chickpeas for added protein and texture. Fresh ginger or apple cubes add a sweet-spicy dimension.

Spices

Play with spices. Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or cayenne for heat. A splash of maple syrup deepens the soup’s sweet note.

Dairy Variations

Swap regular cream for coconut milk for a tropical twist. For a richer taste, stir in some cream cheese.

Toppings

Top the soup with toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy bacon bits. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds color and freshness.

Side Pairings

Serve the soup with a side of garlic bread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a crisp, green salad too.

Special Diets

For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and coconut cream. For keto or paleo diets, replace potato with more squash.

Can I Make Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Both Slow Cookers and Instant Pots are excellent options for making Butternut Squash Soup.

In a Slow Cooker

This method allows for a “set it and forget it” approach. Simply combine all your ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then blend until smooth.
It’s an excellent method if you want to prepare the soup in the morning and have it ready by dinner time.

In an Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot can significantly cut down the cooking time. To make the soup in an Instant Pot, you would sauté your onions and other vegetables in the pot first using the Sauté function, then add the rest of your ingredients and set the device to manual pressure for about 10 minutes.
Once the pressure is released, you can then blend the soup until smooth. This is a great method if you’re short on time but still crave homemade soup.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can use store-bought broth for the Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup, which can be a great time saver. When shopping, look for a high-quality, low-sodium option. This allows you to control the amount of salt in the soup.

However, if you have the time, homemade broth can enhance the flavor of your soup. It’s a great way to use up vegetable scraps, and you can adjust the flavors to your liking.

How To Serve ?

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup can be presented and served in a variety of appealing ways to maximize your dining experience. Here are some suggestions:

Individual Bowls: Serve the soup in individual bowls for a cozy and traditional presentation. This works well for family dinners or casual meals.
Bread Bowls: For a more hearty and rustic meal, hollow out individual-sized round loaves of bread and serve the soup in these edible bowls.
Pumpkin or Squash Bowl: Carve out a pumpkin or a larger squash and use it as a unique and festive serving bowl.
Soup Tureen: For gatherings, consider serving the soup in a large, elegant soup tureen. Provide a ladle for guests to serve themselves.

Perfect Side Dishes

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, fresh, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough can be perfect for dipping into the soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A comforting classic, pairing your soup with a crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich makes for a satisfying meal.
Green Salad: A refreshing, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the creamy, sweet flavors of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as brussels sprouts or asparagus, would provide a hearty and healthy side.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with lots of fresh veggies can balance out the meal and add a different texture.
Garlic Bread: The savory flavor of garlic bread pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of the butternut squash soup.
Savory Scones or Biscuits: Herb-infused scones or biscuits can complement the soup and add a touch of indulgence to the meal.

Storage & Make Ahead

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in a sealed container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often deep en with time, enhancing the overall taste.
Freezing: Butternut squash soup freezes well. Freeze in individual portions or larger batches in airtight containers, ensuring proper labeling with the date for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead: Prep ingredients and place them in the slow cooker insert without turning it on. Store in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply set the slow cooker to the desired cooking time.
Blending Later: For a smoother consistency, blend the soup just before serving rather than during the initial cooking stage.
Garnishes Fresh: Add fresh herbs, cream, or croutons just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Don’t let any leftovers of your Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup go to waste. Here are some creative ideas:

Freeze for Later: Freeze the leftover soup in individual portions for a quick meal on busy days.
Pasta Sauce: Use the pureed soup as a creamy sauce for pasta. Add some cooked chicken or veggies for a complete meal.
Grain Bowl Base: Use the soup as a flavorful base for a grain bowl. Add cooked quinoa or rice, and top with your choice of protein and veggies.
Bread Dip: The soup can act as a delicious dip for crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mix the leftover soup with cooked rice and stuff it into bell peppers, then bake.
Curry Base: Add curry spices and coconut milk to the soup and serve it over rice for a quick curry.
Veggie Stir-fry: Use the soup as a sauce in a vegetable stir-fry for an extra layer of flavor.

TIPS

Maple Magic: Infuse sweetness with a splash of maple syrup during the slow-cooking process, adding a rich depth to your Butternut Squash Soup.
Coconut Comfort: Replace traditional broth with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist that complements the squash’s natural sweetness.
Spice Symphony: Elevate flavors with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cayenne pepper, creating a harmonious balance of warmth and spice.
Citrus Surprise: Squeeze in fresh orange or tangerine juice before serving to brighten the soup with a citrusy zing.
Parmesan Elegance: Grate Parmesan cheese over individual servings for a savory, umami kick that enhances the soup’s overall richness.