Jump to RecipeRate Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.

Looking for a new favorite for soup season? This recipe for golden slow cooker butternut squash soup gives you velvety, smooth, creamy butternut squash soup you’ll want to eat all fall and winter long. You’re going to love the satisfying silky texture and earthy flavors in this family favorite. Dunk warm, crusty bread (loaded with butter) into a steaming bowl of it. This is an easy appetizer or main course and pairs beautifully with a bright salad. This is the perfect easy-to-make soup for comforting warmth during harvest season.

A bowl of creamy slow cooker butternut squash soup with a spoon in it sits on a table next to a pepper grinder, a small container with another spoon, and an apple cut in half.

Dive into this recipe for slow cooker butternut squash soup and enjoy spoonful after spoonful of this winter warmer.

If you love delicious and hearty soups, you can also try pumpkin apple soup, my 30-minute veggie soup, or this leftover ham and bean soup.

A bowl of creamy slow cooker butternut squash soup garnished with sliced almonds, next to a sliced apple, a salt cellar, a pepper grinder, and a white cloth. A Crockpot appliance is partially visible in the background.

Why You’ll Love It

Cozy goodness: My slow cooker squash soup is creamy and full of cozy fall flavors. Perfect to make during the winter months.
Great as a bulk soup recipe: This soup can easily be doubled or tripled in your slow cooker, making it perfect to make for the holidays.
Incredibly easy: This butternut squash soup recipe is so simple to make – it takes zero special skills, just the will!

A spoon is lifting a portion of creamy Crockpot butternut squash soup with herbs and sliced almonds from a pot. A pepper grinder is in the background.

Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base to the soup, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Honeycrisp apple: Offers a natural sweetness and slight tartness, which enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Frozen butternut squash: The star ingredient, delivering a creamy texture and mild sweetness. Using frozen squash ensures convenience and consistent quality.
Dried thyme: Contributes an earthy, herbal note that pairs well with the butternut squash.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that complements the butternut squash.
Chicken broth: Serves as the liquid base, adding savory richness to the soup. Can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a velvety texture and rich flavor, making the soup creamy and indulgent.
Sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds: Optional garnishes that add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast to the creamy soup. 

Ingredients for a dish are arranged on a countertop including chopped apples, diced squash, chopped onions, spices, garlic, butter, broth, and cream next to a Crockpot for making butternut squash soup.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Sauté onions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until tender, which should take about 4 minutes.
Prepare slow cooker: In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the sautéed onions with minced garlic, salt, pepper, chopped apples, diced butternut squash, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours.
Blend and finish: After cooking, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup cook further.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried thyme, a drizzle of heavy cream and sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds.

A white slow cooker filled with creamy orange butternut squash soup, topped with cracked black pepper. A pepper grinder, small bowl with a spoon, and plates are visible in the background.

Substitutions and Variations

Butter substitution: Use olive or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Yellow onion alternative: Shallots or leeks can be used as alternatives for a slightly different flavor.
Instead of garlic: Garlic powder or minced garlic can be substituted if fresh garlic is unavailable.
Honeycrisp apple swaps: Other varieties like Gala or Fuji work well for their sweetness. For a less sweet option, try a Granny Smith apple.
Frozen diced butternut squash alternatives: Fresh cubed butternut squash can be used, but it must be peeled and diced before cooking.
Chicken broth: Vegetable broth or water can be used for a vegetarian version. Personally, I love homemade veggie broth.
Heavy whipping cream: For a lighter version, use Half & Half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, use full fat coconut milk or almond milk.
Meaty add-in: Add cooked sweet or mild Italian sausage with a little curry powder.

A bowl of creamy slow cooker squash soup with a spoon, garnished with black pepper. A wooden pepper grinder and a slow cooker are in the background.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Serve this crockpot butternut squash soup with crusty bread and butter or a grilled cheese or garlic loaf. A fresh green salad like this one balances the soup too.
Main: For a veggie main, try my eggplant lasagna. Serve chicken stroganoff or this Italian meatloaf.
Dessert: Put Smores brownies or caramel apple dip on the menu.

A bowl of creamy Crockpot squash soup with a spoon, topped with chopped nuts and herbs. A slice of bread and half an apple are visible on the side.

How to Store Butternut Squash Soup

Store: Transfer leftover butternut squash soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze butternut squash soup for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
Reheat: Defrost the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

A white slow cooker filled with a creamy, butternut squash soup topped with black pepper.

Top Tips

Enhance flavor: Sauté the onions and garlic until golden brown for a deeper, richer flavor before adding them to the slow cooker.
Texture adjustment: For a chunkier texture, reserve some of the butternut squash and apple pieces, then stir them back into the soup after blending.
Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth or increase the heavy cream slightly.
Spice levels: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme according to your taste preferences for a more customized flavor profile.
Garnish: Experiment with different garnishes like roasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs to add variety and texture to your soup.
Prep ahead: For a busy weeknight, prepare and freeze the soup base in advance, then simply reheat and finish with cream when ready to serve.
Use an immersion blender if possible: It makes it easier to create homemade soups. If you don’t have one, you can always use a regular blender and ladle the soup into it.

A bowl of creamy slow cooker butternut squash soup garnished with sliced almonds and herbs, with a spoon lifting a portion of the soup. A pepper mill is in the background.

Slow Cooker Squash Soup FAQs

What can I balance the soup out with?

Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or some sour cream.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

For a thicker soup, use less broth or blend some of the soup and stir it back in. For a thinner soup, add more broth until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips for additional flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

What should I do if the soup is too spicy or seasoned?

If the soup is too spicy or seasoned, balance the flavors by adding a bit more cream or broth. You can also add some honey or maple syrup to tone down the spices.

A bowl of slow cooker butternut squash soup with a spoon on a white surface next to an apple, a sliced apple, a salt cellar with a spoon, and a pepper grinder. A pot with more soup and a ladle is in the background.

Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

A bowl of creamy slow cooker butternut squash soup with black pepper sprinkled on top sits on a table with a spoon inside. Nearby are a pepper grinder, a marble mortar and pestle, a towel, and a sliced apple.
Save
Print
5 from 3 votes

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

By: Bella Bucchiotti
Dive into this recipe for slow cooker butternut squash soup and enjoy spoonful after spoonful of this winter warmer.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 Cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
  • 2 Teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ Teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked, plus more to taste
  • 1 apple, large Honeycrisp, cored and roughly chopped
  • 20 Ounces butternut squash, froze, diced
  • 1 Teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ Teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ Teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 bay leaf, dried
  • 2½ Cups chicken broth
  • ⅔ Cup heavy whipping cream, plus more for garnish
  • Sliced almonds, or pumpkin seeds for optional garnish

Instructions 

  • Melt the butter in a skillet over a medium heat.
  • Add the onions and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, salt, pepper, apples, butternut squash, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, and chicken broth to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
  • Puree the soup with an immersion blender and then stir in the heavy cream.
  • Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes more.
  • Ladle the soup into serving bowls.
  • Garnish with dried thyme, a drizzle of heavy cream and sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds, if liked.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Enhance flavor: Sauté the onions and garlic until golden brown for a deeper, richer flavor before adding them to the slow cooker.
Texture adjustment: For a chunkier texture, reserve some of the butternut squash and apple pieces, then stir them back into the soup after blending.
Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth or increase the heavy cream slightly.
Spice levels: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme according to your taste preferences for a more customized flavor profile.
Garnish: Experiment with different garnishes like roasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs to add variety and texture to your soup.
Prep ahead: For a busy weeknight, prepare and freeze the soup base in advance, then simply reheat and finish with cream when ready to serve.
Use an immersion blender if possible: It makes it easier to create homemade soups. If you don’t have one, you can always use a regular blender and ladle the soup into it.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 1730mg | Potassium: 670mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 15699IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 2mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Ingredients for a dish are arranged on a countertop including chopped apples, diced squash, chopped onions, spices, garlic, butter, broth, and cream next to a slow cooker for making butternut squash soup.
A metal skillet with chopped onions and a wooden spoon, surrounded by bowls of diced squash, spices, minced garlic, a measuring cup of broth, and ingredients for a slow cooker butternut squash soup on a white countertop.
A white oval slow cooker contains cubed sweet potatoes, apple pieces, bay leaves, and seasoning, preparing a delicious slow cooker butternut squash soup. Nearby, a pepper grinder, salt container, whole apple, and a jug of liquid are placed on a white counter.
A slow cooker filled with chopped vegetables and a creamy liquid mixture, perfect for butternut squash soup, accompanied by a wooden spoon. A glass measuring cup, immersion blender, apple, pepper grinder, and a cloth are nearby.
A bowl of slow cooker butternut squash soup garnished with black pepper, placed on a white cloth. Nearby are a pepper grinder, a small bowl with a spoon, a blue plate with spoons, and sliced apples.
A bowl of creamy slow cooker butternut squash soup garnished with herbs sits on a counter beside a pepper grinder, a halved apple, a white kitchen towel, and another slow cooker in the background.

This slow cooker butternut squash soup delivers a rich, velvety texture and a creamy consistency that makes it perfect for cozy winter days. With its luscious, silky feel and deep, earthy flavors, it’s definitely a family favorite. Enjoy it with a slice of warm, buttered, crusty bread for a delightful experience. This is the best butternut squash soup that works as an appetizer and a hearty main course.

Other Soup Recipes to Try

A close-up of slow-cooker butternut squash soup garnished with almond slices and herbs. The words "slow cooker butternut squash soup" appear at the top in bold, playful fonts, making it a comforting delight for chilly evenings.
A close-up of a bowl of slow cooker butternut squash soup garnished with sliced almonds, accompanied by a text label that reads "Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

You Might Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




5 from 3 votes

3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This butternut squash soup is now a fall favorite! So creamy and comforting, with a lovely earthy flavor. Paired perfectly with some crusty bread. Loved it!

    Reply

  2. 5 stars
    The slow cooker butternut squash soup was so creamy and comforting. My family couldn’t stop dunking their bread in it, and we all agreed it’s our new fall favorite.

    Reply